Hunt Specifics
- Applicants must be 6 or older at the time of the hunt to apply for the WMA Big Game. Youth WMA Big Game applicants must be between 6-16 years old, at the time of the hunt.
- WMA Big Game applicants may select up to 15 hunt choices.
- Applicants may select up to 7 hunt choices for Youth WMA Big Game.
- This hunt utilizes priority points. Priority points in a party will be averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number.
- Parties may have up to 15 applicants, including the party leader.
- Applicants will not be drawn for two hunts occurring on the same or overlapping dates.
- Applicants will only be issued one permit for each drawing they have entered and are successful in.
2026 WMA Big Game Hunts - Locations and Dates
Hunt Choices
Weapon Type (WT) - the letter that represents the hunting device allowed on the hunt (unless otherwise noted).
A = Archery. Archery equipment only.
M = Muzzleloader. Hunters may use muzzleloaders or archery equipment.
S = Shotgun. Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloaders or archery
equipment. Note: Muzzleloaders are prohibited on shotgun turkey hunts.
G = Gun. Hunters may use guns, shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment.
Date - the dates of the specific hunt choice.
Quota - the number of permits that can be issued for the specific hunt choice.
Bag Limit - the harvest restriction for the duration of the specific hunt choice.
All harvests count toward the statewide limit unless otherwise noted.
| Location |
Event Start |
Event End |
Participant Limit |
Special Instructions |
11/06/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/west-tennessee-r1/buffalo-ridge-refuge.html" target="_blank">Buffalo Ridge Unit 2</a> Gun. Two deer, only one antlered. Deer count towards statewide bag limit.Scouting dates: Nov. 28-29. Map and special rules will be mailed to participants. 11/23/2026 10/25/2026 Gun. One antlered deer (bonus deer). Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. 10/09/2026 Archery. Two deer, no more than one antlered (bonus deer). Hunters required to check out big game at WMA check stations when stations are in operation. Archery. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m First Saturday in December for the December hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. 3 deer total, Only 1 Antlered. 11/19/2026 10/08/2026 Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit.Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders. First Saturday in December for the December hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. Turkey scouting date: 7:00 a.m. to noon, on the Saturday prior to the first hunt permit holders and approved youths only. 11/21/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/fishing/where-to-fish/middle-tennessee-r2/williamsport-lakes.html" target="_blank">Williamsport</a> <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/west-tennessee-r1/buffalo-ridge-refuge.html" target="_blank">Buffalo Ridge Unit 4</a> <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/hiwassee-refuge.html" target="_blank">Hiwassee Refuge </a> 09/25/2026 11/07/2026 10/30/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/middle-tennessee-r2/happy-hollow-wma.html" target="_blank">Happy Hollow</a> Muzzleloader. Two deer, no more than one antlered (bonus deer). Hunters required to check out big game at WMA check stations when stations are in operation. Bonus deer. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/tellico-lake-wma.html" target="_blank">Tellico Lake- West Unit</a> <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/catoosa-wma.html" target="_blank">Catoosa- Bicolor (Antler Restrictions)</a> Archery. One deer, either sex, and one bear. Deer and bear counts toward statewide bag limit. Gun. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward the statewide bag limit. Must check out deer at a Catoosa WMA check station. Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Guides are prohibited on all hunts. 10/11/2026 Shotgun–Muzzleloader-Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m First Saturday of December for the December hunt permit holders. For deer hunts those hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones as designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt date for which they have a permit. Archery. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Archery. Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders.Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders.Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. Turkey scouting date: 7:00 a.m. to noon, on the Saturday prior to the first hunt permit holders and approved youths only. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/middle-tennessee-r2/laurel-hill-wma.html" target="_blank">Laurel Hill (Antler Restrictions)</a> 10/31/2026 Archery. Two deer, no more than one antlered. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. Antlered deer must have minimum of 9 points, or 15-inch minimum main beam outside antler spread. Gun. Two deer, one antlered and one antlerless. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 9 points or a 15–inch minimum main beam outside antler spread on all hunts. All deer must be checked out at Catoosa WMA check station. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. 