TWRA: Fish & Wildlife Commission approves two new rules
PRESS RELEASE FROM TWRA:
COMMISSION APPROVES TWO NEW RULES IN FINAL MEETING OF THE YEAR FRIDAY
CHATTANOOGA — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) approved two rules, heard an update of bear management, received the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) fishing proposals for 2026-27, celebrated the presentation of the Fisheries Division’s annual awards, and recognized partner contributions during a busy two-day final 2025 meeting, which concluded Friday at the Tennessee Aquarium. Watch both meetings on TWRA’s YouTube Channel here.
The rules that were heard pertained to the Deer Bait Privilege License, the North Cumberland OHV permit, and changes to the Endangered or Threatened Species list. The North Cumberland WMA OHV (off-highway vehicle) rulemaking hearing will continue at the March TFWC meeting.
The Deer Bait Privilege License, which was enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly, is only for white-tailed deer and for private and leased land. The law requires TWRA to promulgate rules by establishing acceptable bait, the amount of bait that may be used, and the conditions under which the license may be used. The rule takes effect Aug. 1, 2026, and the license will be valid beginning with the 2026-27 hunting season. Before the rule-making hearing, the expected impacts of baiting on deer, deer harvests, impacts on other species, and CWD were among the topics discussed. The Commission approved the Agency’s recommendation not to allow baiting in the CWD Management Zone and any additional CWD-positive counties.
The new rule for Threatened and Endangered Species was approved. One species, the teardrop darter, is added to the Threatened & Endangered Species list. It is only found in Tennessee and Kentucky, where it occurs in the Barren and Green River systems. Two species, the Clinch Dace and Sequatchie Darter, are being removed from the list as they are currently not recognized by the American Fisheries Society. The TWRA Biodiversity Division conducts a review of the state list of endangered species every two years.
The Deer Baiting Privilege License and Threatened and Endangered Species rules now move to the Tennessee Attorney General and Joint Government Operations before becoming final.
Among the fishing proposals, the Fisheries Division recommended removing the delayed harvest regulation for trout on the Piney River in Rhea County, removing the closed fishing season on Catoosa WMA, and moving the delayed harvest start date for trout on Big Soddy Creek in Hamilton County to Nov. 1. Due to renovations being made at Travis McNatt Lake in Big Hill Pond State Park in Hardeman County and Woodhaven Lake in Montgomery Bell State Park in Dickson County, the Agency is recommending catch and release for largemouth bass at these two locations. A public comment period on the fishing proposals is now open and can be submitted online. The Commission will vote on the proposals at its January meeting in Dyersburg.
Additionally, the Fisheries Division presented annual awards to a pair of employees for their outstanding contributions. Aaron Burch was named Fisheries Technician of the Year and serves on the Region II Southern Reservoir crew. Alex Bybel was named Fisheries Biologist of the Year. He serves as Region II Rivers and Streams manager. Retiring Region II Streams and Rivers Technician Darrell “Bones” Bernd was honored with a Fisheries Division Lifetime Achievement Award.
Furthermore, in Thursday’s meeting, the presentation on black bear management included a brief history and update, highlighting harvest updates and trends, conflict management, recent accomplishments, and plans to move forward.
Last spring, the Tennessee Legislature approved the use of drones solely for the purpose of locating and recovering a wounded deer. Currently, drones are prohibited from assisting in any recovery or hunting activities. The Commission will vote on this rule at its January meeting in Dyersburg. If approved by all necessary parties, including the Tennessee Attorney General and Joint Government Operations, the effective date would be Aug. 1, 2026.
TWRA recognized two partner contributions at the meeting. The National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Tennessee State Chapter presented a $250,000 check to the Agency, and the Agency recognized the Austin Knight Foundation (AKF) for several years of donations, both supporting critical habitat management projects. To read more about their contributions, click here.
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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