New Tn hunter...region 4/Knox area

[Doranjr]

Hi guys just moved to Tennessee from Kentucky and I need some help wma questions.

We moved near pigeon Forge in sevier county. What I understand cocke County probably the the best close wma. Is that correct? I understand the North Cherokee is a pretty good wma? Thoughts? Can you use atvs? Where or how do you access the area. I can see on a map just doesn't show parking.

Please help

 

[Elmer]

I dont have the info you need but welcome to the site and good luck. Its going to be some very hard hunting. Dont let your expectations outweigh reality out there but you will have a blast

 

[Doranjr]

Thanks....anyone?

 

[Backstrapcrazy]

It is very hard to hunt in this area , not alot of opportunities in the WMA'S and north cherokee has some ATV area's ( I hunted for bear up near Butler Tn and there where some ATV trails along the borders from the locals)you will have to do alot of scouting for the trails. My Dad and i have been hunting this area for the last five years and the first three were good ( two each) , however the last two we have not had any luck in harvesting a deer. We do not own any property and getting a good lease has been very difficult, so we go around to different WMA's in East Tennessee.

 

[Biggun4214]

If you have a boat there is about 1500 acres of TVA land on Douglas in Jefferson Co. Not as much pressure as in the past.

 

[Biggun4214]

For bow hunting there is Henderson Island (about 350 acres) in Jefferson Co, Buffalo Springs WMA in Grainger Co, Rankin (about 12-1500 acres) in Cocke Co. Pressure varies greatly on these areas. Rankin may still have water on it during bow season. Henderson Island closes Nov 15.

 

[348Winchester]

Take the time to drive to North Cumberland WMA in Campbell/Scott Counties. There is 80,000 or more acres. Deer densities are low but there are some pockets where densities are moderate and the chance for a very nice deer is there.

 

[bigtex]

You could try Royal Blue, but you better be prepared to burn some boot leather. That place is huge!! Last time I was there you could use an ATV, not sure if you can now or not.

 

[Doranjr]

Where is royal blue? How's the deer population?

 

[Backstrapcrazy]

Royal blue is north of Knoxville heading north on I 75 ( Campbell county )My Dad and I scouted two years ago and saw a little sign.

 

[348Winchester]

Royal Blue is a unit of the North Cumberland WMA. Take I-75 north out of Knoxville. Get off at exit 141 (Huntsville/Oneida) at that point you can go right or left and be on the area shortly.

Get a 2012 TN Hunting guide and it will show you other WMA's. Also check out TWRA's website. Finally, spend some time on Acme mapper to help familiarize yourself with the area and find some starting points for your scouting.

This area is rugged! Deer densities are low but there are pockets where they are higher. I would suggest finding the food plots that are planted for the elk as the deer will use them as well. If you are a fair hunter and will put in the TIME and EFFORT you will be successful.

 

[Doranjr]

Thanks

 

[Doranjr]

Any one hunt the foothills in Blount co.? If so, are there designated parking spots for the 11k acres? Hows the population? I assume you cant use an atv?