NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — During the concluding meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) for 2024, commissioners made decisions regarding the proposed increases for hunting and fishing licenses ahead of the 2025-2026 season. On Thursday, the first day of their two-day gathering, the commissioners reviewed this year’s budget before examining the proposals set […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — During the concluding meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) for 2024, commissioners made decisions regarding the proposed increases for hunting and fishing licenses ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
On Thursday, the first day of their two-day gathering, the commissioners reviewed this year’s budget before examining the proposals set for the following year. Frank Fiss, deputy director of business operations at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), reiterated the changes that had been initially brought forward in September.
Fiss noted that almost 200 formal comments from the public were received regarding the suggested rule adjustments, which encompassed fee hikes and modifications in licensing options. He described the feedback as predominantly concerned with the proposed fee increases, although there was general support for the simplification or reduction of the required permits.
As reported by the TFWC, over 70% of the commission’s operating budget is derived from license sales and federal grants linked to the state’s hunter population. Since the last fee hike in 2015, the Consumer Price Index has reportedly risen by 31.6%, placing the agency in a “significant operational deficit.”
On Friday morning, the TFWC voted to raise boating registration fees by 22% and most hunting and fishing license prices by 28%.
In addition to the price increases, the new ruling modifies the licensing framework to streamline regulations. Supplemental licenses for different hunting devices — such as guns, archery, and muzzleloaders — will transition to species-specific supplemental licenses such as deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl. Fiss clarified that the seasons for gun, archery, and muzzleloading would remain unchanged.
Fiss also pointed out on Thursday that there were public concerns regarding the transition to species permits, but the TWRA believes that this change will be advantageous in the long run.
After Friday’s gathering, the fees for sportsmen and lifetime licenses were increased by 12%.
The agency has established off-highway vehicle (OHV) permits at the North Cumberland WMA to ensure dedicated funding for improvements in the area. Fiss mentioned that this proposed permit also received some concerns from public feedback. In response to that input, Commissioner John Saltsman voted to implement a gradual increase in permits over three years, offering options for daily, three-day, seven-day, and annual permits.
The finalized rules must be submitted to the Secretary of State by March 31, 2025. These regulations will be evaluated by a joint government operations committee in June prior to any cost increases taking effect on July 1, 2025.
