A Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a protected area set aside for the conservation of wildlife and for recreational activities involving wildlife such as hunting and fishing. The work done in these areas is focused on conservation, and where appropriate, the restoration of fish, wildlife, plant resources, and habitats for the benefit of all Tennesseans for generations to come.
There are over 100 WMAs and refuges across Tennessee managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Varying in size from 53 to 625,000 acres, all WMAs are available to the public for various outdoor activities, although certain regulations do apply.
On WMAs open with statewide seasons, the season dates, bag limits, weapon types, and ammunition types that pertain to the county where the WMA is located apply to that WMA, except special regulations listed specifically for those WMAs still apply.
Find public lands open for hunting near you. Find your region below or view our online map .
This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. The map is intended to reflect the approximate boundaries of the TWRA Huntable Lands generally available for the use of sportsmen/sportswomen with proper licenses. It should not be interpreted as representing legal property boundaries. If you see potential errors please contact the appropriate regional office.
TWRA has made a reasonable effort to assure the accuracy of the map; nevertheless, some information contained therein may not be accurate. TWRA does not warrant or make any representations as to the accuracy of the content of the map, and TWRA is not liable for any improper or incorrect use of this map or for any direct or indirect damages suffered related to the use of this map. It is every user’s responsibility to know the land ownership of and regulations pertaining to the area which he or she intends to use for recreational purposes.
Download a map of A.E.D.C Wildlife Management Area Hunting information on Oak Ridge WMA
Electric Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular tool for Tennessee Hunters. Be sure you know the rules before you ride
TCA 55-8-302 outlines the rules for operating electric bicycles in Tennessee. An electric bicycle or “ebike” is a two or three-wheel bike with fully operable pedals for human operation and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Tennessee law categorizes ebikes into three classes:
On Tennessee WMAs, Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes are regulated the same as traditional bicycles and are not subject to motor vehicle or off-highway vehicle regulations. Class 3 ebikes are regulated as off-highway vehicles and require a high-impact conservation permit to operate on WMAs.
NASHVILLE --- Alcohol possession and consumption will be prohibited on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife Management areas statewide, effective April 15, 2024 with the exception of designated areas. Alcohol is only permitted at designated TWRA campgrounds and on public waters bordering or within a WMA. Drunken-disorderly conduct is also 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 the WMA noting that alcohol is prohibited. 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.
The rule change is being implemented due to high rates of intoxicated trail riding 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.
• New deer management units adopted as part of a new management framework.
• There is no longer a "Unit CWD".
• Statewide antlered bag limit of two (2).
• New turkey management units adopted as part of a new management framework.
• Statewide spring season bag limit of two (2)male turkeys, no bearded hens allowed.
• Fall season closed in select counties.
• New quota hunt opportunity on Tumbleweed WMA.
• Private land only, requires landowner permission (written, text, or email).
• One bobcat per night, no limit on coyotes.
• Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
• 2024 Season Dates: Aug. 1–Aug. 11
• 2025 Season dates: Jan. 18–March 9. and June 7–August 10.
• Shotgun only, no single projectile.
• Night vision and thermal imaging devices allowed.
• New Spring bear dog training season for Zones 1, 2, and 3 for private lands only.
• New private land only two-day gun hunt added in Zone 4. Dogs allowed.
• New Bear Hunt Zone 5 was created in Hawkins and Hancock counties.
• Created four (4) quail quota hunts.
• One-day hunts with a bag limit of three (3) birds per person.
• New Catoosa Ridge Refuge, a 1,750-acre property adjacent to Catoosa WMA.
• Arnold Hollow WMA was removed from the WMA system.
• Hardin's Creek WMA was removed from the WMA system.
• The placement of salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on WMAs is prohibited.
• Dogs must also be restrained on WMAs unless hunting or training.
• No person shall be in possession or under the influence of any alcoholic beverage while on Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, or other Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands.
