Yuchi Refuge
Directions and Description
Site Directions: From Crossville, take 127/68 toward Spring City, turn at Hwy 68 toward Sweetwater, go three miles and turn right onto Hwy 302, go 4.5 miles, and turn left on Breedenton Ferry Road at Bogels Chapel. At the split in the road, Bogles Chapel Road goes to the right and heads towards the observation tower and the river.
From Dayton, take Hwy 30E toward Decatur, turn left on Hwy 302, go 4.1 miles, and turn right on Breedenton Ferry Road at Bogles Chapel, follow Breedington Ferry Road to the intersection, and turn right at the intersection. The checking station is two to three miles on the left at Old Bogles Chapel Church. Lat: 35.5783°N Long: -84.84273°W
The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, except the Wetland Zone is closed from November 15 through the last day of February, note hunting seasons. License fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 3 Office Phone: 1-931-484-9571, Toll-Free: 1-833-402-4698, E-mail the office, Yuchi Refuge Office: 1-423-365-9571 TWRA Area Manager: Brian Letner 1-423-365-9571
Description: Smith Bend/Yuchi Refuge is a unique 2,500-acre tract on the Tennessee River, with three miles of riverfront, 1,000 acres of wetland, and 1,500 acres of upland forest. Paved roads pass through the refuge. Extensive grasslands provide ample habitat for shrubland and grassland birds. There is an observation tower that overlooks the floodplain, river, and bluffs.
The Bend is home to almost every species of wildlife native to the region. It is especially important for Sandhill Cranes and waterfowl. Though this site does not offer the same breathtaking overlooks and natural features that the Cumberland Plateau is known for, it is home to some of the very best opportunities to see a wide array of birds and butterflies.
This site is also home to several unique habitats not found elsewhere in the region, such as cedar glades and prairie grasslands. This site is a must for bird, wildflower, and butterfly enthusiasts. White Ibis were present in late summer 2011, while Northern Harriers are common in winter. Stopping to bird watch at grasslands like this one in winter will yield a variety of sparrows and maybe some quail.
Northern Bobwhite may be seen on the roads. Swamp, Song, and White-throated Sparrows are common in winter.
Regulations & Dates
Non-toxic shot only in Wetland Zone. Wetland Zone closed to all forms of public use, including all forms of trespass, from Nov. 15 - the last day of Feb.
No boat access. No ATV, ORV, or horseback riding is permitted.
During big game quota hunts, one (1) non-hunting juvenile under the age of 16 may accompany an adult hunter (18 years or older) who has a valid WMA quota permit. During deer gun hunts, non-hunting juveniles must also comply with blaze orange regulations specified for legal hunters.
Small Game and Trapping - same as statewide seasons, except as noted.
Closed to quail hunting. Small Game seasons closed in Wetland Zone from Nov. 15 - last day of Feb. Small game hunting closes at sunset the day before and during scheduled big game hunts.
Wood Duck, Teal - Same as Sept. Wood Duck/Teal season. No duck hunters permitted on the refuge from two (2) hours after shooting hours have ended until 4 a.m. the following day. Walk-in access only. No boat access from the river
Dove - Sept. 1 until the end of the first segment.
Raccoon, Opossum - Nov. 19 until the last day of Feb. Hunting permitted on Tuesday and Wednesday only, sunset to sunrise. Bag limit on raccoons, one (1) per person per night. No limit on opossums. All dogs must be removed from the area prior to sunrise on Thursday.
Rabbit - Nov. 15 – last day of February. Bag limit on rabbits is three (3) per day.
Deer - Antlered deer must have a minimum of four points on one (1) antler or a fifteen-inch minimum outside antler spread on all hunts.
Deer (Gun - Young Sportsman) - Three (3) hunts: Sept. 28–29, Oct. 5–6, and Oct. 19–20, 2024. Hunter quota 75 each hunt. Three (3) deer, only one (1) antlered (bonus deer). Antler point restrictions do not apply to these hunts.
Deer (Gun): Two (2) hunts: Oct. 26–27 and Nov. 9–10, 2024. Hunter quota 75. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (Bonus deer). First deer harvested must be antlerless.
Deer (Gun) (Upland Zone) - One (1) hunt: Dec. 14–15, 2024. Hunter quota 50. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). First deer harvested must be antlerless.
Turkey - Four (4) hunts: March 28–30, April 4-6, April 11–13 and May 18–20, 2025. Hunter quota 10. One (1) male bearded turkey. Counts toward statewide bag limit. Hunting ends at noon. Walk-in only.
Turkey (Young Sportsman) - One (1) hunt: March 22–23, 2025. Hunter quota 15. One (1) male bearded turkey. Counts toward statewide bag limit. Hunting ends at noon. Walk-in only.
Dog training - Nov. 15 to last day of Feb. in upland zone. Closed to dog training in wetland zone. Daylight hours only. No fox or coyote chasing. No dog training one day before and during scheduled big game hunts.
Retriever Dog Field Trials - Pre-approved by the Area Manager at least 30 days in advance of trial dates.
Photos and Videos
