New Member Relocating From N IL

[Eric74]

Hi everyone, I'm going to be relocating to TN in late Sept/early Oct. I've archery hunted primarily public land in Jo Daviess county, IL for the past 6 years. I'm trying to sort thru the TN process for public land. Based on what I've seen so far this is going to be a great resource. For archery on public land in IL you just need a free dashboard tag in your vehicle. There were lottery drawings for gun seasons, is that what the quota system is in TN. Do I need to apply for anything special for archery?

Any help (or point me in the right direction) would be greatly appreciated. If on the outside chance anyone has interest in IL regs or processes I'd be happy to share.

Thanks

 

[TheLBLman]

Welcome Aboard!

Any help (or point me in the right direction) would be greatly appreciated.

Depending on exactly what part of TN you'll be living/working would most likely determine which public lands to start learning.

As to what licenses/permits you may need, that will depend on who owns those public lands and which agency manages them.

Most public lands in TN are managed by TWRA, meaning you either need a Sportsman's License; or a Big Game Hunting License PLUS a TWRA WMA Permit.
Other public lands may require additional permits on top of the above.
Some hunts are limited quota; some are "open" within stated seasons.

Start looking here . . . . .
https://www.tn.gov/twra.html

 

[TheLBLman]

One more thing, you're already past all the deadlines for quota hunts this year in TN.

Many gun hunts on public lands are via quota draw; most archery hunts are not;
but there are many exceptions to this.

Generally speaking, TN's deer hunting regs are not as complicated as Illinois's.
Also generally speaking, TN's bucks average @ 20" LESS antler score (at maturity) than do most Illinois bucks.

Like Illinois, some TN counties, on average, grow larger bucks than others.
Statewide, a reasonable guess is our average 3 1/2 TN buck likely gross scores @ 100-110;
while a 3 1/2 in Illinois might be more around 120-130 on average.

 

[DoubleRidge]

Welcome from Middle TN

 

[timberjack86]

Welcome to the state, please don't bring any democrats with you.

 

[Zwinegar]

Welcome to the state, please don't bring any democrats with you.

Amen, I've heard a lot of CA residents are moving here from congress and I really hope that's wrong. Can't fk up your own state with regulation and policy then come to the great republic and try butchering ours to. But welcome if your a hunter I'd say you lean our way.

 

[Eric74]

(Don't California My Texas - Creed Fisher) same principle applies....there will be no democrats moving to TN as far as I'm concerned.

I'm looking around LaVergne area but being from IL traveling 90 mins at 3am is not a big deal. I'm all for hunting big bucks but to be honest dragging a doe a mile out of the woods in the middle of the night gets me off just the same. I just want the peace and quiet of the woods and the one on one of the hunt.

 

[Eric74]

Is it safe to assume the Open Season Expo in Nashville isn't happening? I've gone to the one in WI and they always had a rep from the DNR there to ask questions.

 

[redblood]

Welcome to TN.

 

[DaveTN]

I'd be happy to share.

Welcome to Tennessee. I'll share this with you… after hunting in Illinois, when you first see Tennessee deer, you will think they are dogs. It's okay though, you just have to hunt more to make up the difference, and that's a good thing.