11/20/2026 Archery. One deer antlered only and one bear. Deer and bear count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting date: Nov. 29. All deer must be checked at the Otey Mills Refuge check station. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Gun. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward statewide bag limit. 09/21/2026 10/05/2026 Muzzleloader. Two deer, only one antlered. Deer count towards statewide bag limit.Scouting dates: Nov. 7-8. Map and special rules will be mailed to participants. 11/08/2026 12/19/2026 Archery. Two deer, only one antlered. Deer count towards statewide bag limit. Scouting dates: Sep. 26-27. Map and special rules will be mailed to participants. 09/27/2026 11/27/2026 Shotgun-Muzzleloader. Two deer, antlered or antlerless, only one may be antlered (bonus deer). All hunting is subject to coordination with military training operations and is subject to closure. All hunters are required to sign in, fill out a card, and keep a portion of the card on their person while hunting. All hunters must fill out an observation card at the end of each hunt and deposit it at one of the sign-in stations. Deer-Archery Zones may be hunted on any scheduled deer hunt with archery equipment only. Shotgun–Muzzleloader-Archery. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.first Saturday in December for the December hunt permit holders. For deer hunts those hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones as designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt date for which they have a permit. 12/04/2026 12/13/2026 Gun. Two deer, antlered or antlerless but only one can be antlered (bonus deer). The WMA is open one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset on hunt days. 12/07/2026 Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit.Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. first Saturday in December for the December hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. Turkey scouting date: 7:00 a.m. to noon, on the Saturday prior to the first hunt permit holders and approved youths only. Archery. One deer antlered only and one bear. Deer and bear count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting date: Oct. 4. All deer and bear must be checked at the Otey Mills Refuge check station. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. 10/18/2026 11/30/2026 Gun. Two deer, antlered or antlerless, only one may be antlered. (bonus deer). Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Muzzleloader. Two deer, no more than one antlered. (bonus deer). <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/oak-ridge-wma.html" target="_blank">Oak Ridge- Zone 1 (SHOTGUN ZONE)</a> 12/11/2026 10/03/2026 11/14/2026 11/28/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/west-tennessee-r1/presidents-island-wma.html" target="_blank">Presidents Island (Excluding Ensley Unit) (Antler Restrictions)</a> <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/west-tennessee-r1/buffalo-ridge-refuge.html" target="_blank">Buffalo Ridge Unit 3</a> <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/east-tennessee-r4/north-cumberland-wma.html" target="_blank">Otey Mills Refuge (Antler Restrictions)</a> 11/01/2026 Muzzleloader. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward the statewide bag limit. Must check out deer at a Catoosa WMA check station. Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Guides are prohibited on all hunts. 12/12/2026 10/02/2026 Archery. Two deer, no more than one antlered. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. Antlered deer must have minimum of 9 points, or 15-inch minimum main beam outside antler spread. 10/16/2026 11/13/2026 Muzzleloader. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward statewide bag limit. 11/15/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/east-tennessee-r4/chuck-swan-wma.html" target="_blank">Chuck Swan State Forest</a> 11/29/2026 10/22/2026 Muzzleloader. One antlered deer. (bonus deer). Archery. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. Turkey scouting date: 7:00 a.m. to noon, on the Saturday prior to the first hunt permit holders and approved youths only. 12/14/2026 12/06/2026 11/09/2026 10/23/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/prentice-cooper-wma.html" target="_blank">Prentice Cooper State Forest</a> 09/20/2026 11/12/2026 Muzzleloader. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward the statewide bag limit.Must check out deer at a Catoosa WMA check station. Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. Guides are prohibited on all hunts. 12/05/2026 Gun. Two deer, no more than one antlered (bonus deer). Shotgun–Muzzleloader-Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the last Saturday in October for the November hunt permit holders. For deer hunts those hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones as designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt date for which they have a permit. Gun. Three deer, no more than one antlered (bonus deer). Scout day is Saturday before each hunt. During the hunt, one non-hunting youth under the age of 16 may accompany an adult hunter who has a valid WMA quota permit. No boat access. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 9 points or a 15–inch minimum main beam outside antler spread. Bonus deer. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/middle-tennessee-r2/aedc-wma-and-woods-reservoir-refuge.html" target="_blank">AEDC</a> 11/16/2026 Archery. Two deer, not more than one antlered (bonus deer). Bonus deer. 09/19/2026 10/10/2026 Gun. One deer, antlered only. Deer counts toward the statewide bag limit.Must check out deer at a Catoosa WMA check station. Antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. Guides are prohibited on all hunts. 12/21/2026 Shotgun–Muzzleloader-Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the last Saturday in October for the November hunt permit holder. For deer hunts those hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones as designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt date for which they have a permit. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/middle-tennessee-r2/cheatham-wma.html" target="_blank">Cheatham (Antler Restrictions)</a> Muzzleloader. Two deer, antlered or antlerless but only one can be antlered (bonus deer). The WMA is open one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset on hunt days. Archery. One antlered deer must have at least 9 antler points or a 20 inch minimum outside spread. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. S0couting date: Dec. 3. Hunters must check in at hunter check station before hunting and check out at completion of each day’s hunt. Permit will be held while hunters hunt. Access permitted from Farm Road only. No access permitted from Mississippi River, McKellar Lake, or from the Causeway. Shotgun–Muzzleloader-Archery. Three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered (bonus deer). Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the last Saturday in October for the November hunt permit holders. For deer hunts those hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones as designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt date for which they have a permit. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/catoosa-ridge-refuge.html" target="_blank">Catoosa Ridge Refuge</a> Gun. Two deer, one antlered and one antlerless. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 9 points or a 15–inch minimum main beam outside antler spread on all hunts. All deer must be checked out at Catoosa WMA check station. <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/yuchi-refuge.html" target="_blank">Yuchi Refuge (Antler Restrictions)</a> Muzzleloader. Two deer, one antlered and one antlerless. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 9 points or a 15–inch minimum main beam outside antler spread on all hunts. All deer must be checked out at Catoosa WMA check station. Archery. Two deer no more than one antlered, one male bearded turkey. (bonus deer). Archery. Three (3) deer, antlerless only (bonus deer). While deer hunting, one (1) male turkey may be harvested and will count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting dates: 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. last Saturday in October for November hunt permit holders. For deer hunts, hunters who have a DOE security badge for Oak Ridge and possess an Oak Ridge archery hunt permit may hunt in the Badged Only Archery-Only Hunting Zones designated on the current Deer Hunt Map during the hunt dates for which they have a permit. Archery. One antlered deer must have at least 9 antler points or a 20 inch minimum outside spread. Deer count toward statewide bag limit. Scouting date: Oct. 15. Hunters must check in at hunter check station before hunting and check out at completion of each day’s hunt. Permit will be held while hunters hunt. Access permitted from Farm Road only. No access permitted from Mississippi River, McKellar Lake, or from the Causeway. 10/29/2026
2026 WMA Big Game Youth Hunts - Locations and Dates
| Location |
Event Starts |
Event Ends |
Participant Limit |
Special Instructions |
10/24/2026 Shotgun/Muzzleloader Two deer, no more than one antlered. Bonus deer. 09/26/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/yuchi-refuge.html" target="_blank">Yuchi Refuge</a> 10/03/2026 11/14/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/tellico-lake-wma.html" target="_blank">Tellico Lake- McGhee-Carson Unit</a> Shotgun. One deer, antlered or antlerless. Bonus deer. Youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years or older. 09/20/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/east-tennessee-r4/chuck-swan-wma.html" target="_blank">Chuck Swan</a> Gun. Three deer, only one antlered. Bonus deer. Scout day is the 19 September. No boat access. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 9 points or a 15–inch minimum main beam outside antler spread. Archery. One deer either sex. Antlered deer count toward statewide bag limitScouting date: Nov. 1. All deer must be checked at the Otey Mills Refuge check station. Antlered deer must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler or a 15 inch minimum outside antler spread. 10/25/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/east-tennessee-r4/north-cumberland-wma.html" target="_blank">Otey Mills Refuge (Antler Restrictions) </a> 11/15/2026 10/04/2026 <a href="https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas/cumberland-plateau-r3/hiwassee-refuge.html" target="_blank">Hiwassee Refuge</a> Gun. One deer, antlered or antlerless. Bonus deer. 09/19/2026 09/27/2026
2026 WMA Big Game Leftover Permits
WMA Big Game and Youth WMA Big Game leftover permits will be available for purchase on GoOutdoorsTennessee
Leftover Permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 19 - September 14, 2026, at 8 a.m.
