The latest news and information

TWRF Development Director Named to National Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council.

December 17, 2020
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation would like to announce the appointment of our Development Director, Johnny Allred, to the National Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council. Appointed to the Council by United States Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue – both of whom joined Allred earlier this year in Washington DC for a session focused on hunting and conservation priorities.

The purpose of the Council is to provide recommendations to the Federal Government, through the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, regarding policies and endeavors that (a) benefit wildlife resources; (b) encourage partnership among the public; sporting conservation organizations; and Federal, state, tribal, and territorial governments; and (c) benefit recreational hunting and recreational shooting sports.

Allred represents the interests of wildlife and habitat conservation/management organizations, his term on the Council began at the end of October and will last for three years. The Council convened on December 3rd.

Free Fishing Day in Tennessee.

June 10, 2019
Saturday brought a lot of families out for Free Fishing Day in Tennessee. At Clear Creek Lake near Pulaski, wildlife officers, David Robertson and David Crane, along with Clear Creek residents and TWRF personnel, held a Kids Fishing Day. The event included a free lunch to everyone and door prizes were given out.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the annual free day in hopes of increasing interest in fishing. The day allows anyone the opportunity to try this great outdoor sport, especially children to celebrate fishing as a wholesome and healthy recreational option.

Thank you to the sponsors across the state who made Free Fishing Day possible.

Tennessee Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest awardsBest of Show.

April 30, 2019
Congratulations to 17-year-old Erica Brock from LaFollette, TN. Erica won Best of Show in the 2019 Tennessee Federal Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest with a portrayal of a pair of redheads. The contest was held March 28th at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge and the awards ceremony was held Saturday, April 27, in Brentwood, TN. Her winning entry was created with mixed media using a combination of colored pencil, acrylic and pastel.

Erica will received the $1,000 Jeanette Rudy scholarship provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, along with other prizes, including a framed 2018 Federal Duck Stamp Print, and her artwork will also be on the state waterfowl stamp.

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program is a dynamic art and science-based curriculum that teaches wetland and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. Click here for more information on the Tennessee Junior Duck Stamp Program.

The 2019 Tennessee Elk Tag Raffle begins.

April 15, 2019
This year, in addition to the Elk Tag, there is approximately $25,000 in prizes. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m. (CDT). The electronic drawing will be held Aug. 5 and the winners will be announced at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Aug. 16 meeting.

Proceeds from the 2019 Tennessee Elk Raffle benefit wildlife habitat management and restoration efforts in Tennessee.

Click here for a complete list of the prizes and information.

Our flagship fundraiser sets a new attendance record and raised funds to exceed our goal.

April 1, 2019
The Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt and banquet was March 29-30. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the volunteer state and around the country came to participate in this exciting event. Hunters were paired with experienced guides with access to premium properties for the hunt. After the action-packed day afield, hunters, guides joined us for the invitation-only banquet attended by more than 500 of Tennessee’s most prominent sportsmen. The banquet included a reception, dinner, and silent and live auctions. Auction items include exceptional hunting packages, firearms and unique one-of-a-kind memorabilia that generated needed funds.

The nights guests included Tennessee’s newly elected Governor, Bill Lee, Wyoming’s Governor, Mark Gordon, and former Georgia Governor, Sonny Purdue.

Thank you to all who attended, our volunteers, generous sponsors, guides, landowners, wounded soldier sponsors and everyone who bid on auction items.

Click here for more information on the TN Governors One Shot Turkey Hunt.

A surprise Tennessee Lifetime License awarded to a special young man.

February 8, 2019
Our 2019 Wild Game Dinner was held last night at the historic Travelers Rest in Nashville. Bo Ezell of Camden, TN, was the guest of honor and he shared the story of his tremendous 27-point buck he harvested in Benton County on December 28. TWRF’s board of directors got together and purchased a Tennessee Lifetime License for Bo and surprised him with it last night.

Bo’s 14th birthday just happened to be the next day and what better gift could there be for a young Tennessee sportsman.

Young Guns Special Needs Youth Hunt makes lasting memories.

January 14, 2019
The Tennessee Young Sportsman’s Deer Season ended yesterday with a couple special youths getting their deer. Our Young Guns Program gives youth with special needs the opportunity to get outdoors and experience deer hunting. The hunts are free of charge thanks to donations from our generous Young Guns sponsors and contributions to TWRF.

Click here for more information on the Young Guns Special Needs Youth hunt.

The Pred’s Fishing Tournament.

December 6, 2018
The 2nd Annual Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament was on Sept. 8 on Old Hickory Lake in Nashville. Pro anglers and current and former members of the Predators were present at the lake, and a special auction took place prior to the event where the public had an opportunity to bid to fish with the celebrities. There were 68 boats in the tournament which raised $20,000 (includes registration, pros auction, silent auction, and shirt sales at Preds games). $17, 000 was presented to 365 Pediatric Cancer Fund presented by Twice Daily, and $3,000 was presented to TWRF.

