Who we are
Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the largest and oldest organizations in Tennessee dedicated to the conservation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources through stewardship, youth engagement, and public policy. We bring together and represent the varied interests of people who enjoy the great outdoors. We are a 501-(c)(3) non-profit with a board of directors and a full-time staff headquartered in Nashville. Click the following link to learn more about our personnel.
Here are some quick facts about Tennessee Wildlife Federation:
- Tennessee Wildlife Federation was founded as the Tennessee Conservation League by outdoor writers and community leaders in 1946. Read about our history HERE.
- Tennessee Wildlife Federation brings together and represents the various interests of sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and affiliate organizations committed to conserving our state’s wildlife and natural resources.
- Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s donors, supporters, and volunteers comprise a diverse group of individuals—hunters, anglers, bird watchers, hikers, gardeners, and people who just enjoy the great outdoors. The groups are united by a common cause: concern and compassion for wildlife and Tennessee’s natural resources.
- Tennessee Wildlife Federation monitors and recommends wildlife, water, and land policies; aligns the interests of various groups including supporters, businesses, organizations, and legislators; and mobilizes public response and support on issues and policies affecting Tennessee’s wildlife and habitat. We serve as the voice of reason and a statewide advocate for the conservation, sound management, and sustainable use of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources.
Why we’re here
What we do
Tennessee Wildlife Federation fulfills its mission through a number of different methods and programs. Engaging youth in outdoors activities is very important to us, and through the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program, our Hunting and Fishing Academy program, and other outreach, we engage kids in their natural surroundings and help them develop into adults who know and care about the great outdoors.
Our Hunters for the Hungry program combines wildlife management with charitable giving in a unique and meaningful way by teaming whitetail deer hunters, local wild game processors, and area food banks and soup kitchens to feed thousands of Tennesseans in need. Since the program was launched in 1998, Hunters for the Hungry has accounted for more than 6 million meals!
Each of these initiatives has become a gold standard for many non-profit organizations across the country. To learn more about these programs, follow the individual links above or go to our Programs page by clicking here.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation also has a very strong advocacy component. Since our beginnings, we have served as a voice of reason on behalf of Tennessee’s wildlife, outdoor enthusiasts, and natural resources. We closely monitor state and federal legislation and make sure the wishes of sportsmen and women, birders, hikers, boaters, campers, and other citizens who enjoy Tennessee’s great outdoors are represented fairly in government. Visit our Conservation Policy page to take action on issues our wildlife and great outdoors face.
In addition to youth engagement and public policy, Tennessee Wildlife Federation addresses habitat stewardship with a variety of partner organizations—like the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Ducks Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and more—to conserve and improve Tennessee’s natural resources and protect our state’s rich heritage of hunting and fishing. We also administer the process of restoring wetlands damaged during commercial development through Habitat Conservation.
We love to talk about what we do, so feel free to call us at (615) 353-1133 or contact us in other ways.
Our Mission
To lead the conservation, sound management, and wise use of Tennessee’s wildlife and great outdoors.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation believes our work and our mission are non-partisan and non-discriminatory and welcoming to all.
Tennessee Wildlife Federation and TWRA: What’s the difference?
Tennessee Wildlife Federation and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are two entirely separate and distinct organizations. TWRA is the state fish and wildlife agency directed by a commission. Tennessee Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a board of directors and is not a state agency. In 1974, the Federation was instrumental in reorganizing the Game and Fish Commission into what we know today as TWRA. The two organizations often work together in support of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources.
