Thorny Cypress WMA

Directions and Description

WMA map

Directions: Parking/pull-off on Yarbro Rd, just north of Hwy 104, Lat-Long: 36.057287, -89.572159. Access road north through the WMA, Lat-Long: 36.097626, -89.559368. Oxbow Lake and old fields,  Lat-Long: 36.091748, -89.54053. 

The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, please note hunting seasonsLicense 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: Josh Emerson 1-731-285-6124

Description: The Dyer County Tennessee WMA is approximately 3,100 acres and consists of hardwood reforestation. Several shallow water ponds are managed for waterfowl.  A lake is found on the east side of the WMA on the unit north of I-155. Mature hardwood forests and edges are present in many areas.  Large numbers of waterfowl may be present in winter, including MallardNorthern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, and American Wigeon.  Birdwatchers can find: LeConte’s SparrowFoxSwampSongField SparrowsWhite-crowned SparrowsLoggerhead ShrikesShort-eared OwlsNorthern Harriers, and Red-tailed Hawks


Regulations & Dates

CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply

Big Game, Small Gameand Trapping are the same as statewide seasons except as noted.   Areas within 150 yards of draw waterfowl pools are closed during all small game, trapping, and statewide deer gun season(s).

Closed to Fall Turkey hunting.

Turkey - One (1) non-quota hunt; April 12 - May 4, 2025. Bag limit one (1) male bearded turkey counts towards the statewide bag limit.

Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide season.

Dog training - Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, 2024

Quail - Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025.

Waterfowl - Same as statewide season, except hunting of waterfowl during the duck season occurring in Nov. - Feb. permitted only on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and the first and last day of each segment of the late duck seasons and the youth/military waterfowl seasons. Goose season to coincide with the statewide season after the youth waterfowl season, no pool restrictions or day, except the last day of each season and the remaining goose seasons when hunting shall close at sunset.

Designated pools (except Pool 10, Pool 11, and Pool 12) will be allocated by computer draw pools. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to temporary blind sites. Hunters are restricted to pools or number stakes as specified by special instructions supplied by TWRA annually. All hunters in a party are required to hunt in the same temporary blind site for which they are drawn. Decoys and temporary blinds may be left out over the specified hunt but must be removed upon completion of the hunt on the last day.

Pools 10, 11, and 12: No waterfowl hunters are permitted in Pools 10, 11, and 12 (non-draw pools) and no access is allowed from two hours after legal shooting hours have ended until 4:00 a.m. the following day during the duck seasons occurring in Nov-Feb. No permanent blinds. All decoys, temporary blinds, blind materials, and boats must be removed daily from Pools 10, 11, and 12.

All waterfowl hunting shall cease at 3 p.m. (CST) each day, except the last day of each season and the remaining goose seasons when hunting shall close at sunset.

TN Hunting Season Summary

Hunting Regulations Link
Buy a license link
Interactive Map of Barkley WMA
2023-24 Hunting Guide
Report a sick deer here.
Report an Animal Encounter
Email sign up link