Thank you to Bass Pro Shops and the Nashville Predators for making the Fishing Tournament a success and including us.

Elk Raffle winner receives hunting gear.

September 10, 2018
Scott Thomas of Cleveland, TN, winner of the 2018 Tennessee Conservation Elk Tag, was invited to attend our TWRF Region III Dove Shoot in Chattanooga on Saturday. Scott was presented the Tikka T3X 7mm Rem Mag rifle and Oculus Pro Team HD 3x9x40mm scope. The rifle and scope were part of the Elk Raffle package compliments of Bass Pro Shops. Good luck to Scott this fall on his hunt.

On hand to present the rifle were TWRF Executive Director, Joey Woodard, TWRF Development Director, Johnny Allred, and TWRF board member, Donnie Covey.

Our Regional Dove Shoots always welcome autumn.

September 10, 2018
In the South, dove hunting is a venerable tradition, and no better camaraderie can be found than that offered by an opening-week dove hunt in Tennessee. We just hosted our Regional Dove Shoot fundraisers during the first week of the season in 4 separate regions. The proceeds of the shoots help fund habitat conservation, youth education programs, and Tennessee’s hunting and fishing heritage.

Our dove shoots are designed to make everyone feel like a V.I.P. and they mark the annual start of one of the South’s most long-standing outdoor sports traditions.

Click here for more information on our Regional Dove Shoots.

2018 Tennessee Elk Raffle a huge success.

August 23, 2018
Congratulations to Scott Thomas of Cleveland TN, winner of the 2018 Tennessee Conservation Elk Tag!

We are very grateful to everyone who entered. A total of 22,482 raffle tickets were sold for $10 each, bringing the dollar amount of $224,820. The proceeds of the raffle will benefit elk habitat restoration efforts in Tennessee. The winner of the 2018 Elk Tag Raffle along with the winners of the quota hunts were announced Thursday Aug. 23, 2018 at 1pm Central. The announcement was broadcast LIVE via Facebook at the TWRA Official Facebook page.

Thank you to Bass Pro Shops for donating a Tikka T3X 7mm Rem Mag riffle and the Oculus Pro Team HD 3x9x40mm scope to the winner.

Official opening of the new Matt Gardner Elk River Access Area

June 8, 2018
This morning, TWRA, TWRF, and the city of Elkton held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of the new Matt Gardner Boat Ramp located on the Elk River. The boat ramp is the result of collaboration between TWRF and TWRA. The Historic Matt Gardner Homestead Museum in Elkton, donated a part of its land to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF). The land was then transferred to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) who engineered and built the boat ramp for public access.

The new gravel access road and parking lot has plenty room for boat trailers, as well as a concrete launch slab that extends well into the water. The ramp, just near the Buford Gardner Bridge, brings very appreciated river access to Elkton and Giles County. Anglers now have access to a stretch of river that typically sees excellent catfish, large and small mouth bass and spring crappie fishing, and canoe and kayakers are not far to the next access areas downstream.

Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt

April 15, 2018
On April 13 and 14, we hosted the Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt. It started raining shortly after sunrise on Saturday, which didn’t help the hunting, and continued throughout the day, but we still witnessed our biggest and best event so far!

Thanks to all who attended the event. A special thanks to those who volunteered their time and services, guided hunters, provided land to hunt, donated food and beverages, donated auction and raffle items, purchased premium tables, sponsored wounded soldiers to hunt, and bid on auction items and raffles.

One Shot is an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, honor those who made it possible, and pledge our continued commitment to preserving our hunting and fishing heritage for future generations of Tennesseans.

Click here for more information.

Our Fourth Annual Heritage Club Long Range Shoot Out.

October 16, 2017
Our good friends at The Best of the West, from Cody WY, teamed up with us again on Saturday, Oct. 14, to host a day of long range shooting for our Heritage Club Members and their guests. Participants shot at 12 different targets from 340 to 1100 yards. The event was held at a farm near in Lynnville, TN, and it’s always a day of fun and camaraderie with friendly competition. The top three won prizes donated from The Best of the West and Huskemaw Long Range Optics.

This exclusive event is a way for us to say a special “thank you” to our dedicated Heritage Club Members.

Click Here for more information on the Heritage Club Long Range Shoot Out.

Delek Tournament for Hope raises money for TWRF and local non-profits.

September 28, 2017
We are proud to be a 2017 Delek Tournament for Hope Charity Partner. The Delek Fund for Hope was established in 2008 as a way to maximize Delek’s support for charities within the communities where their employees and customers live and work. The fund raises money through special events, donations from employees, and gifts from Delek US Holdings.

