Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Won’t Appeal Court Loss in ‘Open Fields’ Doctrine Case

Hunter Hollingsworth

After losing an appeal in May, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has decided it will not take its case on the “open fields” doctrine to the Tennessee Supreme Court. 

The case began when Terry Rainwaters and Hunter Hollingsworth found hidden cameras on their property, placed there by TWRA, according to the Institute of Justice, which took on the case. 

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Tennessee Court of Appeals Rules That State Statute Allowing TWRA Game Wardens to Enter Private Property Without a Search Warrant Is Unconstitutional

TWRA Worker

The Tennessee Court of Appeals released a decision in Terry Rainwaters, et al. v. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, et al. on Thursday, holding a previous ruling that found a state statute that allows TWRA to patrol private properties without warrants or consent to be unconstitutional.

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Kentucky Man Who Operated Boat that Collided and Killed a Tennessee Child Sentenced to Eight Years in Jail

Norman Sturgill

A man who pled guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon in connection with a boating collision on Norris Lake last year that resulted in the death of a child has been sentenced to eight years in prison, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

On the evening of July 22, 2023, Norman Sturgill, 62, of Grayson, Kentucky, was operating a 19-foot Triton bass boat that collided with a 24-foot Chaparral open motorboat in front of Norris Landing Marina.

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Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Reveals Number of Turkeys Harvested During Hunting Season

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recently announced how many turkeys were reported harvested during this year’s spring wild turkey hunting season.

Compiled figures by the agency show that 31,802 turkeys were reported harvested during this year’s spring season, which ran from April 15 to May 28. This season’s total number of turkeys harvested is a 6 percent increase from 2022 (29,940) and a two percent decrease over the previous 5-year average (32,495), according to TWRA.

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Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Announces Multiple Personnel Changes

A new general counsel, a senior advisor, and two deputy directors have been appointed to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

The agency announced on recently that Frank Fiss has been named deputy director of business operations. In his new role as deputy director, he will oversee administrative responsibilities including TWRA’s budget, marketing, and human resources, the agency notes.

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Chattanooga Fire Department Conducting Maritime Training Exercise with Coast Guard

The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) Monday announced that it will be conducting maritime readiness training this week. 

“If you see flashing lights and first responders at the Riverpark and on the Tennessee River on Tuesday (7/19/22), don’t be alarmed,” CFD said Monday. “It’s part of a big joint training event coordinated by the US Coast Guard & involving many different agencies, including the [Chattanooga Fire Department].”

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Jason Maxedon Named New Executive Director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Jason Maxedon was named executive director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the department announced Thursday in a press release. As executive director, Maxedon has exclusive supervisory control of the agency and is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating its activities. The commission serves as the governing body of the TWRA, the department notes.

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