Fish and Wildlife Commission Holds August Meeting in Nashville

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2026-27 operational budget that will begin July 2026. The Commission also heard updates on federal lands hunting seasons, Agency marketing-related updates, among its agenda items at its two-day August meeting, which concluded Friday at the TWRA Region II Ray Bell Building.

TWRA Wildlife & Forestry Chief Joe Benedict presented partner-requested updates to hunting seasons on National Wildlife Refuges and other federal areas to align hunt dates to the calendar for the 2025 and 2026 hunting seasons and the 2027 spring turkey season. Additionally, the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge added an August (velvet) hunt same as the statewide season, and a second quota deer gun hunt in early November. The Commission unanimously approved the changes.

Public Relations Director Emily Buck provided an overview of TWRA marketing campaigns and revenue, while also discussing the Agency’s efforts to recruit and retain hunters and anglers. The marketing goals include increasing awareness of TWRA services, initiatives, and opportunities to participate, increasing participation in hunting, fishing, and boating, and increasing revenue for the Agency.

Additionally, General Counsel Torrey Grimes presented naming requests for Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County, Duck River Access at Howard Bridge in Maury County, and Elk River Access at Veto Road in Giles County. The Commission approved the Agency’s recommendation for Herb Parsons, given that the area has dual purposes, and to avoid confusion. For non-lake amenities, the Agency will use the phrase “Herb Parsons Refuge,” and for references specifically to fishing activities, the lake will be referred to as “Bill Dance Lake at the Herb Parsons Refuge.” The other two areas will go through a due diligence process.

Several award presentations were made. The Boating and Law Enforcement Division named Davidson County Wildlife Officer Jonathan Mark as the Statewide Boating Officer of the Year. The Boating Educator of the Year is Hunter Wisecarver, while his father, Chris, was named the Part-Time Boating Officer of the Year. Both serve in TWRA District 42, which encompasses 10 counties in upper East Tennessee.

Two Boating and Law Enforcement Valor Awards were presented to two wildlife officers who displayed bravery, courage, and commitment to duty in a pair of separate incidents. Officer Mike Raleigh rescued two individuals in late February during a high-risk rescue on the Little River at the Rockford Dam in Blount County. Officer Dusten Moffitt was involved in a swift water rescue in June, where his actions resulted in the rescue of four individuals under extreme and dangerous conditions.

The Public Relations Division presented its inaugural Employee of the Year Award to Communication Manager Jason Harmon, who was selected for the honor by his division peers. In addition to supervising regional Public Relations coordinators, he is a host for Tennessee WildCast, the editor for Tennessee Wildlife magazine, and the Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

---TWRA---