Prohibited Acts
Acts of disorderly, obnoxious, or boisterous conduct, including acts that interfere with the orderly process of hunting, are prohibited. Violators shall be removed from the area and/or prosecuted.
Alcoholic Beverages
Possession or use of any alcoholic beverage, narcotic drug, barbiturate, or marijuana while hunting within the management area is prohibited. No individual may be under the influence of these substances at any time while within a management area. The use of any alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, or other Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands except in designated camping areas or on public waters bordering or contained in Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, or other wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands so long as that person is not engaged in hunting.
Bag Limits
Statewide bag and possession limits apply unless a special exception is indicated.
Baiting
The placement or depositing of any type of food to feed, grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable natural and manufactured products or attract wildlife on WMAs, PHAs, and Refuges is prohibited.
Dog Training
Year-round unless otherwise indicated. All dogs not actively engaged in hunting or dog training must be on a leash or otherwise restrained.
Firearms
Persons may possess handguns in addition to legal weapons used for hunting the entire year while on the premises of any TWRA refuge, public hunting area, state-owned wildlife management area, or to the extent permitted by federal law, national forest land maintained by the state, and private land. For other federally managed properties hunters should contact that specific facility or location. Nothing in this subsection shall authorize a person to use any handgun to hunt unless such person is in full compliance with all wildlife laws, rules, and regulations.
Horses
Horses are permitted on roads and trails open to motorized traffic and other trails or routes established for their use, except as otherwise indicated. Riding off roads into fields, woods, or on foot trails is prohibited unless otherwise provided.
Access Hours
Hunters (except raccoon, opossum, and turkey hunters) may not enter prior to two (2) hours before sunrise and must be out of the area by one (1) hour after sunset or legal closing time. Raccoon and opossum hunters must be out of the area one (1) hour after sunrise, except in the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area. Public access is prohibited on Barkley-Unit 1, Beech River WMA, Big Sandy, Bogota (Pool 1), Camden Units 1 and 2, Chickamauga (Shelton Bottoms, Mud Creek, New Bethal, Moss Island, Cottonport, Washington Ferry, Goodfield Creek, Gillespie Bend, Agency Creek, Ledford Island, Sugar Creek, South Mouse Creek Units), Gooch WMA (Unit E), Hiwassee Refuge, Horns Bluff Refuge, Lick Creek Bottoms (Region IV), South Fork Refuge, Thorny Cypress WMA (Pools 10, 11, 12), Three Rivers WMA (East and West Units), Tigrett WMA, West Sandy, and White Oak WMA from two (2) hours after legal waterfowl shooting has ended until 4:00 a.m. the following day during late duck season(s).
Hunting Near Private Dwellings
It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, or kill with or without dogs, any wild animal, wild bird, or wild fowl on public lands and waters within 100 yards of a visible dwelling house, without the owner's permission, whether or not such a dwelling is on public or private lands.
Litter
No litter or sewage shall be deposited in the area.
Motorized Vehicles
All motorized vehicles must be muffler-equipped to suppress noise and spark-arrestor equipped to prevent fires. The operation of motorized vehicles is confined to roads not designated as closed. Off-road vehicles are restricted to roads open to other motorized traffic (except where prohibited by state or federal statute) and designated trails only. ORVs may be operated during daylight hours and at other times when participating in authorized activities. Driving off roads into woods, fields, or utility right-of-ways is prohibited for all motorized vehicles. Motorized vehicles may be prohibited on any Agency-owned Wildlife Management Area if deemed necessary to protect wildlife, vegetation, and/or property. Some exceptions apply. See individual WMAs for specific restrictions.
WMA Property Conservation
No person shall damage or remove any trees or other plants, dirt, gravel, or sod from any Wildlife Management Area or other Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands without specific authorization.
No species of wildlife may be harassed except those authorized for the hunt and no animal killed shall be dismembered to the extent that its species and sex cannot be identified before checking out of the area.
Access to all caves on agency-controlled lands is closed except to authorized personnel only, unless designated differently through signage or agency brochures.
