Tennessee Wildlife Federation maintains an active presence on Capitol Hill in Nashville to ensure conservation of our wildlife, waters, and wild places is backed by sound policies. During the 2024 legislative session, the Federation was instrumental on several conservation-related bills, including three major wins.
Hunting as Conservation (HB2263/SB2039)
With hunting and fishing under attack in other states, the Federation worked with Rep. Tandy Darby and Sen. Paul Rose to proactively introduce legislation to prevent future anti-hunting bills. The bill states clearly that hunting and fishing is conservation and is the preferred method of wildlife management. It also requires members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission to be active participants in the activities regulated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. HB2263/SB2039 was signed into law by Governor Lee in March and will go into effect in July.
Sandhill Crane Hunting (HB1867/SB1876)
Tennessee’s first regulated sandhill crane hunting season was established in 2013 after several decades of immense population growth. The Eastern Population of sandhill cranes now contains approximately 100,000 birds, with around 30,000 wintering in Tennessee. HB1867/SB1876 proposed to criminalize sandhill crane hunting. Thanks to swift action taken by the Federation and its supporters, the bill was removed from discussion for the remainder of the legislative session.
Wetland Conservation (HB1054/SB0631)
Tennessee has approximately 40% of its original wetland acres remaining across the state. HB1054/SB0631 would have put what is left of Tennessee’s wetlands in danger of draining or outright destruction. The Federation successfully worked closely with state legislators and other organizations to encourage further conversation around the details of this bill. The bill was sent to summer study, meaning the legislature will hold discussions before the beginning of session next year to craft a thoughtful approach to wetlands regulation in Tennessee. The Federation looks forward to engaging with other stakeholders in these discussions.
Featured photo by Leslie Tosh
