Attention to all hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Tennessee, the application period for the prestigious 2024 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Big Game quota hunts and the Cherokee party hunts for bears will open soon. According to a release from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the window to apply starts on June 12 and will remain open through July 24.
Prospective applicants should take note, that traditional mail-in entries won't cut it. Submission of applications can only be done online or in person, and must be completed by the deadline of midnight (CDT) on July 24. Detailed information about the hunts, the relevant dates, and the associated rules can be found on the Quota Hunts section of the TWRA website.
For those interested in the BIG GAME WMA QUOTA HUNTS, each person can apply for up to 15 hunt choices from a pool of 60. A slightly different set-up is reserved for the youth, who can select seven. Whether you're flying solo or applying as a member of a party, which can include up to 15 people, the system is designed for flexibility. If there's still availability after the initial draw, TWRA will release the remaining permits starting August 21, on a first come, first serve basis. These can be snatched up through the TWRA mobile app, online, or at any regional office or TWRA license agent location.
Turning our gaze to the CHEROKEE BEAR PARTY HUNTS, parties looking to track the elusive bear have 16 hunt choices to mull over, with the necessary group size ranging between 50 to 75 members. No prior points will give you a leg up for these spots, and bringing dogs along is not only permitted, but encouraged. As for the application process, there are several methods laid out by TWRA – including an online portal, their mobile app, regional offices, and through any licensed agent.
The TWRA makes it cost-effective for Annual Sportsman License holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders, or seniors with an Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License, waiving any application fees. Others need to pony up a modest non-refundable $12 handling fee, and an additional vendor fee for each drawing entered. If using a TWRA license agent to apply, hunters must verify their information on site to ensure the receipt is accurate.
