[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6578981,"mediaKeyId","3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed","parentId",3114883,"title","TWRA wildlife committee backs big-game seasons; debate over straight‑wall cartridges and turkey start date continues","audioSeconds",606,"startMs",1226000,"endMs",1832000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed&start=1226&end=1832","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed/thumbnail_1226000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6578981/Tennessee/TWRA-wildlife-committee-backs-big-game-seasons-debate-over-straightwall-cartridges-and-turkey-start-date-continues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578981-573fb8ad86ecd0521b6ba50f3bcea408/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047725&Signature=Uqhcvd2r4OUPXoUIGM~Kmy6tev4rT23im-fddbyzHVuQjK0R6NwOqUJVZR1nh6lUrM8p-Dsq11wp9UNsRZInYixdhU4bqfhs7X4k85la3y~iK5cvDr4YpJI-TJt6V~jF0hS0sMhbsgmo1PgULZ38heFS6qzfUoXXTTrUkc1eaXEqPB43jznzikiNZLkDlD~zmOiKS~YPGLH4HxrHx1AGT6k8akYMilxSFc9mkysTL-UdSgIrgpqVK-c~P3ky3q7YfnUsriD7JlTnC9odJyu6wqayKN19xYsHm~wF03UFE9bHfLpMJv3UqomHwtzaDSmsgk4Eiypc2KmSHNVK2H2Vjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency","date","2025-04-24T20:51:19.227Z","article","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife committee voted April 16 to refer the agency's recommendation for statewide big‑game hunting seasons and bag limits (Proclamation 25‑03) to the full commission, after more than an hour of staff presentation, public comment and commissioner Q&A.

Agency staff told the committee they are not proposing substantive changes to the current season structure for deer, turkey, elk or bear. Assistant Chief of Wildlife Mark McBride said the agency's recommendation keeps the spring turkey opener on the second Saturday in April and retains the existing archery, muzzleloader and gun season structure for deer and elk. \"When you all vote on this proclamation, we're not going to present this in a separate slide, but you will also be voting to add fluorescent, the allowance of fluorescent pink as suitable to wear in addition to fluorescent orange,\" McBride told the commission.

The recommendation reflects months of staff work and public input; McBride told commissioners the agency received 384 online comments and 24 emails during the formal comment period and another roughly 40 emails since the period closed. He said the agency reviewed every comment and summarized major themes for commissioners.

Why it matters: Proclamation 25‑03 sets the multi‑species framework that governs spring turkey seasons, deer season structure and bag limits, elk zone access and bear season timing statewide. Changes to those proclamations affect hunting calendars, youth hunts and disease‑management tools such as CWD testing and county‑level antlerless rules.

Key details and public comment

- Turkey: The agency recommended keeping the season opening on the second Saturday in April (the schedule adopted last year). McBride said the later start was adopted earlier based on research suggesting benefits to nest success, and that research findings are mixed. Commissioners debated reversing to the prior recommendation (the Saturday closest to April 7). Commissioner Rhonda Moody moved an amendment to return to the Saturday closest to April 7; the amendment received a second but failed in a roll‑call in committee. Commissioner Ford Little spoke in favor of the agency compromise, saying the Saturday closest to April 7 balances traditional hunter expectations and biological uncertainty while preserving youth hunt timing.

- Deer: The agency recommended retaining the current archery/muzzleloader/gun structure and a statewide buck bag limit of two. McBride reiterated that county‑level CWD rules remain in effect: in counties with a CWD detection (18 counties were identified in the presentation), an \"earn‑a‑buck\" requirement applies and hunters who submit antlerless deer for testing may be eligible to take an additional buck. President's Island was discussed after a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) detection in a 3½‑year‑old buck; McBride said the agency is not recommending regulation changes for President's Island at this time and has tested 68 deer from that property since 02/2019, with prevalence described as \"extremely low,\" but will continue intensive monitoring.

- Straight‑wall cartridges: Multiple public commenters urged the commission to allow defined straight‑wall cartridges during muzzleloader season on private lands or during the muzzleloader segment. Bill Cooksey, partnership program director for the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, said his board \"unanimously approved a resolution in 2018\" to study the policy and that their recent survey (519 respondents) showed broad support: Cooksey reported \"77.8 percent support allowing, single wall or straight wall cartridges during muzzleloader\" season and said many respondents indicated they would participate if allowed. James Petrie and Ryan Bailey also testified in favor, arguing the change would lower barriers for returning or older hunters. Agency staff described solid division among stakeholders and noted that other states' experiences (Mississippi, Louisiana) show the initial allowances often broaden over time and can supplant muzzleloader use.

