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

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…