Tennessee 2023-2024 hunting and trapping season set

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission set the 2023-2024 hunting and trapping season on Friday. The Commission discussed elk hunting in the state, bear issues and a few other regulation changes.

The Commission added four new elk permits and two elk hunting zones. These are at the Ed Carter Tract and the Sundquist Tract. There are now 19 elk zones in Tennessee.

They established two new wildlife management areas and refuges, including Otey Mills Refuge and Crooked Creek Refuge.

Tennessee’s Commission did not make any changes to deer, bear, turkey or small game seasons. They only made changes to calendar dates.

In addition, the TWRA mentioned a rise in conflicts between humans and bears. There has been an urbanization near bear habitats, they added.

They discussed measures to combat these conflicts. Some include community-wide involvement, continuing public education on the topic and bear proof trash cans.

The TWRA mentioned bear attractants include garbage, pet food, and food left in cars or other areas accessible by bears.

The Commission approved a 30-mile Mississippi River stretch to be used for silver carp and paddlefish commercial fishing.

Learn more on TWRA’s website.