Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on five proposed rule changes regarding license prices and the simplification of license types at its final 2024 meeting, set for Dec. 5-6 in Memphis.
The two-day meeting will be held at the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters, with committee meetings beginning on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. and full commission proceedings continuing Friday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.
The proposals, made by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) staff at the September TFWC meeting, include significant changes to hunting, fishing, and boating license fees. Tennessee law allows the TFWC to adjust fees in line with the consumer price index (CPI), which has risen by 31.6 percent since the last increase in 2015. If approved, the proposal would raise boating registration fees by 22 percent and most hunting and fishing license prices by 28 percent. Sportsman and Lifetime license fees would increase by 12 percent.
In addition to the price increases, the agency has proposed simplifying the license structure. Under the new plan, supplemental licenses for weapon types such as gun, archery, and muzzleloader would be replaced with species-specific supplemental licenses for deer, elk, bear, turkey, and waterfowl. The trout supplemental license would also be integrated into the base hunting and fishing combination license, eliminating the need for a separate license. Furthermore, multiple Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permits would be combined into one single WMA permit.
Other agenda items for the meeting include the screening of a video documentary showcasing TWRA staff efforts in response to Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. A resolution to honor TWRA officers will also be presented, along with the Law Enforcement Valor Awards.
Additionally, the commission will receive an update on the status of invasive carp in Tennessee waters, including information on carp distribution, recent project developments, removal totals, and funding from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The TFWC is also expected to vote on approving two federally funded budget expansions for the invasive carp program.