The window for waterfowl hunters looking to secure a spot in Tennessee's early season quota hunts at Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) is swiftly approaching. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, applications will be accepted from September 24 to October 14 of this year. Hunters are required to apply online through the TWRA website or its mobile app, as mailed submissions won't make the cut.
Hunters at least 16 years of age can throw their hats in the ring by visiting one of the TWRA regional offices or any licensed TWRA agent. The instructions for the application, including the available WMA locations and an informative overview of the hunt, can be found on the TWRA Quota Hunts page. With the deadline set for 11:59 p.m. CDT on October 14, each hunter is permitted a single application, loaded with up to 48 distinct hunt options—no repeats allowed, a person must claim their permit before October 27, staring down the barrel of another passed opportunity.
It's critical that successful applicants check their emails for instructions on claiming permits, which must be done by the 11:59 p.m. CDT deadline on October 27. The email will contain specific guidelines for logging in and printing the permit. It's essential to understand that if any individual party member fails to stake their claim, they'll lose their permit, but can still participate if they're accompanied by a valid permit holder at their hunting blind.
In the unfortunate event that an entire party drops the ball on claiming their win, the coveted spot they'd been drawn for will slip through their fingers completely. These unclaimed sites are tossed back into the mix for the leftover drawings, taking place on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. local time, each applicant hoping to snatch up a chance once thought lost, as detailed on page 85 of the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency stands as the bastion for wildlife conservation, with the dual mission of both managing and protecting fish and wildlife species for the enjoyment and benefit of residents and visitors alike. Beyond the conservation efforts, this state agency also shoulders the responsibility for maintaining public safety with a strong emphasis on education and law enforcement, especially when it comes to activities on the waterways.
