Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approves changes to boating safety exam rules

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) convened on July 12, 2025, to discuss several important matters, including amendments to hunting regulations and a proposed rule change regarding boating safety permits.

The meeting began with a brief public comment period, followed by a discussion on the RealFoot Reservation Permit. The commission clarified that a permit and a license are both required for small game hunting on RealFoot Lake, correcting a previous clerical error in the proclamation. The annual fee for this permit is set at $14, which supports maintenance activities on the property.

Next, the commission reviewed Proclamation 25-10, which outlines statewide big game hunting seasons and bag limits. Minor wording adjustments were made to the proclamation to ensure clarity regarding the WMA (Wildlife Management Area) permit. The commission unanimously approved this proclamation after a motion and a second.

The meeting then transitioned to a rulemaking hearing, where the commission considered amendments to a specific rule in response to public chapter 214, passed in April. This amendment aims to remove certain monitoring requirements and adjust fee structures related to boating safety permits. The proposed changes include a new fee of $10 for a boating safety exam permit, which can be purchased from various licensing agents, including TFWC regional offices and online portals. The commission discussed the specifics of the amendments, including the removal of a section that allowed boat dealers to administer monitored exams, which had not been successful.

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for public comments and questions from commission members regarding the proposed rule changes. The commission will proceed with a roll call vote on the amendments in the upcoming sessions, ensuring that all stakeholders have a chance to voice their opinions on the regulations affecting Tennessee's wildlife and recreational activities.