Long-hunter (flintlock) special-season proposal draws commission discussion; no policy change yet

A public commenter urged the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to create a special flintlock (long-hunter) season to honor historic hunting traditions and to attract tourism; commissioners discussed potential harvest, regulatory and capacity implications but took no formal action.

The commenter, identified as Mr. Walker of the Flintlock Group, proposed a special season (examples discussed ranged in concept to a multi-day January period) that he said would generate tourism and help harvest deer and small game. He said the season could be marketed widely and argued it would be a management benefit and economic opportunity.

Commissioner Steve Johnson and others responded positively to the concept from a historical and tourism standpoint, noting examples in other states. Commissioner Greg Davenport outlined regulatory and management constraints, including that Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-124 addresses hunter orange requirements and that any change could require statutory action. Davenport also raised concerns about overlapping harvest with existing seasons, processor capacity, potential impacts on small-game hunters and the practical effect on total deer harvest.

Commissioner Davenport encouraged Mr. Walker to work with agency personnel ahead of the formal season-setting process that begins in January and runs through May, noting the agency's data show harvest totals are influenced by processor and participation dynamics. Commissioner Kent Woods and others suggested piloting a dedicated Wildlife Management Area (WMA) season as a potential test.

No motion was made and no rules or seasons were changed at the meeting. Commissioners encouraged the petitioner to meet with agency staff and to prepare for the season-setting cycle in January so the idea can be considered formally with public comment.

Votes at a glance: public comment and discussion only — no commission vote taken.