SunDrop, and TWRF Board Members sponsored teams to play golf or shoot sporting clays during the event. The Delek Fund for Hope matched our donations plus a percentage. The Delek Celebration & Auction at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 27, allowed us to display auction items and raised funds for TWRF with Delek’s help.

Thank you to country music artist, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Col. Littleton Leather Goods, Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Company, NWTF, Smoky Mountain Knife Works, The Tennessee Titans, and Hawke Optics for donating auction items for us. A special thanks to Delek for making this a tremendous success for TWRF and other local non-profits.

Our Regional Dove Shoots welcome autumn.

September 11, 2017
We hosted our Regional Dove Shoot fundraisers during the first days of the season in 4 separate regions. The shoots were well attended and there was some great wing shooting. The proceeds of the shoots help fund habitat conservation, youth education programs, and Tennessee’s hunting and fishing heritage.

Our dove shoots are designed to make everyone feel like a V.I.P. and they mark the annual start of one of the South’s most long-standing outdoor sports traditions.

Click here for more information on our Regional Dove Shoots.

Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament raised $3000 for TWRF.

August 31, 2017
The Nashville Predators Community Relations Coordinator, Krystin Fisher, and General Manager of Bass Pro Shops, Jim Osborne, presented a check for $3000 to us from the proceeds raised from the tournament.

The very successful inaugural event took place on Old Hickory Lake in Nashville, on August 12th, and was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Guy Harvey benefiting the Nashville Predators Foundation and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation.

Thank you to Bass Pro Shops, Guy Harvey, the Nashville Predators and all the participants.

2017 Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction ended with great success.

August 7, 2017
Congratulations to the winner of the 2017 Tennessee Conservation Elk Permit. The top bid was $13,000.00 as the eBay auction ended last night. The purchase is very much appreciated, and proceeds from the sale will go to the Tennessee elk restoration program.

The season dates are October 14, through 20, of 2017, at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. Hunting elk in the mountains of East Tennessee is an immeasurable experience. If it weren’t for sportsman and conservationists, Tennessee would not have an elk population.

Thank you to all of the people who participated in the auction and best of luck to the winner for a successful season.

Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit gets kids involved with the outdoors.

July 28, 2017
The week long summer camp hosted by TWRA and TWRF each year concluded last week at the Clyde York 4-H center in Crossville, TN. Youths learned many essential outdoor skills and fundamentals. For many, it is the first time they have experienced some of these activities. Students participate in hands-on classes that teach the importance of the natural resources and their management. Instructors are wildlife and fisheries biologists, wildlife officers, college professors, professional shooting coaches and experts from specific fields of interest.

If you have a son or daughter who wants to know more about the outdoors, make new friends, and create a life-long memory, find out more by clicking here.

2017 Tennessee Elk Permit on eBay

July 28, 2017
The Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction is LIVE!
We are auctioning off one of the seven rifle elk tags for Tennessee. This special conservation tag will be awarded to the successful high bidder through the eBay auction. Proceeds from the sale of this special bull elk tag will go to the elk restoration program. The auction just began July 27 at 9:30 p.m.(CST) and will end at 9:30 p.m.(CST) on August 6.

The season dates are October 14, through 20, of 2017, at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. TWRF is proud to be a part of this success story, where an animal reintroduction has been successful enough to allow for management through hunting.

Click here for more information.

Nashville Predators Inaugural Fishing Tournament

July 25, 2017
Join the Nashville Predators of past & present along with professional fishermen at the inaugural Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament proudly sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Guy Harvey benefiting the Nashville Predators Foundation and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation.

Make it a Smashville weekend with check-in and dinner on Friday, August 11. On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the Nashville Predators Fishing Tournament will take place on Old Hickory Lake in Nashville, Tennessee, with the weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops at Opry Mills. Professional bass fishermen and current and former members of the Nashville Predators will be present at the lake and a special auction will take place prior to the event in which you can win the opportunity to fish with these celebrities.

Click here for more information.

Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt

April 6, 2017
The 16th Annual Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, which is headquartered in Franklin, brought out record attendance on March 31 and April 1st.

A cold front moved in the day before the opener of Tennessee Spring Turkey Season, and made hunting a little tough for the guides and hunters, but that didn’t stop the crowd from coming out for the banquet and auctions Saturday evening after the hunt. With everyones support, our flagship fundraising event was the most successful to date.

The money we raise from our events help to ensure hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities benefit all who appreciate the unique resources our state has to offer.

Click here for more information.

Sharing the Wild Harvest.

