Update from the Chairman of the Tennessee Wildlife Commission, Kurt Holbert: ‘Governor Lee’s Executive Orders 22 and 23 identify outdoor activity as an essential activity provided that individuals follow health guidelines.
The information was posted to the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) website Thursday (4.2.20) as well as social media. Link: https://www.tn.gov/twra/covid-19.html
Gov. Bill Lee announced Executive Order 23 Thursday requiring Tennesseans to remain at home unless they are carrying out essential activities.
“As the Chairman of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC), I want to assure all hunters and fishers that Tennessee’s turkey hunting season will open Saturday as scheduled and public lands controlled by the TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) will remain open.
“Likewise, Tennessee’s lakes and rivers and the access areas controlled by the TWRA will remain open to anglers and recreational boaters.”
The Center for Disease Control has established guidelines for individuals to protect themselves and limit the spread of Covid-19. This disease is an imminent threat to Tennesseans and should not be taken lightly.
The Commission wants to encourage all hunters, anglers, and boaters to follow the Governor’s Executive Orders and to practice social distancing. Go enjoy the outdoors, but please do it in a manner that is smart and safe.
Lisa Holmes, regional administration for TWRA, said hunting and fishing are considered to be essential activities for mental health. She added, “I hope the public will still do the social distancing while enjoying nature.”
