South Fork Waterfowl Refuge
Directions and Description
Directions: There are two access points to this area, both of which are directly off Highway 412 and on the south side of Highway 412. East Parking Lot – Lat. 35.6656 N, Long. -88.9145 W: West Parking Lot – Lat. 35.6706 N, Long. 88.9443 W
The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, except closed to all activities five days before the first opening of the late duck season to Feb. 15. Please note hunting seasons. License fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 1 Office 1-731-423-5725, Toll-Free 1-800-372-3928, e-mail the office, TWRA Area Manager: Andrew Rutherford 1-731-345-9992
Description: This WMA is in Madison County, Tennessee, and consists of 778 acres of predominantly seasonal and permanent wetlands. There are some portions of the area that have bottomland forests. The South Fork Forked Deer River runs along the southern boundary; therefore, this area is prone to extensive flooding. The forest and swamps of the area provide some excellent habitats for woodland birds. Prothonotary Warblers are common breeding birds in summer. A wide variety of waterfowl species can be present during the winter months.
Regulations & Dates
CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply
Big Game and Small Game are the same as statewide seasons, except closed to all activities from Nov. 15 - Feb 15. All hunting other than waterfowl is prohibited during the duck season occurring in Nov. - Feb. No access during refuge closure dates except for waterfowl hunters on open hunt days. Closed to Fall turkey season.
Spring Turkey - April 3-25, 2027. One (1) male bearded turkey, counts toward the statewide bag limit.
Spring Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide season and bag limit.
Waterfowl - Same as statewide seasons, except waterfowl hunting on Saturday and Sunday only during duck season occurring in Nov. - Feb. Goose seasons to coincide with statewide seasons, after Youth/Military Waterfowl Season. Walk in only, except in high water, where access can be obtained via the South Forked Deer River by boat. No blinds, decoys, or materials may be left overnight. All hunting shall cease at 3 p.m. except the last day of the season, when hunting closes at sunset. No access before 4 a.m. or after 5 p.m. No access during refuge closure dates except for waterfowl hunters on open hunt days.
