The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) on September 27, as recognized by Governor Bill Lee’s proclamation, which coincides with the start of Tennessee’s fall archery seasons for deer and turkey in select counties.

Presented by TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon at the August Commission Meeting, the proclamation emphasizes Tennessee’s deep-rooted hunting and fishing traditions, which predate the state itself, and acknowledges the contributions of hunters, anglers, and boaters who fund conservation through license purchases.

Established by Congress in 1972, NHFD honors sportsmen and women nationwide for their role in wildlife conservation, with Tennessee’s 910,000 hunters and anglers generating over $78 million in 2024 through license sales and contributing $13 billion to the economy via outdoor activities. TWRA, primarily funded by these licenses, boating registrations, and federal excise taxes on outdoor gear, manages and conserves fish and wildlife while ensuring public safety through law enforcement and education. For more details on NHFD events and season regulations, visit TNWildlife.org or consult the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.