Small Game Hunting on WMAs

Permits: In order to hunt or trap small game on WMAs 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 (Type 167); Annual Small Game only (Type 093); 1-Day Small Game and Waterfowl (Type 092); or Annual Small Game and Waterfowl (Type 091). (Lifetime Sportsman, Sportsman License holders or youths age 6-16 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 specific WMA listing for those closures.

Groundhog, and striped skunk hunting is permitted on all wildlife management areas during any scheduled small game hunt unless special exception is indicated.

Small game hunting with center-fire rifles and shotguns: Rifles and handguns using center-fire ammunition are prohibited for hunting all small game species on wildlife management areas with only a few exceptions: Rifles and handguns using center-fire ammunition are legal for hunting beaver, bobcat, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, and crows, only during big game seasons and the hunter must be a licensed legal big game hunter. Coyotes may be taken on any hunt but only with the firearm or archery equipment that is legal for that hunt.

Crow may be taken on small game hunt days that coincide with the statewide crow season.

Falconry open with statewide falconry seasons.

Bobcat and fox may be taken on any hunt that coincides with the statewide bobcat season.

Raccoon and opossum hunting is from sunset of the date shown to sunrise of the next day. Raccoon dog field trials permitted Sep. 1–Apr. 30 unless prohibited.

Field Trials: Small game (except raccoon) and retriever field trials permitted year-round with approval of the area manager unless otherwise specified.

Dogs are allowed for small game hunting unless special exception is indicated. A permit is required for dog training on areas which 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 a WMA: 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.