2025 Draw Results
Results will be displayed after the draw
| Area/Unit |
Total Applicants |
Quota |
Total Successful with pts |
Successful in 2nd drawing no pts considered |
Total Awarded Permit |
Applicants w/ 0 Pts |
Successful w/ 0 Pts |
Applicants w/ 1 Pts |
Successful w/ 1 Pts |
Applicants w/ 2 Pts |
Successful w/ 2 Pts |
Applicants w/ 3 Pts |
Successful w/ 3 Pts |
Applicants w/ 4 Pts |
Successful w/ 4 Pts |
Applicants w/ 5 Pts |
Successful w/ 5 Pts |
Applicants w/ 6 Pts |
Successful w/ 6 Pts |
Applicants w/ 7 Pts |
Successful w/ 7 Pts |
Applicants w/ 8 Pts |
Successful w/ 8 Pts |
Applicants w/ 9 Pts |
Successful w/ 9 Pts |
Applicants w/ 10 Pts |
Successful w/ 10 Pts |
Applicants w/ 11 Pts |
Successful w/ 11 Pts |
Applicants w/ 12 Pts |
Successful w/ 12 Pts |
Applicants w/ 13 Pts |
Successful w/ 13 Pts |
Applicants w/ 14 Pts |
Successful w/ 14 Pts |
Applicants w/ 15 Pts |
Successful w/ 15 Pts |
Presidents Island (Excluding Ensley Unit) (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 17-19 Chuck Swan State Forest Dec.5-6 Buffalo Ridge Unit 2 Dec. 6-8 Prentice Cooper State Forest Sept. 20-22 Yuchi Refuge (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 8-9 Prentice Cooper State Forest Oct. 23-25 Catoosa- Genesis (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 20-22 Oak Ridge- Zone 2 (ARCHERY ZONE) Nov. 8-9 Tellico Lake- West Unit Nov. 15-16 Cheatham (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 7-9 Oak Ridge- Zone 1 (SHOTGUN ZONE) Nov. 8-9 Williamsport Dec. 13-15 Yuchi Refuge- Upland Zone (Antler Restrictions) Dec. 13-14 Happy Hollow Nov. 22-24 Prentice Cooper State Forest Oct. 9-11 Catoosa- Genesis (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 13-15 Presidents Island (Excluding Ensley Unit) (Antler Restrictions) Dec. 5-7 Williamsport Dec. 6-8 Chuck Swan State Forest Dec. 12-13 Laurel Hill (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 16-19 Catoosa- Bicolor (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 13-15 Williamsport Nov. 1-3 Williamsport Nov. 22-24 Yuchi Refuge (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 25-26 Catoosa- Bicolor (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 20-22 Williamsport Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Tellico Lake- West Unit Oct. 11-12 Oak Ridge- Zone 1 (SHOTGUN ZONE) Nov. 1-2 Hiwassee Refuge Oct. 24-26 Happy Hollow Dec. 6 - 8 Happy Hollow Dec. 20-22 Tellico Lake- West Unit Dec. 13-14 Buffalo Ridge Unit 2. Oct. 4-6 Cheatham (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 31-Nov.2 AEDC Nov. 14-16 Laurel Hill (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 28-30 Buffalo Ridge Unit 2. Nov. 14-17 Oak Ridge- Zone 2 (ARCHERY ZONE) Dec. 13-14 Laurel Hill (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 14-16 Cheatham (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 14-21 Catoosa- Genesis (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 23-25 Hiwassee Refuge Oct. 31-Nov. 2 Oak Ridge- Zone 2 (ARCHERY ZONE) Nov. 1-2 Otey Mills Refuge (Antler Restrictions) Dec. 5-6 Tellico Lake- West Unit Sept. 20-21 AEDC Nov. 28-30 Chuck Swan State Forest Oct. 3-4 Chuck Swan State Forest Nov. 14-15 Laurel Hill (Antler Restrictions) Dec. 5-7 Oak Ridge- Zone 1 (SHOTGUN ZONE) Dec. 13-14 Otey Mills Refuge (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 10-11 Catoosa- Bicolor (Antler Restrictions) Oct. 23-25 Cheatham (Antler Restrictions) Nov. 22-29 Hiwassee Refuge Sept. 26-28