March 9, 2017
Our Third Annual Wild Game Dinner was held last week at the Historic Travelers Rest in Nashville. Over 100 fellow sportsmen and women came out to share their outdoor experiences and savor the bounty. All of the food was donated by sportsmen who harvested fish and game last season from Tennessee to Alaska.

The guest of honor was Stephen Tucker, who took the new B&C non-typical world-record whitetail in Sumner County, Tennessee on November 7, 2016. Stephen brought his amazing trophy and told the story of his hunt to a captivated crowd. Some event got to sample the first venison steaks from this world-record whitetail.

Click here for more information.

The Best of the West comes to Tennessee to hunt with TWRF.

February 10, 2017
Our friends and partners, The Best of the West, from Cody, Wyoming, films an episode in Tennessee for their TV series.

The Best of the West heads east of the Mississippi to put two of their new weapon systems to the test on extreme range whitetails. Witness the unbelievable precision of these unique shooting systems in uncharted territory with the help of TWRF.

Click here to watch the episode.

Tennessee Wilderness – A Legacy Endures.

December 19, 2016
Our new books just arrived and they are beautiful!

“Tennessee Wilderness – A Legacy Endures”, is a pictorial essay of woods and waters; it is a time capsule of natural beauty, a display of those who are charged with its perpetuation and a legacy of forever wild things and places in Tennessee.

This beautiful coffee table book would be a great addition to anyone’s home or office, who loves Tennessee’s wildlife and wilderness. It contains over 150 vibrant photographs of state, national and public lands and waters in Tennessee accented by quotes from noted outdoorsmen and women.

Click here to learn more or order yours.

Young Gunner’s bring home the venison.

October 31, 2016
Our 2nd Young Guns event took place on Oct. 29th for the opener of the Tennessee Young Sportsman’s Season. We provide kids with special needs the opportunity to take a unique part in Tennessee’s youth deer hunting season. This event is growing quickly with more than double the youths we had last year.

The weather was warm for hunting but everyone saw lots of deer and wildlife. Some even saw coyotes, turkeys, and raccoons. In total, there were 2 bucks and 3 does harvested by the kids.

Tim Samples & “The Beech Boys,” brought their mega-grill to the event and cooked enough food to feed a small army, and Gander Mtn. provided gift bags for all of the hunters. Our friends at Tennessee Uncharted came out and filmed the event and will promote it in an upcoming episode.

Thank you to our sponsors: Beech Construction, Gander Mtn., SunDrop, Golden Flake Snacks, Waffle House, Mossberg, and Breland Buggies. Also, thanks to our volunteers for guiding and helping provide a special day of hunting for these awesome young people.

Click here for more information on our Young Guns program.

Heritage Club Long Range Shoot Out.

October 19, 2016
Our friends at The Best of the West, teamed up with us again on Saturday, Oct. 16, to host a day of long range shooting for our Heritage Club Members and their guests. The science of long range shooting is well understood by The Best of the West crew, and their signature series rifle systems and ammunition make this mastery of ballistics game simplified.

Long range shooting is no longer isolated to rifles. The 2016 event included long range shotgun and muzzle loader shooting. The shotgun fired a slug at 400 yards, and the very unique muzzle loaders fired out to 800 yards.

Each shooter had several targets ranging from 300 yards to 1300 yards. This unique event was held at a farm near in Lynnville, TN, and is always a day of fun and camaraderie with friendly competition. It’s a way for us to say a special “thank you” to our dedicated Heritage Club Members.

Click Here for more information on the Heritage Club Long Range Shoot Out.

The Delek Fund for Hope benefits TWRF.

September 30, 2016
Delek and its MAPCO stores created The Delek Fund for Hope, a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. It supports charities recommended by Delek’s leadership as well as by employees serving on benevolence committees in Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee. These grants are Delek’s way of giving back to the communities where their employees live and work.


Their annual Tournament of Hope Celebration & Auction event was September 27 – 29th, and included a banquet with auctions, a golf tournament, sporting clays, pheasant hunts, and a Nashville Armory Experience…all to benefit Delek’s local charitable outreach in the Nashville community.

We were proud to be one of the benefiting non-profits invited to attend this years event. The celebration and auction at Nissan Stadium, gave us another opportunity to explain who we are and what we do, to a new crowd, while also raising funds for our mission through our auction items. We also sponsored a golf team to play in the tournament among the hundreds of other participants at the Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, TN.

Thank you to The Delek Fund for Hope for inviting us to their charitable event, 3-D Technology in Franklin, TN, for sponsoring a hole for us at the golf tournament, and The Tennessee Titans for donating signed collectable items to us for the auction.

Young hunter pays it forward.

