WPBN: As anticipated, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) decided to increase boat registration fees and hunting and fishing licenses in the state.
July 1, 2025, is when the higher fees will go into effect. 2015 saw the most recent surge of this kind. According to wildlife officials, the Consumer Price Index has risen by over 31% since that hike. The majority of hunting and fishing license rates will rise by 28%, while the new boat registration fees will rise by 22%. There is a 12% increase in the Sportsman and Lifetime license rates.
Based on the number of hunters in the state, license sales and federal funds account for more than 70% of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) operational budget.
The verdict modifies the license structure in addition to raising prices. Supplementary permits for hunting devices (gun, archery, muzzleloader) will be replaced with licenses for species (deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl).
There is no need for a separate license because the base hunting and fishing combination license now includes the trout supplemental license (stamp). There is now only one Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit instead of several separate ones.
Neither the fees for TWRA lakes nor resident disability licenses have changed. Before going into effect in 2025, the TWRA website will provide a comprehensive list of license fees and permissions.
A video documentary about TWRA staff’s response to Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee was shown as one of the other things on the TFWC program. A resolution honoring TWRA wildlife officers was presented at the end of the film. Law Enforcement Valor Awards were also given to four East Tennessee TWRA officers.
District 42 Officer Justin Pinkston, Communications Coordinator Matt Cameron, Lt. Jeff Prater, and Maj. Shelley Hammonds were recognized for their contributions.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator Cole Harty gave the Commission an update on the situation of invasive carp. Thirty-five million pounds have been eliminated since the Tennessee Carp Harvest Incentive Program started in 2018, including 7.8 million pounds in fiscal year 2024.
Two federally supported budget extensions for the invasive carp program were approved by the Commission.
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The Wildlife Technician of the Year and Wildlife Biologist of the Year were recognized by the Wildlife and Forestry Division. The Bear Program employee Janelle Musser was named the Biologist of the Year.
In order to support bear management, Musser is essential in working with the City of Gatlinburg, responding to complaints of human-bear conflicts, and educating the public about bear safety. The technical award went to Seth Dunn, who works with the Elk program on North Cumberland WMA.
The program has steadily expanded since elk were reintroduced in 2000, providing exceptional chances for shooting and wildlife observation. Dunn makes a substantial contribution to habitat, herd management, and elk research.
