Tennessee – The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) will hold its initial 2025 meeting on Jan. 9 and 10 at the Lenox Event & Golf Co. at the Farms in Dyersburg. Committee meetings will begin Thursday at 1 p.m., with full Commission proceedings starting Friday at 9 a.m.

Highlights of the meeting include:

– **Mallard research project update:** Dr. Brad Cohen of Tennessee Tech University will provide the annual report on the mallard field study conducted on state and federal refuges in West Tennessee. This project is now in its fifth year.
– **Ducks Unlimited Canada collaboration:** Dave Kostersky from Ducks Unlimited Canada will discuss updates on the Fall Flights Program, wetlands projects in Canada, and the continued partnership with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
– **Fisheries regulations preview:** The TWRA Fisheries Division will present proposed 2025-26 sport fish and commercial fishing regulations, with a public comment period following the presentation. The Commission will vote on these regulations in February.
– **Rule changes:** Fisheries Chief Jason Henegar will review proposed updates to rules governing the commercial use of wildlife, fish farming, and bait dealers, with a vote scheduled during the meeting. A hearing will also address regulations for vessel equipment and navigation.

TFWC Chairman Jimmy Granbery is set to name members of the special nominating committee for the 2025-26 officers’ election and the committee to select the annual Legacy Award recipient. Both decisions will culminate at the February meeting.