NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a one-day meeting on Friday, Oct. 17, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Region II Ray Bell Building.
Among the agenda items, Joe Benedict, Chief of Wildlife & Forestry, will preview the proposed rule for the Deer Baiting Privilege License. This baiting license was enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly and requires the TWRA to promulgate rules establishing acceptable bait, the amount of bait that may be used, and the conditions under which the license may be used. Public input will be accepted after the meeting, and the final rule will be presented for Commission action at the December meeting. This new license does not go into effect until Aug. 1, 2026.
Additionally, Brandon Wear, TWRA Deputy Director of Field Operations, will present a preview of the North Cumberland WMA OHV permit. The TFWC previously approved the OHV permit price and structure as part of the license rule last year. To implement the new permit, language and new sections have been added to the Rules and Regulations Governing License and Permit Fees, Rules and Regulations for Refuges, Wildlife Management Areas, and Public Hunting Areas. The new sections outline the fee structure and permit requirements.
Furthermore, Josh Campbell, TWRA Chief of Biodiversity, will introduce the proposed changes to the rule for Threatened and Endangered Species. TWRA shall conduct a review of the state list of endangered species every two years. Agency staff conducted this review during 2025 and are previewing the proposed changes.
The Wildlife and Forestry and the Biodiversity Divisions will present their annual awards. The Wildlife Biologist of the Year and Wildlife Technician of the Year, and Biodiversity Biologist of the Year will be introduced to the Commission.
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.