Big Game Hunting on WMAs

Permits: WMAs with a “BG” after the name 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 Nonquota Special Season/WMA Big Game. Quota Permits must be obtained by application to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and are allocated based upon a computer random drawing. Annual Nonquota Special Season/WMA Big Game Permits (Type 094), or Type 167 permits are available at all license agents and offices of the TWRA and are valid for all nonquota big game hunts, including the Cherokee WMA, for the entire license year. Lifetime Sportsman and Sportsman License holders do not need to purchase the nonquota permit, and may apply for quota permits at no charge.

On the Cherokee WMA, a Type 094, Type 095 or Type 167 is required to hunt big game and is valid for all nonquota Cherokee WMA big game hunts. Type 095 permits are not valid for any other WMA.

WMA permits are not transferable.

Young Sportsman’s Hunts: Young Sportsman’s deer hunts are for youths age 6-16 unless otherwise noted. Proper licenses and permits required. Each youth must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult. Both adult and youth must wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange.

Youths 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, age 6–16, are required to have a WMA permit (Type 094) or a quota permit where applicable, unless they are hunting with a Lifetime License. Youths age 6–16 may also apply for WMA quota hunts. Youths age 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.

WMA Big Game Quota Hunts: Deadline for applications is July 27, 2011. See page 34 for information.

Cherokee party dog hunts: Applications are available from the TWRA Region III Office (931) 484-9571 from May to June.

Muzzleloading firearms are legal on all gun hunts except where indicated under the individual WMA listings.

Antlered and Antlerless Defined: Deer taken on buck-only hunts must have at least one antler a minimum of three (3) inches in length unless otherwise specified. On antlerless only hunts, antlerless deer are defined as those deer with no antlers or deer with antlers less than three (3) inches in length.

Tagging and Checking Stations: It is unlawful to move, transport, or field dress any big game animal, taken on WMAs open with statewide seasons without validating a properly completed temporary kill tag. If additional animals are to be harvested on that calendar day, the hunter is not required to stop hunting and tag the animal until he/she is ready to move, transport, or field dress the animal. All animals harvested must be accompanied by one animal with a validated temporary kill tag and must be checked in on the same calendar day at a big game checking station or a TWRA internet site where one new temporary kill tag will be issued. Evidence of species and sex must be available for inspection by a wildlife officer or agency-designated personnel prior to issuance of permanent game tag. The permanent harvest tag is a legal document and must be signed by the hunter. By signing the permanent harvest tag, the hunter is affirming that the information, as it appears on the permanent tag, is correct and valid. The permanent game tag must remain with each carcass until final processing. All big game taken to a taxidermist to be mounted must be accompanied by documentation showing the permanent game tag number and date of harvest.

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 treestands, 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.