Overnight camping
May be permitted in designated areas by permission from the area manager, park ranger, lake manager, park superintendent, or national forest supervisor. Such camping is subject to the limitation prescribed in the permit if required.
Camping shall not exceed three (3) weeks in length from the beginning to the end of the camping stay. Owners' contact information (name, phone number, address) or TWRA ID number and date of arrival must be displayed on a camper, tent, vehicle, etc. at all times.
In areas where overnight camping is allowed, firearms and archery equipment must remain in camp except during legal hunting hours.
Pen-raised Game Birds
The release of pen-raised game birds on WMAs is prohibited unless otherwise specified.
Safety Zones
Hunting is prohibited in safety zones except where provided.
Target Practice
Target practice is prohibited except on designated ranges.
Unauthorized Persons
Unauthorized persons are prohibited from being in the area during big game hunts except when indicated. Unauthorized persons are prohibited from being in the wildlife management area during managed turkey hunts, except in the Cherokee, North Cumberland, and Tellico Lake wildlife management areas. Only persons having valid turkey hunt permits for the hunt date are authorized to be in the management area. Exception: A licensed turkey hunter, who has filled their bag limit or does not possess a valid permit for a quota hunt, may accompany another turkey hunter (except on Oak Ridge WMA) and assist him/her in calling, but may not have a gun or bow in his/her possession.
Fanning or Reaping Wild Turkeys: On WMA lands, the practice of fanning or reaping is prohibited. Fanning/reaping is defined as hunting or stalking wild turkeys while holding or using for hunter concealment any of the following items: a tail fan, a partial or full decoy with a tail fan, or a tail fan mounted to a firearm. Tail fans include those made of real or synthetic feathers or an image or likeness of a tail fan applied to any material.
Wild Turkey Calling
Calling or attempting to call wild turkeys using any sound that mimics those made by a wild turkey is prohibited from March 1 to the opening day of the spring turkey hunts on all WMAs.
Wanton Waste
Hunters are to retrieve all crippled or dead game if possible and are prohibited from disposal of dead wildlife on WMAs.
Wheelchair-bound Hunts, Zones, or Blinds
Wheelchair-bound Hunts, Zones, or blinds are open to hunters who are totally and permanently confined to a wheelchair as certified by a physician. On wheelchair-bound big game hunts, each wheelchair-bound hunter must be accompanied by a non-hunting assistant (age 16 years or older), except on Cordell Hull WMA where the assistant may also participate in hunting. On wheelchair-bound waterfowl hunts, each wheelchair-bound hunter must be accompanied by at least one (1), but not more than three (3) assistants (at least one (1) of whom must be age 16 years or older), who may also participate in hunting.
SG - Small game WMA permit or combination waterfowl and small game WMA permit.
A small game permit is also required for trapping.
WF - Combination waterfowl and small game WMA permit.
BG - Big game quota trip permit or non-quota WMA annual permit.
NP - No permit required.
Some WMAs require a Big Game WMA Permit in order to hunt big game, in addition to the regular hunting and big game licenses.
There are two types of big game WMA permits for all WMAs depending upon the hunt: Quota and Annual Non-quota WMA
Lifetime Sportsman and Sportsman License holders do not need to purchase the non-quota permit and may apply for quota permits at no charge.
On the Cherokee WMA,
A WMA Non-quota Big Game Permit, Cherokee WMA Big Game Nonquota, or an Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman Permit is required to hunt big game and is valid for all non-quota Cherokee WMA big game hunts. Cherokee WMA Big Game Non-quota permits are not valid for any other WMA. Anyone hunting with a borrowed permit will be prosecuted for hunting during a closed season.
Cherokee Party Dog Hunts
Application Instructions and dates are available on the Quota Hunt page.
WMA permits are not transferable.