September 26, 2016
Preston Bryan participated last year in out first annual Young Guns Special Needs Youth Hunt. After Preston saw unbelievable success in the field, his community in Rockvale, TN, held a benefit in his honor to purchase an adaptive shooting device for his wheelchair. Their event was so successful, it allowed for two adaptive gun mounts, to be purchased from the proceeds.

Knowing what an impact that Young Guns had on Preston’s life, he and his family felt it was important to donate the second one to us, along with Preston’s retired wheelchair, so we can offer the same incredible experience to other children with adaptive needs.

The shooting devise was manufactured by Be Adaptive. Their company is dedicated to producing adaptive hunting equipment for all ranges of abilities.

Thank you to Preston, his family, the Rockdale, TN community, organizers of the event, and all who participated.

Click here for ways you can contribute to our Young Guns program.

Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit moves to a new location and time.

September 23, 2016
We are excited to hold the Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit at a new location and time.
The 2017 Summit will be July 16 – 21, in a natural and beautiful environment at the Clyde York 4-H center in Crossville, Tennessee.

The center is located on 190 acres of well-maintained grounds and hosts a large swimming pool with a 180 foot waterslide and two diving boards. There is a rifle and archery range, ATV trails, lakes for canoeing and kayaking, horseshoe pits and a campfire circle. There is also a sand volleyball court, covered basketball court, and softball field. All of which are lighted.

Students will be staying on-site in modern cabins and lodges, with dining facilities and meeting rooms. The cabins are handicap accessible with central air. Because of the center’s location, atop the beautiful Cumberland Plateau, the average temperature is cooler and usually more comfortable during the hot summer months.

We are already looking forward to the week-long adventure at this new location.

Click here for more information.

Hunting together is bonding.

September 7, 2016
Our Father & Child Dove Shoot was on Labor Day in Erin, TN. This year started with a hay ride and a hot lunch. Parents guided their kids in the fields and we kept everyone cooled off with cold drinks and snacks.

If you’re a parent and enjoy hunting, this is a great event to introduce them to the outdoors. One of the best things about teaching your child to hunt is the bonding time it gives the two of you.

We can’t wait to do it again next year.

Click here for more information about our event.

Our Regional Dove Shoots are steeped in tradition.

September 7, 2016
We just wrapped up our 2016 Regional Dove Shoots across the state. We had beautiful weather and everyone gathered to honor the change of season with the time-honored traditions of dove hunting. And whether or not the shooters went home with full limits, they experienced a great day in the field and left knowing they have helped support our mission.

Our Shoots:
Region II was Friday, Sept. 2, in Erin, TN
Region III was Saturday, Sept. 3, in Rossville, GA
Region IV was Saturday, Sept. 3, in Surgoinsville, TN
We plan to add a Region I shoot close to Memphis next year.

This is an event that everyone looks forward to, including us.

Click here for more information about our shoots.

Austin Peay graduate student, Megan Hart, first recipient of Robert M. Hatcher Scholarship.

August 25, 2016
Megan Hart, a graduate student at Austin Peay State University, is the first recipient of the Robert M. Hatcher Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship is named in honor of Bob Hatcher, who served the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for 38 years including serving as the Non-Game and Endangered Species Coordinator from 1987 until 2001.

Megan was presented the scholarship award on the campus at Austin Peay with members of the Hatcher family, members of her family, and officials from the TWRA, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, and the Tennessee Ornithological Society.

Click here to read more about the presentation.

Kroger will donate a portion of your shopping total to us.

August 19, 2016
It’s easy, it’s free. All you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card.
Kroger’s annual participant re-enrollment will be during the entire month of August.

To support us, register your Kroger Plus card at www.kroger.com/communityrewards for 2016-2017.
If you have signed up to support our organization previously, re-enrollment is required. The enrollment period ends on August 31st.
Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with TWRF after you sign up.
Enter NPO number 26902 or name of organization (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation)

Thank you for supporting us!

Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction concluded.

August 8, 2016
The Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction ended last night with a winning bid of $9,000.00.
Congratulations to Wade Roberts of Leoma, TN. Wade is an avid sportsman, and has hunted elk successfully in Idaho. He has experience, along with essential gear, but is very excited for a different challenge in the mountains of Tennessee. His 5-day season dates are October 17, through 21, 2016.

Wade’s purchase is very much appreciated, and proceeds from the sale will go to the elk restoration program. We want to give him our personal best wishes for a successful hunt this fall.

TWRF is proud to be a part of this success story, where an animal reintroduction has been successful enough to allow for management through hunting. Thank you to all of the auction bidders.

Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction is nearing the end.

August 5, 2016
The Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction is getting close to the end. The eBay auction ends at 8:45 PM CST, on Sunday night, August 7. (We previously announced that it would end at 9:30 PM)

The permit goes to the high bidder. The winner will hunt bull elk on one of the five Elk Hunting Zones of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Areas during the 2016 Elk Rifle Season. The 5-day season dates are October 17, through 21.

