Outdoor Pursuits

How Your Donation Improves Conservation

When you donate to Tennessee Wildlife Federation, you become a catalyst for change through our programs that focus on the perpetual improvement of conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation, and more all across our beautiful state.

In Memory of Anthony “Tony” Campbell

On July 27, Tennessee Wildlife Federation lost its first executive director and longtime friend, Anthony “Tony” Campbell.

Advocating for Sound Policy at the 2023 General Assembly

Every year, Tennessee Wildlife Federation tracks the legislation at state and federal levels to advocate for bills that will advance conservation and against those that will negatively impact wildlife, lands, outdoor recreation, and more.

Looking Back: History of Conservation in Tennessee

From songbirds in the trees to blooming native wildflowers to flowing rivers teeming with wildlife, Tennessee is incredibly diverse—but it wasn’t always that way.

Chronic Wasting Disease Secures Needed Support; Expected Passage for CWD Management Act

Congress is expected to pass the CWD Research and Management Act to combat CWD, a contagious and fatal disease affecting deer and elk.

Demystifying Public Hunting Land Access

Through the Federation’s various educational opportunities from Hunting and Fishing Academy, we have found that access to land is one of the biggest concerns for new hunters.

Like a Duck to Water: Waterfowl Hunting Gear Everyone Needs to Start

If you have ever been hunting, you know what a special connection you feel with nature. But, if not, the Federation is here to take you under our wing.

Michael Butler Looks Back On 20 Years as CEO

It’s been an eventful 20 years for Michael, and he is nowhere near done with his work in conservation.

New Bill Would Gut Conservation Funding

The 1937 Pittman-Robertson (PR) Wildlife Restoration and the 1952 Dingell-Johnson (DJ) Sport Fish Restoration Acts provide for a “user pays” American System of Conservation Funding.

Tennessee General Assembly Session Begins 2022

The 112th Tennessee General Assembly reconvened on January 11, 2022. With the deadline for filing new bills on February 3, the Federation is tracking and prioritizing more than fifty pieces of legislation.

New Bill Aims to Transfer WMA Away From State

Public wildlife management areas (WMAs) managed by the state agency are a valuable asset to Tennesseans and Tennessee’s rural economies, and Yanahli is one of the state’s most popular. Public lands...

Tennessee Shows Up in Strong Support For CWD Research and Management Act

On December 8, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the CWD Research and Management Act (H.R. 5608). This act will support management efforts and research to combat chronic wasting disease...

Angling for Some Fun: Bill Dance Lends Legacy to Support Tennessee’s Lakes

Governor Bill Lee and iconic sportsman, Bill Dance announced a new program in partnership with Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to improve infrastructure at select lakes and increase angler visitation statewide.