Tennessee's 2009 Free Hunting Day Set for August 22

[Tim Nunan]

http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2389

Tennessee's 2009 Free Hunting Day Set for August 22
Released on Tue, Aug 18, 2009 - 9:12 am under Wildlife Resources NASHVILLE --- All Tennesseans are reminded that Saturday, Aug. 22 is Free Hunting Day in Tennessee when state residents may hunt without a license. The annual event coincides with the opening day of squirrel season.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides the free day in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee’s oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for persons to experience the enjoyment of the sport. Regular hunters are encouraged to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoors sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for those folks who have not tried hunting in a while to get back into the woods.

On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permits requirements. Not all WMAs are open to hunting on Aug. 22. Hunters are asked to check the information for particular WMAs in the newly-published 2009 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide which is available online at www.tnwildlife.org or copies are available at any TWRA regional office or at most outlets where licenses are sold.

Hunter education requirements have not been waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 is required to have successfully completed a hunter education course. A one-time, one-year apprentice license is required for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 if the hunter education course has not been completed.

In addition to squirrels, those species that have a year-round season will be open as well. The year-round species are armadillo, beaver, coyote, English sparrow, groundhog, nutria, pigeon, starling, and striped skunk.

For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit TWRA’s Web site at www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA Regional Office.