Visit Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s updated Website
For those of you who are now surfing the web in search of important information, you might want to check out the TWRA’s updated Website at www.tnwildlife.org.
Just recently revamped, the Website now offers sportsmen the opportunity to find just about any information needed to hunt or fish in Tennessee.
New this month, is the draft copy of the proposed hunting season changes for 2003-2004. These proposals will be considered by the Tennessee Wildlife resources Commission at their May 28-29 meeting in the Nashville Office. Included with the article is the e-mail address for sportsmen to send the agency their views on these proposed changes.
For hunters, the site also offers general hunting information as well as specific information for small game and big game hunting. Hunters can also find information on topics such as Wildlife Management Areas, Public Hunting Areas, License fees, TWRA firing ranges and current big game checking stations. Hunters are also able to find out if a hunter safety class is scheduled for their county.
By clicking on the Geographic Information System (GIS) link, hunters can print out maps of Wildlife Management Areas found across the state. Deer harvest data can also be obtained through the GIS link.
Fishermen will also find what they’re looking for on the agency’s Website. By clicking on the Fishing Link, fishermen will find a wealth of information covering reservoirs, streams and lakes in Tennessee. Reservoir harvest and habitat surveys, fishing conditions on area lakes, fish stocking information, fishing reports, state records as well as current fishing regulations are just a few of the things that can be found on the Website.
For those needing to brush up on their fish identification, there is also a link for Tennessee Fish Facts where fishermen can learn more about the common fish species found in Tennessee and well as a spawning table to let you know when they’re spawning.
By going to the Forms and Publications link, hunters and fishermen are able to view many of the forms and publications offered by the TWRA. In the past sportsmen had to have these forms mailed from the regional offices. Now sportsmen can view and print these forms as they need them. There are currently over 50 different forms and publications available on this page so it’s safe to say there’s one there to fit your needs.
Boaters may also find some useful information. Tennessee law requires that all boats be equipped with specific safety equipment depending on the size of boat. Boat owners will be able, through this site, to find out what is needed for their boat before heading to the lake this year.
Topics include: Boat registration, boat regulations, lighting, “rules of the road,” personal floatation device requirements along with information on how to prevent boat theft. Boat owners will also find information on how to take a boating safety course. It lists links to visit in order to take a safe boating course online as well as information on how to take a home study course offered by the TWRA.
We didn’t leave the kids out, either. The Just for Kids section offers information about hunting and fishing events that are geared specifically for kids as well as links that will carry them to sites where they can play educational games and learn about wildlife and its environment.
For those needing hunting/fishing license as well as those boat owners who may need to register their boats, the agency’s Website offers links to obtain these online. By going to www.wildlifelicense.com/tn/hunters, fishermen and boaters will find it convenient and easy to purchase these online. You will be able to print out a temporary which can be used immediately and you will receive your actual license or registration in 5-10 business days.
These are just a few of the things that are available on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s newly updated Website. So if you find yourself with some extra time indoors, go to www.tnwildlife.org and check it out for yourself.