Proceeds from the sale of this special bull elk tag will go to the elk restoration program.

Best of luck, if you are bidding!

Click here to go to the eBay auction page.

Click here for more information.

Tennessee Elk Permit eBay auction is LIVE

July 28, 2016
The eBay auction is LIVE for the remaining Tennessee Elk Permit. You can be one of the very few to hunt for the majestic bull elk in Tennessee this Fall. The permit goes to the high bidder. The auction will begin at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on July 28, and will end at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on August 7, 2016.

Proceeds from the sale of this special bull elk tag will go to the elk restoration program.

Good Luck!

Click here to go to the eBay auction page.

Click here for more information.

Tennessee made up 20% of the 2016 SASP National Championship.

July 20, 2016
The SSSF National Championship, which is a combination of SASP and SCTP, was held July 9-16, at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio. This year’s tournament had approximately 3,000 competitors, plus almost 10,000 coaches, parents, grandparents, siblings, and other spectators during championship week.

TWRF’s, Lacey Lane is the Tennessee SASP Director. She assisted in the programs activities and represented our state.

Click here for the 2016 National Championship Tennessee results.

Bass Pro Shops Outpost opens with an Evening for Conservation.

July 14, 2016
Thousands of excited customers poured into the new Bass Pro Outpost in East Ridge, TN. on the evening of July 13. It was the public’s first chance to explore inside the new 84,700-square foot retail destination. The Grand Opening featured the Evening for Conservation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrities, and entertainment. We were there to greet the crowd, talk about what we do, and hand out wildlife calendars along with activity books for the kids.

Fifty cents of every dollar spent during the event will be donated to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum.

Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops stated, “If it wasn’t for conservation, why would we need a store like this, a store for all of the outdoor sportsmen and women?”

A  very special “thank you” to Johnny Morris for his generosity to us and wildlife conservation.

Tennessee Elk Permit Update.

July 12, 2016
We have changed the eBay auction dates for the 2016 special bull elk tag to start directly after the application period for the drawing elk tags.

The new auction will begin at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on July 28, and will end at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on August 7, 2016.

This will be an active link to the eBay auction page starting July 28.

We will award this 2016 permit to the successful high bidder. Proceeds from the sale of this special bull elk tag will go exclusively to the elk restoration program.

Click here for more information.

The 2016 SASP and SCTP National Championships are July 9-16.

June 30, 2016
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), parent organization for the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP), is announcing a change of venue for the 2016 SCTP and SASP National Championship events. The 2016 National Championships are being planned for July 9-16 at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio.

There will be over 150 shooters from the state of Tennessee competing. Lacey Lane of TWRF, is the Tennessee SASP Director. She will be assisting in program activities and representing our state.

Click here for more information.

East Ridge Bass Pro Shops Outpost to host grand opening.

June 29, 2016
The East Ridge, TN Bass Pro Shops Outpost will be holding its grand opening on Wednesday, July 13th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. The store will be kicking off the grand opening with a special event called an “Evening for Conservation” and we will be there to welcome the crowd. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting, gift giveaways, and exhibit booths. The event will also include a number of sports and entertainment celebrities who will stop by and sign autographs between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

A portion of each dollar spent on products will be donated to The Tennessee Aquarium, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation.

East Ridge Bass Pro Shops will continue to celebrate the grand opening throughout the weekend with vendor exhibits and giveaways, until Sunday, July 17th.
The “Evening for Conservation” event is free and open to the public. Come and join us.

Click here for more information on the East Ridge Bass Pro Shops.

Tennessee Elk Permit.

June 20, 2016
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced the issuance of five Special Elk Take Permits for the upcoming 2016 hunting season along with one Young Sportsman permit (resident only, ages 13-16). Four of the special permits will be issued through the TWRA quota hunt drawing system. The fifth permit for participation in Tennessee’s eighth managed elk hunt has been awarded to TWRF. We will award this 2016 permit to the successful high bidder through an eBay auction. Proceeds from the sale of this special bull elk tag will go exclusively to the elk restoration program.

The auction will begin at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on July 14, and will end at 9:30 p.m. (CST) on July 24, 2016.

This will be an active link to the eBay auction page starting July 14.

Click here for more information.

2016 TNSASP State Championship Results.

May 27, 2016
The Tennessee State Match was held at Carroll County Shooting Sports Park in Huntington, TN, on May 14 and 15th.

Click here for the 2016 Tennessee State Championship Results.

The Big Payback

May 3, 2016
The Big Payback is a 24-hour, online giving event to increase philanthropy in the 40 counties served by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The goal is simple – inspire Middle Tennesseans to come together, show their pride in their community, and contribute to the life-changing work of local nonprofit organizations.

