The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and 8th Judicial District Attorney Jared Effler are holding a press conference to publicize the upcoming alcohol ban on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Effective April 15, 2024, alcohol possession and consumption will be prohibited statewide on TWRA WMAs except for designated areas only. Alcohol is permitted only at designated TWRA campgrounds and on public waters bordering or within a WMA. Drunken disorderly conduct is also prohibited on WMAs.
This rule applies to all user groups, including off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers who ride on WMA units. TWRA Wildlife Officers will be issuing citations for alcohol possession and use that is not in compliance with the regulations. Tennessee State Driving Under the Influence laws also apply on local roads and managed trails when operating OHVs.
This rule change is being implemented due to high rates of intoxicated driving on WMAs and frequent accidents where alcohol was a contributing factor. The TWRA is committed to public safety and is focused on keeping public lands family-friendly and safe for all Tennesseans.
The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission held public hearings on this Rule – Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs., Chapter 1660-01-14 – in 2023 in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act and is granted the authority to implement this rule under T.C.A. §§ 70-1-206, 70-9-105.