- Elk and bear: Staff proposed a minor boundary change to one elk zone (removing a 3,800‑acre right‑of‑way that sold) and a modest shift in some bear hunt days in Zone 2 (Sevier County/Gatlinburg area) from December into October to increase opportunities when bears are more active. Staff emphasized that hunting is not the sole solution to human–bear conflicts and said garbage and attractant management remain critical.

Committee action and next steps

- The wildlife committee moved to adopt the agency recommendation and, after the failed amendment to change the turkey opener, voted by voice to refer Proclamation 25‑03 to the full commission for final action the following day.

- Several commissioners asked staff for additional information ahead of the full‑board vote, including a clearer summary of public comments on straight‑wall cartridges and data about juvenile turkey harvest rates.

Quotations

\"When you all vote on this proclamation, we're not going to present this in a separate slide, but you will also be voting to add fluorescent, the allowance of fluorescent pink as suitable to wear in addition to fluorescent orange,\" Assistant Chief Mark McBride said.

\"Our board of directors unanimously approved a resolution in 2018 instructing us to take a look at possibly introducing straight walled cartridges into the muzzleloader season in Tennessee,\" Bill Cooksey of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation said during public comment.

\"Allowing private landowners to hunt with straight walled cartridge farms following a conclusion of archery season represents a balanced responsible policy shift,\" James Petrie told commissioners.

Ending

Proclamation 25‑03 will be considered by the full TWRA commission at its next session. The committee record shows a divided public and commission on firearm authorizations and a narrowly split view on turkey season timing; staff said they will provide additional documentation of public comment and CWD surveillance to inform the full commission vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TFWC Committee Meeting 042425","oneSentenceSummary","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife committee voted April 16 to refer the agency's recommended statewide big‑game hunting seasons and bag limits (Proclamation 25‑03) to the full commission after staff presentations, public comment and commissioner debate.","taxTitle","Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Deparments in Office of the Governor, Organizations, Executive, Tennessee","taxId",17455,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578963,"Votes at a glance: committee recommendations forwarded to full TWRA commission",4157,1388000,5545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed&start=1388&end=5545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed/thumbnail_1388000.jpg","/articles/6578963/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-committee-recommendations-forwarded-to-full-TWRA-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578963-8d6f85b3532e98affcb1ce32114d5f11/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047725&Signature=RYrfE88Xze~8shETiU5s8BlBtY97V6SmeDPx-NK5lTSaBvMN1qRzeNWfCnpm2WGGYZmkSj~BDaEvVmxeFupcfz4ypOnVXMKIqRjXXC3VSnl7VdxbJhJdEeAg4TPEwfCmR441QG2U3dQxilT5MwuIZ6SvdG7BTwaSg3B3q0Ar3oDd~GcK7X6TuyA2Z63KxRKKViRO4G0kcXDaVcaopaTKBvcu-L7cnIdiwlqNszJlXxPbJz-3JPJnLydE14FGW7JwKNOnG9LlLjKoa02m9GlA~hn3zZtCarOuqgXOwj~lX4FXXsRBMoofij0edgb-eWkhJZRK-seQhQUpnTtf8oTiiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The following committee recommendations were recorded April 16 and are scheduled for full TWRA commission consideration:

- Proclamation 25‑02 corrected and reissued as Proclamation 25‑08 (fisheries): fisheries committee referred correction to full commission (voice vote). Motion moved by Commissioner Bill Box.

- Proclamation 25‑03 (statewide big game seasons and bag limits): wildlife committee referred agency recommendation to full commission. Committee considered and rejected an amendment to move turkey opener to the Saturday closest to April 7 (amendment moved by Commissioner Rhonda Moody; amendment failed in roll call). Motion to refer the proclamation carried by committee voice vote.

- Proclamation 25‑04 (migratory game bird seasons and regulations): wildlife committee recommended the migratory bird proclamation to the full commission (voice vote).

- Proclamation 25‑05 (Scotts Gulf Centennial State Park Public Hunting Area): recommended to full commission.

- Proclamation 25‑06 (Wolf River State Forest Public Hunting Area): recommended to full commission.

- Proclamation 25‑07 (WMA hunting areas and rules): wildlife committee approved an amendment to allow access from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on previously closed waterfowl non‑hunting days, then recommended the amended proclamation to the full commission.

