NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TWFC) unanimously passed a pair of wildlife proclamations and a boating safety exams permanent rule during a Friday (July 11) meeting at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Region II Ray Bell Building. The actions repeal and replace certain license-related provisions in the proclamations passed by the …
Category: Outdoors
B.A.R.K. Program Offered by South Cumberland State Park
South Cumberland State Park is participating in the nationwide National Park Service initiative, encouraging responsible dog ownership in national and state parks, through the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. The program was first piloted in 2015 by the Olympic National Park. B.A.R.K. was officially launched as a program at Olympic the next year after the pilot program grew significantly …
Free Fishing Day is Saturday
Free Fishing Day in Tennessee is happening on Saturday, June 7th. Don’t miss out on the fun! Anyone of any age can fish for free without a license in Tennessee’s public waters. From the Bill Dance Signature Lakes to rushing rivers, our state parks have a fishin’ spot for you. Plan your visit at tnstateparks.info/Fishing. …
Major League Fishing Coming to Nickajack
The Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour continues its 2025 season next week, May 1-4, with the Stage 4 event on Chickamauga and Nickajack Lakes. Hosted by Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Fish Tennessee, the four-day tournament, which begins on Chickamauga before transitioning to Nickajack for the Knockout and Championship Rounds, will feature 66 of the world’s top professional anglers …
Be Ready, Loud Cicadas Are Coming Soon
Tennessee is preparing for the emergence of millions of 17-year cicadas. Brood Fourteen, which last appeared in 2008, will emerge when soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, anticipated in late April to early May. Although loud, these insects are harmless and will be prevalent throughout the state, particularly in East Tennessee. Experts indicate that the cicadas …
Chattanooga is North America’s First National Park City
Chattanooga has been named the first National Park City in North America by the National Park City Foundation. This grassroots movement aims to make cities greener, healthier, and wilder. Chattanooga will prioritize connecting people to the outdoors, a key aspect of its identity. To celebrate, an event will be held on Saturday, April 19th, from …
Deadline Approaches for TWRA Calendar Entries
The March 17 deadline for entry into the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 2025-26 photo contest for publication in the Tennessee Wildlife annual calendar is quickly approaching. All interested photographers are invited to submit up to 10 of their best photos of wildlife species native to the Volunteer State. Hunting, fishing, and boating photos are also welcome. The …
Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park Breaks Ground in Grundy County
The Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park groundbreaking was held Thursday in Grundy County. The organizers are so grateful to those who donated, volunteered, supported, inspired, and started the process many years ago so that the children of this county can enjoy this dream park. Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park, located at …
First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee State Parks will hold First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. Most of the 59 state parks will host the events as part of the parks’ year-long Signature Hikes series. The free guided hikes, led by park rangers, are available for all ages and abilities. The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to …
Waterfowl And Wild Bird Precautions For Avian Influenza
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions as reported cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza increase among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast. HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl. “Numerous states …



