Wildlife agency rewrites falconry rules, updates duck‑blind registration procedures
Summary
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rewrote state falconry regulations and updated permanent duck‑blind registration procedures for the West Sandy WMA to improve clarity and align state and federal requirements.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency presented two rule actions to the committee on March 31: a wholesale rewrite of the state falconry rules and an update to duck‑blind registration procedures for the West Sandy Wildlife Management Area.
Tori Grimes, general counsel for the agency, and Deputy Director Brandon Ware said the falconry rewrite reduces and clarifies state requirements for persons who take part in falconry or use raptors in Tennessee while ensuring alignment with federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service standards required for state raptor activities. Agency staff said they worked with the Tennessee Falconers Association and held two public hearings; no public comments were recorded at the hearings and the association provided substantive input through the drafting process.
The bird/duck‑blind rule repeals a long-standing provision (“the Byrd rule”) and modernizes permanent blind registration on the West Sandy WMA. The rule expands registration options to in‑person, mail or online channels and permits the permanent blind holder to annually designate other individuals who may have priority use for that season, bringing West Sandy’s process into alignment with other WMAs.
Committee action Both rules moved forward with positive recommendations by voice vote in the House and roll call in the Senate. Agency staff said the falconry rule must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for federal conformity before some regulated activities can proceed.