- Budget expansion: budget committee recommended referring a $2,000,000 wildlife fund budget expansion to the full commission to fund disaster‑response projects that may be eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

Each item above will be presented to the full commission for final action the following day.","A roundup of committee motions and outcomes referred to the full Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency commission on April 16, 2025.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578967,"TWRA budget committee refers $2 million disaster‑response budget expansion to full commission",156,9837000,9993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed&start=9837&end=9993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed/thumbnail_9837000.jpg","/articles/6578967/Tennessee/TWRA-budget-committee-refers-2-million-disasterresponse-budget-expansion-to-full-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578967-e1d52d2c606614924537b50c195c1873/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047725&Signature=QWhsPFlTvwN45dyhdaA7RIaRJ~iAgKUMNNhkjqKrwWNUEObUlLbRR7sQ20q8FXA-oAASIqKs6Wg4YNdFIwvLqGm0k39h8hltIg5l8gJDpz7aXB1tl9pbUEPGU7QL9Yb-Pz3X9wiqrRv4hQgLUz96mobyYjrog9Q17YUlsweDMqMvPO46njDnA1esJetJ1-S023p2j3XcmfE2LHj9DY~tub2kAq7-EFzdrfNzaS8-5eMHWLEjgvfLu-VLyDkq~LOQBsck1-8ua1-v24d~dWV0cSdSv4pjCVWzYupYGYIJrVLAn7mUkPRN8JfD-jWE0j4nUDb1W4f8Nt-E1QuTcu7BHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The TWRA budget committee voted April 16 to refer a proposed $2,000,000 budget expansion to the full commission to cover initial disaster‑recovery expenses.

Deputy Director Frank Fisk and budget chief Ken Tarkington told commissioners the agency is dealing with a series of natural disasters this year and expects FEMA or other federal reimbursement for eligible recovery work but needs appropriation authority to start projects. Fisk said he did not want to wait until the August cycle to authorize spending and asked the committee to approve a $2 million expansion on the wildlife fund side so work could begin July 1 if needed. Tarkington presented February financials showing the wildlife fund ahead of projections and other routine cash‑management details.

Committee action

- The budget committee voted to recommend the $2,000,000 expansion to the full commission. The motion was moved and seconded and carried by committee vote.

Ending

The request will be considered by the full commission at the next meeting.","The TWRA budget committee voted to refer a proposed $2 million wildlife fund budget expansion for disaster response to the full commission. Agency staff said the funds would allow the agency to start recovery work tied to recent natural disasters and incur costs that would be submitted for federal reimbursement (FEMA).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578972,"TWRA recommends new public hunting areas and updates WMA rules; committee adds limited access on closed waterfowl days",2450,7103000,9553000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed&start=7103&end=9553","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed/thumbnail_7103000.jpg","/articles/6578972/Tennessee/TWRA-recommends-new-public-hunting-areas-and-updates-WMA-rules-committee-adds-limited-access-on-closed-waterfowl-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578972-6aab8f372a91c6ab574531e6717c7e62/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047725&Signature=bD3LxSzI5xlDNg1rHjbABbpDrLYjZX5ewBD2HYIDfi6CKgyQU4gNL5Hjfmg3xSiV4wA5FDwAN99W28nUFFHVEFdoZldIWqo40z71bw2LTwl8P-2wvyXzebuwBz63z5WauX5sao0xOU36dQiGTA3EKnvC66P7JTtaBURFHhJ9PjPa5-evr5ZfA1RUjqW~Ru-X7UUH~ma40RElTN4UTnlox9XJ0~ji4xTvNM2KRou8dUPMTLs1DGFMJcF4de~cxsYwKbeM0QrbzCHHznvgwjiiSXYaVFAeSfmF57yXbUAO8CcLGz8flDZkRFwf78dUOlkN4ePoubUIB7Zu61Opm6R2Jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The TWRA wildlife committee on April 16 recommended several new public hunting areas and adjustments to Wildlife Management Area (WMA) rules, and it added a narrowly drawn amendment to allow limited access during specified off‑days at certain waterfowl impoundments after public comment.

New public hunting areas

- Proclamation 25‑05: Scotts Gulf Centennial State Park Public Hunting Area (approximately 6,500 acres bordering Bridgestone Firestone WMA in White and Van Buren counties). Assistant Chief Wally Akins presented the recommendation; the committee voted to refer the proclamation to the full commission.

- Proclamation 25‑06: Wolf River State Forest Public Hunting Area (about 5,500 acres in Fayette County, formerly part of Ames Plantation). The committee recommended referring the proclamation to the full commission.

WMA proclamation changes and public comment

Assistant Chief Wally Akins reviewed a set of statewide and site‑level WMA regulation changes compiled since the March preview. Proposed statewide clarifications included adding \"fluorescent pink\" as acceptable hunter apparel (consistent with state statute) and a uniform requirement that small‑game hunters wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink while big‑game seasons are occurring. Staff also proposed a visibility requirement for hunters hunting from blinds.

