TWRA NEWS

CONTACT: Lee Wilmot

5107 Edmondson Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37211
615-781-6508

615-781-6543 (fax)
E-Mail: TWRA_Press@tn.gov
Hearing Impaired TDD # 615-781-6691
Website: www.tnwildlife.org

---For Immediate Release:

2024-25 HUNTING REGULATIONS SET

AT APRIL COMMISSION MEETING

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. ---The state’s 2024-25 hunting and trapping seasons
were set by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission at its two-day April meeting.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s recommendations included simplifying
regulations, improving consistency across the state, and increased opportunity for
hunters.
The Commission approved a new deer hunting unit map which includes six deer
units and a statewide antlered bag limit of two. Agency review of harvest data shows the
expanded weapon types and seasons have not had an overall impact in Unit CWD where
harvest has been slightly declining even with more liberal regulations. Overall, the
average number of deer harvested per hunter has remained consistent with pre-CWD
numbers. Therefore, the Commission supported the Agency proposal to remove the “Unit
CWD” designation and simplify regulations across West Tennessee. Feeding and
transport regulations in CWD positive counties are still in place, and CWD management
and incentive programs such as CWD Landowner Management Permits and Earn-A-
Buck are still available in CWD positive counties.
The Commission also approved a new turkey hunting unit map with five units. All
five units will have the same season dates and a statewide bag limit of two bearded birds,
one of which may be a jake. The Commission set the first weekend in April as the Young
Sportsman Turkey Hunt and the second weekend as the full season opener. No bearded
hens will be allowed for harvest and fall season will be closed in Wayne, Lawrence,
Lincoln, Giles, Lake, Tipton, Haywood, Crockett, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Dyer
counties.
The Commission approved the Agency’s proposals for two new wildlife refuges
including Holly Fork Creek, a 125-acre property in Henry County, and Catoosa Ridge
Refuge, a 1,750 acre property adjacent to Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in
Cumberland County. The additions will increase opportunity by adding two new Youth
Deer Hunts at Holly Fork Creek and additional small game hunting opportunity at
Catoosa Ridge. Due to increased lease price, the Commission did not renew the lease for
Arnold Hollow WMA in Wayne County, which will be closed to public access effective
July 1, 2024.
Statewide WMA regulations were changed to now prohibit the placement of salt
products, minerals, and other consumable products on WMAs. Dogs must also be
restrained on WMAs unless hunting or training. Additional WMA specific regulations
were made and will be published in the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Fishing Guide.
Agency bear proposals were passed without changes from the March preview
meeting.
In the Furbearer Hunting and Trapping regulations, the Commission voted to
remove the legal take of long-tailed weasels and spotted skunks due to their elevated
status on the State Threatened and Endangered Species list.
The Commission also voted to create a night hunting season for coyotes and
bobcats. Night hunting is on private land only and requires a hunting license and written
landowner permission. The season will open the day after the end of deer season and run
through the second Sunday in March then reopen the first Saturday in June through the
second Sunday in August. Hunting hours are 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before
sunrise. The limit for bobcats is one per night (the daytime limit of one bobcat is
separate), and there is no limit on coyotes. Hunting with dogs is not allowed during the
night season and only shotguns are allowed, no single projectiles. Night vision and
thermal imaging equipment are allowed. Lights are allowed but not from or attached to a
mechanized vehicle or cast from public road. Hand, mouth-operated, and electronic calls
that imitate wounded prey or coyote calls are allowed. Additionally, the Agency clarified
that depredation of animals causing damage is allowed for protection of personal property
only.
No regulatory changes were proposed for migratory game bird season or bag
limits, only date changes to reflect the 2024-25 calendar. The Commission voted to
maintain the current split structure with Phase 2 opening on a Thursday and ending
January 31.
In the regulations for the Take of Raptors for Falconry, the Commission moved to
adjust the timing of allowable take of nestling Raptors to May 1 through July 31.
Additionally, passage birds may be taken year round except for American Kestrels which
may be taken August 15 through January 14 and Great Horned Owls which may be taken
August 15 through October 31.
In other presentations, Region IV Fisheries Program Manager Jim Habera gave an
update on Upper East Tennessee Tailwater Trout Fisheries. There are six tailwater
fisheries in the area covering 65 miles. He explained the success of anglers and the
challenges the Agency faces in management work.
Boating and Law Enforcement Lt. Col. Matt Majors made a presentation on
wildlife officers making a variety of contributions outside of enforcing wildlife, fish, and
boating regulations. Officers supply assistances to other agencies, organizations, and
encounter situations outside their normal duties such as natural disaster aid, car accidents,
and community support.
The 2023 Shikar-Safari Club International Tennessee Officer of the Year Award
was presented to Jefferson County wildlife officer Justin Pinkston. He was honored for
his work in wildlife enforcement, boating safety, and outreach events. The annual award
from the conservation-based organization honors the officer whose efforts during the
year show outstanding performance and achievement among TWRA law enforcement
personnel.
---TWRA---