Big Payback is on May 3, and the clockstarts at 12. a.m. Donations will be accepted in a 24-hour period through their secure website; through authorized, secure giving forms on participating nonprofits’ websites; and partnering sponsor websites.
We’re asking you, our dedicated friends, to help us fund our mission.
Click the link below to join the cause and make a difference for us.  Thank You.

Click here to donate.

Wounded Soldier Bass Tournament and Bill Terry Benefit on Kentucky Lake May 6 – 7.

April 26, 2016
Many of you have heard about the sudden passing of Bill Terry, a dear friend of many and national sales manager for ORCA Coolers. Bill was an awesome guy and loved working in the outdoor industry. Bill was a passionate angler and greatly appreciated the family atmosphere we enjoy in the outdoor world. His wife Patricia and two boys, Harrison (13) & Andrew (9), meant the world to him. They will miss him dearly.

Years ago Bill and some friends organized a wounded soldier event to serve our military heroes by providing a great opportunity for them on Kentucky Lake. To honor Bill and help raise some money for his boys’ future, a benefit tournament is being held in conjunction with the wounded solider event this year. The dates are May 6-7.

This will be a one-time event to encourage everyone to contribute to the cause and make an impact for the family. The fishing community has consistently shown its generosity at these events and we hope you all will be able to help this fine family as well.

Click here for Entry Form and more information.

2016 Tennessee Scholastic Action Shooting Program State Championships and Banquet.

April 25, 2016
The Tennessee State Match will be held at: Carroll County Shooting Sports Park, 680 McAdoo Cemetery Road, Huntington, TN  38344.

SCHEDULE:  May 14 and 15
8:00 AM    Check-in
8:30 AM    Shooters Meeting
9:00 AM    Match Begins

This year the two-day state shoot will consist of rimfire and centerfire pistol, along with rimfire rifle.
Friday, May 13th, there will be a National SASP fundraising banquet at the Carroll County Civic Center in Huntington, TN, hosted by TWRF. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Dinner provided by Mallard’s Restaurant at 6:30 PM with live auction to follow. Cost is $35.00. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Click here for the 2016 Tennessee State Championship Registration Form.

For more information, contact TN SASP State Director, Lacey Lane, at llane@twrf.net, or (731) 415-0641.

Beretta celebrates opening of Tennessee plant.

April 15, 2016
Beretta USA’s new $15 million state-of-the-art firearms manufacturing and engineering center in Gallatin has officially opened. State and local officials, along with Beretta representatives, gathered for a ribbon cutting and tours of the 156,000-square-foot-facility today, which will produce the company’s M9 9 mm pistol as well as a variety of other firearms including shotguns and rifles.

Beretta is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world. Starting in the early 1500’s, the Beretta business has been a continous family ownership for 16 generations. The decision to move from Maryland, where Beretta USA started manufacturing operations in 1977, came as a result of the state’s tighter gun control restrictions. Beretta officials cited strong Second Amendment support in Tennessee in the decision to invest in the state.

The Beretta family has always insisted on the highest quality in its products. The Beretta motto is, “If it bears the Beretta name, it will be the best.” We are very pleased to be partnered with Beretta and their ongoing support of our mission. Welcome to Tennessee!

One Shot raises funds for our mission.

April 13, 2016
Our flagship fundraising event, The Tennessee Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, was held on the opening of spring turkey season at The Factory at Franklin. Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts travel from all over the volunteer state and the nation to take part in this yearly event that celebrates their passion for the outdoors and wildlife. Vendors and artists display their products and educate attendees on the latest innovations. The event cultivates a unique opportunity for sportsmen and women to come together and have a really good time while supporting a cause that is dear to their hearts.

After the hunt on April 2, the social activities included a reception, banquet dinner, comedian Gary Mule Deer, raffle, silent action and live auction. Items included exceptional hunting packages, historical artifacts, firearms, and unique items and packages designed especially for the event.

We had a very fun and successful 2 days and would like to thank our hunters, guides, landowners, sponsors, guests and volunteers.

Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit (TOYS) is approaching.

February 11, 2016
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host the Seventh Annual Tennessee Outdoors Youth Summit (TOYS), June 12-17, 2016 for high school students from across Tennessee. The camp introduces many outdoor activities to students.

The summit is designed to teach outdoor skills. Students will participate in hands-on classes that teach the importance of the natural resources and their management. Instructors are wildlife and fisheries biologists, wildlife officers, college professors, professional shooting coaches and experts from specific fields of interest.

TOYS will be held at the Montgomery County Shooting Complex near Clarksville. Participants will experience boating, hunting, trapping, archery, photography, marksmanship, plant identification, forestry, camping, water quality, trap shooting, skeet shooting, wildlife identification, and several classes focusing on wildlife and fish biology.

