Commission Unanimously Passes Wildlife Proclamations, Boating Exams Permanent Rule

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TWFC) unanimously passed a pair of wildlife proclamations and a boating safety exams permanent rule during a Friday (July 11) meeting at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Region II Ray Bell Building.

The actions repeal and replace certain license-related provisions in the proclamations passed by the Commission at its April meeting. The first proclamation for wildlife management areas (WMAs), public hunting areas (PHAs), and refuges hunting seasons, limits, and miscellaneous regulations reverts to use of specific WMA license types, including WMA Small Game Permit, WMA Big Game Permit, and WMA Non-Quota Big Game Permit. The Reelfoot Preservation Permit would also be needed in addition to the WMA Permit when applicable. The second proclamation for statewide big game hunting seasons and bag limits adds “Big Game” back into the name of the WMA Permit.

During the rulemaking hearing process, the Commission unanimously passed a permanent rule to comply with a recently passed law that removes the requirement that boating safety exams must be proctored. The hearing was a follow up to the emergency rule passed by the Commission at the April meeting. Additionally, this rule sets the fee of $10 for the Boating Safety Exam Permit and $5 for any replacement from any licensing agent that sells hunting and fishing licenses, which includes TWRA Region Offices and the TWRA online licensing portal.

The next TFWC scheduled meeting is set for Aug. 21-22 and will be held in the Region II Ray Bell Building.

---TWRA---