Youth Hunting Big Game On A WMA
Proof of hunter education certificate is required for youths 10 years of age and older. An appropriate hunting license is also required for youths 13 years of age and older. All youths, aged 6–16, are required to have a WMA Non-quota Big Game Permit or a quota permit where applicable unless they are hunting with a Lifetime License. Youths aged 6–16 may also apply for WMA quota hunts. Youths aged 6–16 must be accompanied by an adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device, who is not required to have a license (if not hunting) but must wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange.
Specific Young Sportsman's Hunts
Proof of hunter education certificate is required for youths 10 years of age and older. Young Sportsman's deer hunts are for youths 6 through 16 unless otherwise noted. Proper licenses and permits are required. Each youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21 years of age or older. Both adults and youth must wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange.
Quota Hunt Permits
When available, you can obtain an instruction sheet at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office, or online. If applying in person, remain until your application is processed to verify that the information is correct and to receive your receipt with your confirmation number. DO NOT MAIL THE INSTRUCTION SHEET.
For more information view our Quota Hunt page or contact us. A computer drawing will be conducted to determine successful applicants. Permits are nontransferable and hunt dates may not be changed. Vacancy permits, if any, will be announced and sold on a first-come, first-served basis by TWRA license agents or online.
Muzzleloading Firearms
Muzzleloaders are legal on all gun hunts except where indicated under the individual WMA listings.
Antlered and Antlerless Defined: Deer take non-antlered deer only hunts must be male or female with antler protruding three (3) inches above the hairline unless otherwise specified. Antlerless deer are defined as those deer with less than three (3) inches of antler protruding above the hairline.
Big Game Check-In Procedures: See the Big Game Check-in page
Treestands: The use of wire, nails, or other metal material is prohibited in the building or attaching of climbing devices or hunting stands. Portable devices or stands that do not injure trees can be used. Hunting from permanent, attached stands is prohibited. Leaving any personal property, including tree stands, unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited without prior approval of the area manager. WMAs require that treestands must be marked with the hunter’s TWRA ID number.
August Deer (Archery) Season: This season is closed on WMAs that are open to state-wide big game seasons, except for certain WMAs in Unit 1.
On WMAs open with statewide seasons, the season dates, bag limits, weapon types, and ammunition types that pertain to the county where the WMA is located apply to that WMA except special regulations listed specifically for those WMAs still apply. Small game hunters hunting on public lands must comply with blaze orange requirements during big game gun and Young Sportsman hunts on specific WMA's where noted.
Permits
In order to hunt or trap some small game on WMAs listed in the TN Fishing and Hunting guide with a SG after the name, individuals are required to have one of the following permits in addition to the regular hunting or trapping license: Annual Senior Citizen Permit; Annual Small Game only; 1-Day Small Game and Waterfowl; or Annual Small Game and Waterfowl. (Lifetime Sportsman, Sportsman License holders, or youths age 6–15 who are accompanied by an adult with a valid permit are exempt from purchasing a permit.)
Closures during big game hunts
Closures may apply; see the specific WMA region above for listings of WMAs, for those closures.
Quail
On WMAs open with the statewide seasons, quail season runs from the 1st Saturday in November until January 15, unless otherwise noted.
Crow
Crows may be taken on small game hunt days that coincide with the statewide crow season
Falconry
Falconry opens with statewide falconry seasons.
Raccoon and opossum
Raccoon and Opossum hunting is open from sunset of opening dates to sunrise of the next day. Raccoon dog field trials are permitted from Sept. 1– April 30 unless prohibited.
Field Trials
Small game (except raccoon) and retriever field trials are permitted year-round with the approval of the area manager unless otherwise specified on individual WMAs.
Dogs
Allowed for small game hunting unless a special exception is indicated. A permit is required for dog training in areas that require a small game permit. On Cherokee and LBL management areas, dogs are allowed on improved roads and in permitted camping areas. All dogs must be detained by chain or leash if not being legally used for hunting.
Dogs are allowed during spring squirrel season except where noted.