Students will attend at least 10 classes during the week. They will have the opportunity to gain certification in many different programs. Those who are interested in a career specializing in natural resources management will enjoy the experiences that are not normally obtained until joining the work force.

Click here for more information.

Tellico Hatchery Brook Trout Internship.

February 5, 2016
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is hiring an intern through TWRF to assist with the management of the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout Facility at Tellico State Fish Hatchery. Tellico State Fish Hatchery is located in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains TN. The intern will assist with the rearing of Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. This is part of a cooperative effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to increase the range of this native fish. The intern will also participate in the daily activities associated with the Tellico State Fish Hatchery. Housing is available at the Tellico District Ranger Station and mileage reimbursement ($0.58/mi) is available from the housing to the hatchery.

Location: Tellico State Fish Hatchery
Pay Rate: $7.25/hr. (40 hr./wk.)
Start Date: March 15, 2016
End Date:  June 15, 2106

Responsibilities: 
– Assist with inventories of fish stocks. – Feeding fish. – Assist with water quality sampling. – Assist with record keeping. – Cleaning and maintenance of hatchery and equipment. – Assist with fish stocking.

Requirements:
A B.S. in a natural resource field or progress towards completion of a B.S. degree in a natural resource field.

Contact:
Jason Henegar
Assistant Chief of Fisheries
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
PO Box 40747,  Nashville, TN 37204
Phone:  (615) 781-6573
Fax:  (615) 781-6667
email: Jason.Henegar@tn.gov

Our Second Annual Wild Game Dinner.

January 26, 2016
Nothing quite compares with sharing, sampling and savoring the bounty with other sportsmen. One of the endearing joys of being closely connected to the outdoors is sharing experiences with others of a similar turn of mind.

Join us for a full dinner featuring game prepared by Russell Catering, including venison, elk, antelope, waterfowl, wild turkey, pheasant, alligator, fish and more! $100 donation per guest, all inclusive. It’s a great night of food, drinks, camaraderie and fun. We would love to see you there.

Our Second Annual Wild Game Dinner will be held on Thursday night, February 18, 2016, at the Historic Travellers Rest in Nashville, TN.

Click here for more information.

TWRA Becomes Nation’s First Wildlife Agency to Start Online Streaming Platform.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency has launched TWRA.tv, an online streaming platform to broadcast agency and local independent outdoor video content, including the award-winning series, “Tennessee Uncharted.” The project is collaboration between the TWRA Extreme Outdoors TV and Horton Group, Inc.

The TWRA has become the first wildlife agency in the nation to start its own online streaming platform. Similar to Netflix or YouTube, TWRA.tv will allow the agency to stream agency-produced, new and historical programming to users across the state and world.

Subscribers will be allowed full-access to all platform content as well as the ability to upload and share their own video content. In addition, the platform will incubate a community for independent producers to distribute and monetize their own targeted outdoor recreation content. Read more…

Website Launch.

November 24, 2015
Our latest news? You’re looking at it! We relaunched our website with a fresh new look to showcase some of Tennessee’s wildlife and resources. We are thrilled you took time out of your day to learn more about TWRF and our mission.  Our sincere hope is that this site provides you with a deeper understanding of our story, our vision, and our heritage. Please help us celebrate change and many great things to come by sharing it with others to let them know who we are and what we do.
Thank you.

Lacey Lane oversees the Scholastic Action Shooting Program for TWRF.

November 2, 2015
An article was posted on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation’s website in midsummer featuring Lacey Lane, not long after Lane had been named to oversee the Scholastic Action Shooting Program for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. Here’s what the article had to say about Lane:

“Lacey Lane of McKenzie, Tennessee, just might be the most important woman in youth pistol shooting sports today.”
When told of the comment, Bill Cooksey of Bartlett, editor of the Mid-South Hunting & Fishing News, said: “That is strong.”
“That kind of blew me away, too,” Lane said. Read more…

Young Guns Special Needs Youth Hunt hits target.

November 2, 2015
Our first annual Young Guns event was held on opening day of the youth season (Oct. 31, 2015) and it was a life-changing experience for many young hunters and the adults that were involved.

The event provides kids with special needs the opportunity to take part in Tennessee’s youth deer hunting season. Our goal was to provide each youth inspiration, education, and the opportunity to enjoy the tradition of deer hunting while adapting to their special needs. It was very rewarding for us to make this happen and came with unexpected emotions.
Thank you to our sponsors: Gander Mtn., Golden Flake Snack Foods, Rob.Co. Automotive & Motorsports, Hawke Sport Optics, The Best of the West, and SunDrop. Also thank you to all of our guides and volunteers.