Hunting near Knoxville (Oak Ridge: lease, how much, farmer)

[bassman]

I was wondering if there is hunting (ie. deer and bird) available on public land around the Knoxville area or within an hours drive, or do you have to lease land from someone.

If you have to lease the land, any idea how much it cost? Is it hard to find land to hunt on.

Lastly, what are the favorite things to hunt for in Tennessee?

Thanks,

Brian

[BST]

Not a hunter myself, so I don't know much about leased land. Deer seems to be the favorite game in the area, followed by duck. Sometimes the national park will allow boar hunting to help thin the herd...but I don't think that's an annual season like the others.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency link to game wardens R us.

[oldmanbob]

Hey Bassman, there are several places all within an hours drive to hunt deer, and you have to apply and be drawn, for several, and then many farms, in places like Morgan county, and others, that will give persmission. Most ot the lease properties, are usually in west Tennessee, and not sure about rates. Dove hunting is real popular here, and can again get permission from several farmer land owners. We have lots of friends, that go in large groups, and will be happy to include you.

[stikw]

the entire eastern border,excluding GSMNP, is open to public hunting. there is TVA land around the area lakes that is open to hunting for deer,bears and hogs. we have 90+ WMAs. some limited access and some open with statewide seasons. the farther west you go, the better the deer hunting. plenty of public land is available to tennessee hunters. good luck.

[piedmont]

There are a lot of options for deer hunting on public lands. Good options for waterfowl, too. We are bird hunters and will travel farther afield for that (probably to AEDC and Ft Campbell).

The WMAs are worth learning about (and each have their own particular rules and dates). Cherokee National Forest offers lot of options, too.

[Kitties of Domination]

I have heard that there is even a bear season (limit 1) in areas outside the park in Sevier Co. May require a special permit (not sure). Deer seems to be the big thing, however. Plenty of fervent buck hunters in the area.

[aquarijen]

I'm not a hunter, but I know there are a couple of weekends that are open to public (registered) hunting at the Oak Ridge National Lab reservation and that seems pretty popular and interesting. Here's info:
Oak Ridge Reservation Hunt Information

[stikw]

Tennessee Deer Hunting .Com ~ Tndeer.Com

[TedTLPN]

Originally Posted by aquarijen

I'm not a hunter, but I know there are a couple of weekends that are open to public (registered) hunting at the Oak Ridge National Lab reservation and that seems pretty popular and interesting. Here's info:
Oak Ridge Reservation Hunt Information

I have HEARD.... Note HEARD.... That they don't allow you to keep the Oak Ridge deer.

[hiknapster]

It is a highly monitored hunt. They check the deer for radiation.

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/rmal/deer_hunt_procedure.pdf