DYERSBURG, Tenn. — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) wrapped up its first meeting of 2026. The Commission approved the state’s 2026-27 fishing regulations, heard a preview of potential changes to the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) rule, approved the drone recovery rule, heard a trio of waterfowl-related presentations, and elected its officers for 2026-27. To watch both days of the meeting, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) YouTube Channel.
The Commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 fishing regulations that were previewed by the TWRA Fisheries Division staff at the TFWC December meeting. Among the changes is the removal of delayed harvest regulation for trout on the Piney River in Rhea County, the modification of the closed fishing season on Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and the adjustment of 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, catch and release for largemouth bass will only be allowed at these two locations. The fishing regulation changes will be effective Aug. 1.
The TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Division presented potential changes to the CWD management rule based on three new CWD-positive counties. A public comment period will begin next week, and the Commission will vote on the rule at its March meeting. To learn more about the potential changes, watch the meeting here.
The Commission approved the rule for drone recovery, as previewed in December. 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. If the Tennessee Attorney General and Joint Government Operations, approve, the effective date will be Aug. 1, 2026.
Additionally, the Commission approved the Hatchie River WMA and its hunting seasons. The purchase was funded in full by the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund. Gov. Bill Lee made a one-time appropriation to the fund for legacy acquisitions. The area comprises more than 7,400 acres in Haywood, Hardeman, and Madison counties. The Hatchie River is the only remaining unchanneled river in West Tennessee. The area will follow statewide hunting and trapping regulations. Exceptions include the use of only temporary blinds allowed for waterfowl season and specific regulations for spring turkey hunting, to be consistent with other TWRA Region 1 WMAs.
Two proclamations for the naming of two access areas, Penrod in Maury County and Edgmon in Giles County, were approved. At its August meeting, the Commission voted to open public comments and complete the due diligence, consistent with the Commission’s Naming Policy. All comments were in support of the changes.
The Commission heard a trio of presentations about waterfowl. Dr. Brad Cohen, from Tennessee Tech University, provided an annual report on the mallard research project. The field study is now in its sixth year on state and federal refuges in West Tennessee. Howie Singer, from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), presented current information on breeding waterfowl habitat projects in Canada and the continued partnership with TWRA. Highlights this past year, with support from the TWRA, DUC, and matching funds, include the addition of 2,500 acres of protected habitat, 1,400 acres of restored habitat, 37,500 acres of managed habitat, and the purchase of an area of 1,200 acres. Finally, Tyler Hand, a Ducks Unlimited and TWRA partner biologist, provided an update on several ongoing projects on TWRA WMAs and outlined a schedule of potential projects through 2030.
Furthermore, TFWC Chairman Chris Devaney named a pair of award committees. Selected to serve on the annual Legacy Award committee are Chair Brad Box, Monte Belew, and Rosemary McIlhenny. Named to the Wally Childress R3 Outstanding Leader Award committee were Chair Rhonda Moody, John McCarty, and McIlhenny.
To round out the meeting, the Commission elected its officers for 2026-27. Greg Davenport was named to serve as chairman, the vice chairman will be Rhonda Moody, and the secretary is Steve Jones. Chairman Chris Devaney was recognized for his service this past year and will continue to serve on the Commission for the next year.
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.