The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission will set the state’s 2012-13 hunting seasons at its May 17-18 (Thursday-Friday) meeting at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Ray Bell Region II Building.
TWRA officials previewed their recommendations for the 2012-13 hunting and trapping seasons at the commission’s April meeting. Review of the recommendations and information on public comment received since the preview was made will be provided during Thursday’s committee meeting. Issues pertaining to the big and small game hunting seasons will be discussed.
The TWRA is proposing season date adjustments on numerous Wild Management Areas (WMAs). National wildlife refuge and other public area hunting seasons will also be reviewed.
TWRA staff will present a wild hog exemption update. To accommodate those landowners with larger acreages (properties in excess of 1,000 acres), the agency will offer a suggestion that will provide additional signees for the holders of wild hog exemptions.
A rule amendment would change the resident commercial fishing helper licenses to a commercial fishing helper license which would include both residents and non-residents. The non-resident commercial fishing helper license, as a result, would be deleted in its entirety.
Committee meetings will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The formal meeting starts at 9 a.m. on Friday. The public is invited to attend.