NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 22, 2026 – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Inc. (TWRF) is actively driving statewide conservation efforts through its premier fundraising initiative, the 2026 Wildlife Conservation Raffle. The raffle serves as a campaign linking Tennessee’s passionate outdoor community directly with impactful, boots-on-the-ground habitat and wildlife management programs.
This year’s headline conservation initiative is the scheduled 2026 acquisition of the 2,133-acre Rarity Mountain tracts in Campbell County. Funded in part by raffle proceeds, this massive expansion sits adjacent to the High Cliff Unit of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The acquisition will safeguard critical early-successional wildlife habitat supporting species like elk, while opening vast new acreage for public access.
“The Wildlife Conservation Raffle does more than just offer incredible prizes; it builds a tangible legacy for Tennessee’s wild places,” said TWRF Executive Director Joey Woodard. “Raffle funding allows us to step up at pivotal moments alongside our partners to acquire critical habitat, expand public hunting access, and back vital wildlife disease surveillance that protects our state’s outdoor traditions.”
The Rarity Mountain project builds on a proven track record of conservation victories directly accelerated by the Wildlife Conservation Raffle, including:
- North Cumberland WMA Expansion: Raffle funding recently helped acquire 1,322 additional acres for Tennessee’s largest actively managed WMA. The expansion provides critical habitat for the state’s restored elk population and scales up public hunting opportunities across the 205,000-acre territory.
- Yuchi Refuge Growth: Raffle proceeds supported the 170-acre expansion of the Yuchi Refuge along the Tennessee River. This critical addition enhances a 2,634-acre ecosystem of wetlands, grasslands, and cedar glades that serves as a vital haven for waterfowl and Sandhill cranes.
- CWD Work Base Infrastructure: Raffle ticket sales were instrumental in completing the $2.5 million Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Work Base in Jackson. Operating as the central nerve center for TWRA’s wildlife disease surveillance, the facility features advanced wet and dry labs to process up to 20,000 annual deer samples as biologists combat CWD across 23 infected Tennessee counties.
Ticket purchases help fund these continuous statewide initiatives. To support these efforts, the 2026 Wildlife Conservation Raffle features 15 premium outdoor prize packages valued at over $220,000. Highlights include a Caymas CX 19 Pro bass boat, a $50,000 Ford vehicle voucher, a Forest River FSX camper, a guided Tennessee elk hunt, and elite trophy deer and waterfowl hunting experiences.
The raffle remains open through November 8, 2026. To view the complete list of packages or buy a ticket, visit wildliferaffle.com.
Learn more about TWRF at twrf.net, and stay up to date on TWRF’s Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About TWRF
Established as a 501© (3) nonprofit organization in 1999, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, Inc. (TWRF) advances habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and the preservation of Tennessee’s rich hunting and fishing heritage. Through strategic fundraising initiatives, targeted education outreach, and support for youth programs, TWRF works to protect wildlife resources and conserve critical habitats across the state while assisting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in its mission.
Today, TWRF is one of the most effective conservation-focused nonprofit organization in Tennessee. Guided by a dedicated board of directors and a steadfast commitment to conservation, the Foundation continues to expand its impact and strengthen its role in safeguarding Tennessee’s natural resources for future generations. Learn more at twrf.net.
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