Travis G. said:
Can someone recommend which WMA quota hunt would be best to apply for. Archery, gun, muzzleloader doesn't matter.
Different ways of looking at this, including "best to apply for".
I would think you might like to be drawn for a quota hunt in an area you could also have opportunity to hunt both before and after the "special draw" hunt?
Hunting opportunities on both Oak Ridge WMA and Chuck Swan WMA are very limited compared to some others. Chuck Swan probably has the greater deer density, but the smallest deer. And about all you should plan on is a single weekend annually at either Oak Ridge or Chuck Swan.
There is zero hunting opportunity at Oak Ridge WMA other than the quota hunts (which have been known to be cancelled even after you're drawn due to national security concerns). You also have near zero opportunity to even scout where to hunt at Oak Ridge, as drawn hunters are only allowed a single day for any scouting (with that date being assigned). One issue I've had with the assigned "scouting" day for Oak Ridge hunts is that it has often meant forfeiting a "hunting" day somewhere else.
Depending on where you live around Knoxville, you may find Catoosa closer than Chuck Swan. One advantage of Catoosa is a lot more hunting days that are non-quota, and you can be drawn for at least one quota hunt annually consistently. This would give you tremendously more opportunity to learn and hunt an area you can count on to be available most of each fall's deer season. Personally, I like the wilderness "aesthetics" of the Catoosa area more than either Chuck Swan or Oak Ridge.
There is also the North Cumberland WMA which you might find as attractive (or more) as Catoosa, particularly if you live on the north side of Knoxville.
