Tennessee Wildlife Commission adopts statewide big-game seasons; debate over muzzleloader, turkey dates and flintlock requests

The Tennessee Wildlife Commission on Thursday approved Proclamation 25-03, the statewide big-game hunting seasons and bag limits, following more than an hour of public comment and commissioner debate over turkey season start dates and weapon allowances.

The proclamation adopted the agency's recommendations with no changes from the wildlife committee and expressly includes the legislature-authorized allowance for fluorescent pink hunting apparel alongside blaze orange. “One of our most important jobs as a wildlife agency is helping to educate lawmakers about what we do and why it's important,” Director Maxedon told the commission as he reviewed the legislative session and recent appropriations for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Why it matters: The big‑game proclamation governs season dates and equipment rules that affect hunting opportunity and wildlife management statewide. Commissioners heard competing views from hunters and organizations about whether changes would expand participation or erode the traditional muzzleloader season.

What the commission decided and how it was reached - TWRA staff recommended no change to the existing turkey season start dates; the commission ultimately approved the proclamation without adopting an amendment to move the juvenile or regular turkey openers. Commissioner Cox proposed an amendment to restore the older opener timing — “to move the start of turkey season, juvenile the Saturday closest to April” — but the motion was not seconded and later withdrawn. - Commissioner Cox later proposed allowing straight‑walled cartridges and similar “primitive” single‑shot rifles during the muzzleloader season on private land. TWRA staff summarized multi‑month public outreach showing mixed opinions and advised against changing the muzzleloader season, saying incremental weapon additions historically lead to broader shifts in season structure. Chief Benedict told commissioners the agency’s recommendation was “no change.” After discussion and a second, Commissioner Cox withdrew his amendment. - Public commenters urged both caution and change. Clarence Dyes urged waiting for more data, saying the two years of juvenile-season data were insufficient. Bill Cooksey of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation urged allowing straight‑walled cartridges to increase participation by new and older hunters.

Vote and procedure: The commission approved Proclamation 25-03 by voice vote after debate; commissioners did not record a roll-call tally for the proclamation vote on the record.

Other details and context - The proclamation incorporates a legislature-passed allowance to use fluorescent pink as a legal hunting color in addition to blaze orange. TWRA officials noted Tennessee has a high share of female hunters in the Southeast and described the change as expanding options for participants. - TWRA staff emphasized the season-setting process is long and iterative; the director said the agency will deliver a full legislative summary to the commission soon.

Looking ahead: Commissioners said they will continue annual review of seasons and consider public input. The agency will monitor participation and harvest outcomes under the approved proclamation.