TWRA Withdraws License Fee Increases July 1
by: Dwayne PageJun 29, 2025
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has withdrawn its license fee increase that was expected to go into effect the first of July after Tennessee lawmakers gave “verbal commitments” for alternative funding to be sought to help fund the agency. Tennessee’s hunting and fishing licenses will remain the same as the past decade.
A plan to increase the cost of hunting and fishing licenses by approximately 28 percent passed in December 2024 by the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission (TFWC).
According to the TWRA, the increase closely matched the cost-of-living increase, citing that license costs had not been increased since 2015. In a Joint Government Operations hearing last week, the TWRA asked lawmakers to approve a fee hike for licenses and permits to help the agency generate more funds. However, during the committee meeting, many members acknowledged the need for additional funding but expressed concerns about placing further financial burdens on their constituents. The TWRA said it shared those same concerns and was glad “a majority of Committee members verbally committed to work collaboratively with the agency to identify alternative long-term funding sources, with several offering to carry legislation. This commitment represents a meaningful step forward in laying the groundwork for a viable funding strategy.”
A separate rule to increase boat registration prices did pass in committee and will take effect July 1, 2025. Beginning July 1, boat owners in Tennessee will be facing a 22% registration fee increase.
TWRA press release
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) appeared before the Joint Government Operations Committee June 18, 2025 to present the license fee increase previously approved by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC). After hearing numerous verbal commitments from members of the committee to seek alternative funding for wildlife conservation, TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon decided to withdraw the license increase.
Unlike other Tennessee state government departments, the TWRA has been primarily funded by hunting and fishing licenses since its creation in 1949. In 2004, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized the TFWC to set license fees through the rule making process, rather than fees being set by the legislature. The legislation established that any increase in fees could not exceed the amount of Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. After the TFWC fee setting process, the rules are reviewed by the General Assembly’s Joint Government Operations for either approval or denial.
Due to a more than 30 percent increase in CPI since the agency’s last license fee increase in 2015, the agency has been operating in a significant deficit from increased expenses. The proposed package of license fee increases represented $12 million dollars of additional revenue needed to correct the deficit.
During the committee meeting, many members acknowledged the need for additional funding but expressed concerns about placing further financial burdens on their constituents — concerns the agency understands and shares. Importantly, a majority of Committee members verbally committed to work collaboratively with the agency to identify alternative long-term funding sources, with several offering to carry legislation. This commitment represents a meaningful step forward in laying the groundwork for a viable funding strategy.
Speaking during the Committee Rule Review, Rep. Monty Fritts said, “I don’t know why we wouldn’t take care of something that takes care of all Tennessee. Shifting the additional cost to citizen taxpayers in a time when there are those other options, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do… I think that changing to a more sustainable model, especially on the law enforcement side of things, is going to warm the public, and I think it’d be a good thing.”
“I support TWRA 100 percent, but I cannot support a fee increase on this, and I’ll be willing to carry the bill next year to help transfer part of what you generate back over to you in sales tax,” said Sen. Steve Southerland.
Sen. Janice Bowling added, “We’ve got to pledge to get in there and actually come up with the correct solution that comes from the almost $60 billion budget we have that we can help fund those things that are critical to who we are as Tennessee.”
Thanks to this commitment to cooperatively seek funding mechanisms through other avenues, TWRA withdrew the rule. With the rule withdrawn, the current license fees will continue to be effective and there will be no increase to hunting and fishing licenses in July.
“I stand by the hard work the Commission invested over the past year to develop this license fee package, but we also support Director Maxedon’s decision to withdraw it,” said TFWC Chairman Chris Devaney. “Commission members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Speaker of the Senate to serve on the TFWC. We look forward to working with them and other members of the General Assembly to put conservation funding back on track.”
“State wildlife agencies from across the country are dealing with this issue and have created different funding models that serve as potential inspiration for how Tennessee can solve this challenge. We are grateful for the support expressed and look forward to working with the General Assembly to keep prices affordable for hunters and anglers,” said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “In the meantime, agency leadership will work to minimize the impact the budget deficit will have on constituents who benefit from the services provided by the agency.”
To reduce expenses, the agency has already made cuts to agency operations including holding more than 20 staff positions vacant, reducing printing and distribution of agency publications, canceling additional funding for wildlife conservation research, and deferring maintenance on access areas and other infrastructure. The agency remains committed to an appropriate balance of fiscal responsibility and sourcing additional revenue to protect, manage, and conserve fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of Tennesseans.
A separate rule to increase boat registration prices did pass in committee and will take effect July 1, 2025.
Payne Denman wins Tennessee State Amateur Golf Championship for 2nd straight year
by: Dwayne PageJun 29, 2025
Payne Denman is the first REPEAT champion at the Tennessee State Amateur since George Creagh in 1976-77!
A come-from-behind win which included 4 birdies in the final 5 holes for the win earns him a spot in the upper echelons of Tennessee Golf history!
The UT assistant golf coach and Smithville native who won last year’s event at the Tennessee National Golf Club, trailed Clarksville’s Patton Samuels by a stroke heading to the 18th and final hole at Holston Hills Country Club.
After his drive landed in the rough, Samuels found himself in more trouble in some even taller greenside fescue. His third shot would race through the green and onto the backside rough.
Samuels would then run his lengthy par putt past the hole opening the door for Denman, who nestled his birdie chip to within a couple feet. He’d calmly sink the short birdie putt to capture the 2025 championship.
DeKalb County has new Clerk and Master
by: Dwayne PageJun 28, 2025
DeKalb County has a new Clerk and Master
During a brief ceremony Friday afternoon, Chancellor Ronald Thurman administered the oath of office to Nicole Wright who will assume her first day duties as Clerk and Master for the Chancery Court on Monday, June 30. Wright’s family stood beside her as she was sworn into office
It was a double ceremony of sorts in that longtime Clerk and Master Debra Malone was treated to a retirement reception with refreshments. The event was held in the Chancery courtroom of the courthouse.
Family, friends, deputy clerks, fellow county officials, and attorneys joined in the celebration to congratulate both Wright on her appointment and Malone on her retirement.
Wright was appointed by Chancellor Thurman to a six year term as Clerk and Master.