Quota Hunts

• What exactly is a quota hunt?

TWRA realizes that on some WMAs, the number of animals harvested must be restricted so there will not be a major impact on the wildlife. In these areas, the agency uses a quota hunt system. Wildlife biologists determine how many animals need to be harvested then determine how many permits need to be issued in order to reach their harvest goals. The permits are then allocated and the end result is a quota hunt.

• What types of quota hunts are there?

Quota hunts are drawn hunts and these are for specific hunts on WMAs during the fall and spring big game hunting seasons. Hunters apply for individual hunts, and then a computer randomly selects hunters until all the permits are allocated. More information about the WMA drawn hunts is found in WMA General Regulations.

• How do I apply for a quota hunt?

All applications are electronically processed through the “Online License Center” on the internet at www.tnwildlife.org or through any TWRA license agent. No mail-in applications are accepted.

• What is “priority”?

Tennessee has a priority point system in place for several of its WMA quota hunts. An applicant is awarded one point for each year he/she applies and is not drawn for that quota drawing, i.e., WMA Big Game, Spring Turkey WMA, etc. Applicants with the highest priority are always drawn first.

Priority Facts:

• In order to be drawn with priority, applicants must apply either alone or in a party in which all applicants have the same priority status. If a party includes a member with a different priority, that party (and all its members) will be drawn at the lowest priority of the application.
• Each applicant’s priority is individual; it is only in the drawing that an applicant’s party priority is considered. When a party is unsuccessful, each applicant’s actual current priority status will increase by one point up to the maximum.
• Each point system is unique and separate for the different quota drawings.
• When a person is drawn for a quota hunt his/her priority points will be reset to “0” the following year.
• Spring Turkey WMA: Maximum of five (5) priority points.
• WMA Big Game: No limit. Currently the maximum number of priority points any hunter will have going into the 2012 WMA drawing will be seven (7).
• Elk hunts: no priority. An applicant successfully drawn may not reapply for 10 years.
• No priority points are given to youths applying for Young Sportsman hunts.
• How much does it cost to apply?

Unless you are a Sportsman (Type 004), Lifetime License holder, or senior possessing a Type 167, the cost is $10.00 non-refundable for each permit applied for. Example: The “Maximum Awarded Permits” for WMA Big Game is two, meaning two drawings are held for the same pool of applicants. You may choose to enter one drawing, you will only be eligible for one permit and the cost will be $10.00, plus any applicable fees. If you enter both drawings, you will be eligible for two permits and the cost will be $20.00, plus any fees. You must choose the number of drawings, party information and hunt choices on one application. Please see the instruction sheet for the hunt you are interested in for additional information.

Any questions regarding Quota Hunts, please call (615) 781-6621.