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NASHVILLE — Effective April 15, possession and consumption of alcohol will be prohibited on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) statewide, except in designated areas. Alcohol will only be allowed at designated TWRA campgrounds and on public waters bordering or within a WMA. Additionally, drunken-disorderly conduct is prohibited.

This rule applies to all user groups, including hunters, hikers, off-highway (OHV) drivers and passengers, and other WMA users. Signs will be posted on WMAs to notify visitors of the alcohol prohibition. TWRA wildlife officers will enforce these regulations and issue citations for alcohol possession and use that does not comply with the rules. Tennessee State Driving Under the Influence laws also apply on local roads and managed trails when operating OHVs.

The decision to implement this rule change stems from the high rates of intoxicated trail riding on WMAs and the frequent accidents where alcohol was a contributing factor. The TWRA prioritizes public safety and aims to maintain family-friendly and safe public lands for all Tennesseans.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission conducted public hearings on this Rule – Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs., Chapter 1660-01-14 – in 2023 in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The Commission is granted the authority to implement this rule under T.C.A. §§ 70-1-206, 70-9-105.