Region‑level changes covered dozens of site‑specific adjustments. Staff told the committee they had received 44 comments on statewide WMA rules and 56 comments about individual WMAs. The Cheatham Lake recommendation drew multiple public speakers. Cheatham Lake hunters said the proposal to prohibit \"all activities\" on non‑hunting days would prevent routine access to check equipment such as generators and ice aerators and that signage and enforcement were inconsistent. Ron Carrier and Brad Carrier, both speaking for Cheatham Lake hunters, asked the commission to retain practical access for gear checks. Wally Akins said the proposal was intended to limit disturbance to waterfowl from non‑hunting public use on the refuge's off‑days.

Amendment: limited access on closed waterfowl days

After public comment and commissioner discussion, Commissioner Bill Box moved to amend the WMA proclamation to allow limited access on the previously closed non‑hunting days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for purpose of checking equipment and blinds; Commissioner Steve Jones seconded. The wildlife committee approved the amendment and then voted to refer the amended Proclamation 25‑07 (WMA regulations and hunting areas) to the full commission.

Other items

- Fall Creek Falls: staff described partner requests to adjust quota archery hunts and to manage certain dog training periods.

- Otis Mills (North Cumberland): staff recommended increasing acreage and establishing quota archery hunts with a modest quota to manage for larger deer.

Ending

Proclamation 25‑05, 25‑06 and amended 25‑07 were recommended to the full commission for final action. Staff said it will provide a written rationale and implementation detail on the Cheatham Lake access change before the full commission meets.","The TWRA wildlife committee recommended several new public hunting areas and changes to Wildlife Management Area (WMA) rules, and it amended the WMA proclamation to allow limited access on previously closed waterfowl days (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at affected areas after public comment from Cheatham Lake hunters.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6578977,"TWRA fisheries committee corrects omission for Lake Halford, reissues sport‑fish proclamation as 25‑08",119,1223000,1342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed&start=1223&end=1342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3114883-1a8a7f34bc208c9b3f753bb6ebe430ed/thumbnail_1223000.jpg","/articles/6578977/Tennessee/TWRA-fisheries-committee-corrects-omission-for-Lake-Halford-reissues-sportfish-proclamation-as-2508","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6578977-2af4d7b8fb4474a568fec0432327c726/orig.mp4?Expires=1771047725&Signature=P7c0fmOWKHDEILJr7ue2HaW7mPPviiXZF4~8TulD~XzhEHMUVW1~QiYewQlsxrW25M2O0a9qqfGznrC4DOKRYbURhCAJ7xYOSpNW99AhwcxEznXZn5mxPIcp2LVFc0ITPUSv-eMcc9a7Znbht436dN-AY~aigX214E64S5Lb5C6OJpSjJt5UYadpd8ibFJ4vYrRJO1byAPyzQn9PTiF-jNET2693nrZ43svf9RhBUJwQVRioPNmpiA8~KhBa5gLB9HmOFsQXzAi2ofzCrQ2yuoGDaQ7LTmLpCAPFzPxnKUDuwkGEKaL17dpVpQ-65xkAahEUeMJti5trUWYRYZRVpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's fisheries committee voted April 16 to correct an omission in the agency's sport‑fish proclamation and reissue the finalized text under a new proclamation number.

Chief Henneker, speaking to the fisheries committee, said staff discovered that a Lake Halford regulation approved during the February meeting and previewed in January was omitted from the final signed proclamation. In consultation with General Counsel Grimes, staff recommended reissuing the corrected text as Proclamation 25‑08 so the Lake Halford regulation appears in the official, signed proclamation.

What changed: The edit removes Lake Halford from a group of lakes listed with no length limit and instead adds an individual Lake Halford regulation that matches the text previously presented in January and February: a 20‑fish creel limit, with up to five fish allowed over 12 inches (the redline shown to the committee reflects that wording). Staff emphasized this is a clerical correction, not a substantive new regulation.

Committee action and vote

- Fisheries committee chair Bill Box moved to revise Proclamation 25‑02 and reissue it as Proclamation 25‑08 with the Lake Halford correction. The motion received a second and the committee referred the corrected proclamation to the full commission by voice vote.

Ending

The fisheries committee recorded the correction for full‑board action; the revised proclamation will be considered by the full commission at the next session.","The TWRA fisheries committee voted to revise a previously approved sport‑fish proclamation to correct an omission involving Lake Halford and to reissue the proclamation under a new number (25‑08). The change restores a previously approved regulation on creel/size limits for Lake Halford that was accidentally omitted from the final signed copy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TWRA wildlife committee backs big-game seasons; debate over straight‑wall cartridges and turkey start date continues

Votes at a glance: committee recommendations forwarded to full TWRA commission

TWRA budget committee refers $2 million disaster‑response budget expansion to full commission

TWRA recommends new public hunting areas and updates WMA rules; committee adds limited access on closed waterfowl days

TWRA fisheries committee corrects omission for Lake Halford, reissues sport‑fish proclamation as 25‑08