TWRA highlights Gov. Lee’s Hunting and Fishing Day proclamation
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES AGENCY:
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is highlighting Gov. Bill Lee’s proclamation recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD), which is observed on Saturday, Sept. 27. NHFD also coincides with the launch of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey in select counties. Check the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific season regulations and visit TNWildlife.org for more information on events and opportunities to get involved.
TWRA’s Executive Director Jason Maxedon presented the proclamation at the August Commission Meeting.
. “We are thankful for Gov. Lee, who, as a sportsman, recognizes what hunting and fishing has meant to generations of Tennesseans and their importance as we move forward. We are grateful to the hunters, anglers, and boaters in the state of Tennessee who purchase licenses supporting wildlife conservation programs, habitat acquisitions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. We invite all Tennesseans and visitors to go outdoors and experience our beautiful natural resources.”
The proclamation notes that “Tennessee has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates further than the state itself. Tennessee fishing and hunting enthusiasts were among the first conservationists to support the establishment of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and together we have strengthened the focus on conservation sustainability and its habitat.”
NHFD was established by the U.S. Congress in 1972 to recognize hunters and anglers for their financial contributions to wildlife conservation. The event is celebrated in all 50 states annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This special day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the rich tradition of wildlife conservation funded by hunting, fishing, and boating license sales.
In 2024, Tennessee’s sportsmen and women generated more than $78 million through the American System of Conservation Funding, a “user pays-public benefits” approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management. Last year alone, more than 910,00 hunters and anglers supported Tennessee’s economy through their spending of $13 billion on outdoor activities in the state.
Wildlife and fisheries conservation in Tennessee is primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition to license sales, TWRA also receives federal grant funding from excise taxes on the sale and manufacturing of certain outdoor recreation gear, firearms, ammunition, and fishing equipment.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
2025 Deer, Fall Turkey Archery Hunting Seasons Open September 27
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reminds hunters that the archery-only deer season and the fall turkey season open on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The archery deer season dates are Sept. 27-Oct. 24 and Oct. 27-Nov. 7. For the fall turkey season, the archery season is Sept. 27-Oct. 24, Oct. 27-Nov. 7, and the shotgun/archery season is Oct. 11-24. Turkey season is open in all counties except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne.
There are ample opportunities for deer hunters looking for public land to hunt. More than 100 wildlife management areas and refuges across the state are open at various times for hunting. Find area-specific regulations at tnwildlife.org. Hunters are reminded that they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits. Specific regulations and license requirements do apply. Private lands are also open for hunting. Before accessing private land, hunters must obtain permission from the landowner.
The 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide is the ultimate guide for hunting in Tennessee. Guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at tnwildlife.org, or through the TWRA On the Go app.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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