Youth Hunting Small Game On WMAs
Youths, ages 6-16, must be accompanied by a permitted adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device except as otherwise noted.
Other TWRA lands not proclaimed as a WMA or refuge are open with statewide seasons unless otherwise indicated.
Permits: A WMA small game permit is required to trap on all areas that require a small game hunt permit. Unless otherwise stated, furbearers may be taken on any scheduled big game or small game hunt that coincides with a statewide furbearer season with weapons legal for the scheduled hunt.
Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
Permits
WMAs with a "WF" after the name require either an Annual Small Game and Waterfowl permit; or a 1-Day Small Game and Waterfowl permit in addition to a regular hunting license and Waterfowl license. There are three exceptions: Lifetime Sportsman License and Sportsman License holders, and youths age 6-16 who are accompanied by an adult with a valid permit, do not need a permit. Nonresidents, however, must have either a WMA Small Game and Waterfowl Permit or 1-Day Small Game and Waterfowl Permit in addition to their license.
Tier System
A designated waterfowl hunt location is a marked location (via physical stake or Global Positioning System [GPS] coordinates) established by the TWRA upon which a permanent blind may be constructed, depending on Tier designation as determined by TWRA, at Barkley Unit I, Big Sandy (including Gin Creek Unit), Camden Units I and II, Cheatham Lake, Gooch Unit A, Haynes Bottom, Old Hickory Units I and II, Tigrett, AEDC (Woods Reservoir), West Sandy, and Reelfoot.
Tier 1 Blind Sites
Tier 1 permits will be valid for the entire regular waterfowl season. Learn more about applying on the Waterfowl Page.
Tier 2 Blind Sites
Typically, Tier 2 permits will be valid for two (2), three (3), or four (4) day hunt periods.
Tier 4 Locations
Tier 4 Locations may or may not have permanent blinds.
“Blind hopping”
A waterfowl hunt permittee, an individual to whom the TWRA issued a permit for Tier 1 blinds, must occupy his/her blind or hunt location by the legal daily opening shooting time on days he/she wishes to hunt, and if the blind or hunt location is unoccupied at that time by the permittee, the first person or party occupying the blind ("blind hopper") shall be entitled to the privilege of its exclusive and uninterrupted use until the end of shooting hours that day. Exclusive and uninterrupted use entitles the person or party the right to exclude all others from the blind or hunt location at the person’s or party’s option, except for law enforcement personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. The permittee has priority use (exclusive and uninterrupted) only if he/she is at the blind or hunt location on or before the legal daily opening shooting time, even if the blind or hunt location is occupied by another person or party, provided the permittee produces identification and his/her permit.
The “blind hopping” allowance does not apply to Tier 2 blinds.
Temporary Hunt Locations
Hunting will be permitted from permanent draw blinds and temporary blinds on Camden-Unit II, Big Sandy (including Gin Creek Unit), Barkley Unit II, Cordell Hull, Reelfoot, Tigrett, and West Sandy in accordance with statewide rules and regulations.
Any temporary blinds and decoys must be at least two hundred (200) yards from any Tier 1, 2, or 4 waterfowl hunt locations blind and must be removed from the area at the end of shooting each day.
Application periods
Claiming Your Permit
Reelfoot and West Sandy (Springville Bottoms) permanently registered blinds:
Reelfoot blinds must be registered with the TWRA from February 18 through July 31 and require the purchase of a Reelfoot Duck Blind Permit.
Wheelchair-bound blind sites
Certain WMAs have special blind sites established for wheelchair-bound hunters. See specific WMAs, if applicable.
Properties with accessible blinds:• Camden• Cheatham Lake• Cordell Hull• North Chickamauga Creek Varner Unit• Old Hickory Unit 1• Reelfoot• West Sandy
Youths hunting waterfowl on a WMA
Youths, ages 6–16, must be accompanied by an adult, 18 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device, except as otherwise noted.
Veterans and active military waterfowl on a WMA
Veterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), participate in the special Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Season on WMAs.
