Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day this Saturday in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is encouraging Tennesseans to spend time outdoors this Saturday to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD).

NHFD is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every year, recognizing generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to rich traditions of wildlife conservation, according to the TWRA.

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The annual event was first established by the US Congress in 1972 and is celebrated by all 50 states.

"We encourage people of all ages to go outdoors and experience the mental and physical benefits of outdoor recreation," says TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. "TWRA offers events throughout the year to teach people the skill they need to enjoy hunting and fishing, and we are grateful for license buyers who support wildlife conservation through their purchases."

Who pays for wildlife conservation in Tennessee?

According to the TWRA, wildlife and fisheries conversation are primarily funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, boating registrations, and a portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax.

In fact, a recent proposal from the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission would possibly raise license fees between 12% and 28% in 2025.

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Here's the following fee increases that were proposed during the agency's commission meeting in September:

Public comment will be gathered on the proposed license fee changes. The public comment period will run from October through November at the public notice section of the TWRA website .

Which hunting seasons opened in September?

Dove Season

Several hunting seasons opened in Tennessee at the beginning of the month. Dove season opened Sunday, Sept. 1, continuing what the TWRA has called "one of the state's most long-standing outdoor sports traditions."

The daily bag limit for doves is 15, though the TWRA added that there were no limits on collared doves. See more about responsible dove hunting, and dove hunting legislation, here .

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Short crow hunting season

According to the TWRA, short crow hunting season overlapped with the opening with of dove season, Sept. 1-5. However, the agency said the season resumed Sept. 13 and will last until Dec. 20, allowing hunting for "Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only in the segment."

Goose hunting season

The early season for several species of geese began Sunday, Sept. 1 and continued until Sept. 22. Geese species named in the season included Canada, Brant, blue, snow and Ross'.

Migratory bird hunting season

Migratory bird hunting season for some species opened Sept. 1 and will close on Nov. 9, per the TWRA. The season includes moorhens, gallinules, Virginia and Sora rails. Officials emphasized that a Tennessee Migratory Bird permit is required to hunt these species. Click here for more information about hunting licenses and permits, or to purchase a permit.

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Deer/Turkey Archery Season

In addition to National Hunting and Fishing Day, the agency said Saturday, Sept. 28, is also the launch of the statewide fall archery season for deer and the fall archery season for turkey is some counties.

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