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dph74

Member
Joined
Jun 14, 2025
Messages
14
City & State/Province
Oak Ridge
Good morning!
This will be my first year deer hunting in East TN. Recently moved to Oak Ridge from SE Georgia, where the deer are tiny. Have been researching and comparing TVA land to WMA land, specifically looking at the TVA land around Norris Lake. I will call TVA to confirm but am looking to find out if most of that TVA land is archery only or gun too.

Thanks!
 
No doubt, Not totally unfamiliar with hunting terrain. Just trying to determine general location for this year and whether I need bow, rifle, or shotgun. Also, trying to determine what Quota hunts to apply for. Not so sure about Oak Ridge, even though, its right across the street.
 
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dph74 said:
Good morning!
This will be my first year deer hunting in East TN. Recently moved to Oak Ridge from SE Georgia, where the deer are tiny. Have been researching and comparing TVA land to WMA land, specifically looking at the TVA land around Norris Lake. I will call TVA to confirm but am looking to find out if most of that TVA land is archery only or gun too.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Download the ArcGIS explorer and do not use the sign in feature. Type in TVA undeveloped and it will give a map. It will show in color what is or isn't huntable.
 
good luck east Tn is a tough place to hunt. The lowest population in the state.and terrain that takes lots of time in the woods to learn to hunt. Unless you're in the bottom land then it's semi flat. And the population is much higher than the mountains. Not sure what size deer your use to in Georgia. I know people that go to Georgia to hunt from east Tn. Not sure what part of Georgia. But with enough time and dedication you can do it.
 
So I am hearing horror stories about North Cumberland WMA in regards to Side-by- sides and partiers. Is there any parts of NCWMA that I should avoid? I don't mind the long hike in, just concerned my truck will be ok. Thanks!
 
I tried to hunt it a few years ago, fleets of sxs cover every bit of it from the north side, Stinking Creek rd has a pile of campgrounds catering to them, there are guides now taking them through, A man trying to walk in will have a hard time of getting away from them imo. I am sure it can be done but not worth my boot leather to find it at my age. good luck finding some good spots for the upcoming season.
 
Grew up in mountains of NE Alabama and spent the last 15 years in the swamps of SE Georgia. I betting simliar good people in those areas. At 51, I am ready for the challenge, ready to learn the new area, and honestly at the end of the day, I am just excited about being outdoors in nature.
 
Apostolic Outdoors said:
Welcome to the campfire from middle TN! I grew up in Clyattville just below Valdosta. God loved me enough to call me to TN!! This is a great site full of wisdom and knowledge. Great bunch of folks here!!
Click to expand...
I had a lot of family in Lowdnes and Echols county. As a kid I loved it there. Spent many summers there. Always wanted to move there when I was younger. Family farmed. Grew a lot of Tobacco.
 
Welcome to the site. If you hunted Ga public land you will miss it for sure. The DNR manages the wmas and quota hunts so much better than TWRA. Our scenery is better but that's the best I can say about our wmas
 

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