NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is once again participating in Operation Dry Water (ODW), a year-round boating under the influence (BUI) and enforcement campaign. ODW’s heightened awareness and enforcement annually takes place around the July 4th holiday, and this year is July 3-5 (Friday-Sunday).
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is informing off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA) of important updates taking effect July 1, 2026, following the enactment of Public Chapter No. 1120, an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 70, Chapter 9, related to OHV use on NCWMA.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) are announcing that ABR will resume rehabilitation of orphaned black bear cubs from Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Initially, ABR will have capacity to accept six black bear cubs in newly constructed pens at their facility in Townsend, TN. As the Agency responsible for management of wild bears in Tennessee, TWRA will continue to determine which cubs are viable candidates for rehabilitation at ABR.
McMinnville, Tenn ----The Caney Fork boating access ramp, Plumlee Ford, in Van Buren County, will continue to be closed at this time due to underlying circumstances.
NASHVILLE --- The winning entries for the 2026-27 Tennessee Wildlife magazine photo contest have been selected by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and will appear in the annual calendar, starting in August.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reports the state’s spring turkey hunting season resulted in a harvest of 34,990 birds, the fourth-highest reported harvest on record. It is the best harvest since the 2020 COVID record season and ranks behind only the 2006 and 2010 seasons overall.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the second annual Tennessee Biodiversity Summit will take place on October 21, 2026, at Middle Tennessee State University. All wildlife enthusiasts, including experts, birdwatchers, hunters, and anyone interested in nature, are invited to participate in this experience packed with opportunities to learn about wildlife diversity, habitats, and conservation in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE --- The application period for the 2026 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Big Game quota hunts for deer, turkey, and the Cherokee party hunts for bears is June 10 through July 22. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Entries must be submitted before midnight (CDT) July 22.
SCOTT COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has announced the temporary closure of a portion of Montgomery Fork Road within the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) after recent rain events caused significant erosion and a hazardous road washout.
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is inviting Tennesseans and visitors to take part in the Agency’s 2026 wild turkey summer observation survey. The survey is open to the public and will continue through Aug 31.
NASHVILLE --- For the second consecutive year, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is pleased to report there were no boating-related fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee’s 2026 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 6. All state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. Additionally, youth ages 15 or younger may fish for free the entire week, beginning on Free Fishing Day, continuing through the following Friday, June 12.
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Tennessee State Parks (TSP) are partnering to host Wilderness Day in the Glade on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Cedars of Lebanon State Park.
WHITE PINE, Tenn. — Leadvale Access Area on Douglas Lake has temporarily reopened to provide public water access while crews await materials needed to finish repairs from Hurricane Helene. Once the remaining material arrives, the access area will need to close again for approximately one week so crews can complete work to restore safe, long‑term access.
NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed May 16-22 as Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. In support of the statewide and national observance, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) will participate in the annual National Safe Boating Week, reminding all boaters to refresh their boating safety skills and prepare for the upcoming summer boating season.