New to TN help

[saddle sitter]

Hey ya'll. I just moved up to Rutherford county from South Georgia. I've hunted all my life and enjoy being outside. Being farther from home I won't get to go back and hunt much. Just wondering if you guys had any suggestions on public land. Already got a sit under my belt a Yanahli. Any suggestions are welcome. Also def interested in getting a lease for this year but realize it's a little late. Open to one next year as well if you know anyone looking to add a single hunter. Thanks for the help

 

[cbhunter]

Welcome to Tennessee and the campfire!

GBO

 

[backyardtndeer]

Welcome to Tennessee. Can't help with that area, but good luck.

 

[saddle sitter]

Welcome to Tennessee. Can't help with that area, but good luck.

I'm open to driving and camping some if you know of anything around. Also love the weather here. Thank you!

 

[Bone Collector]

welcome to TN. below is a link to the TWRA WMA map. there is public land around, but I advise you to have a boat as it really allows you to access it all. Some WMAs without a boat you can barely access any of it. There are plenty deer in the area, archery is the lowest pressure, and obviously as ML and gun open up it gets worse. Some WMAs have special regs, such as what you can hunt with, so make sure you read the regs before going.

we have a bumper crop of acorns this year it looks like, so that can make it tough as you not only have to find a good area, you have to find the tree(s) they are eating under. That being said, if you've been hunting all your life, you should be able to stack a couple of deer in the freezer. Big bucks do exist, but you really have to be in the right place at the right time.

ArcGIS Web Application

twra.maps.arcgis.com

as far as leases go you will probably have to drive 1-2 hours to find one. Finding land to lease in Mid TN is difficult and costly.

 

[saddle sitter]

This is awesome. I do have a boat with a surface drive so I can get into some skinny places if need be. Only problem is it's a little loud. I am an archery hunter myself so trying to get it done before the rifle season comes in. Thanks for the help.

 

[Ski]

Depending on where at in Rutherford you've got Cedars of Lebanon just north of Murfreesboro. I've seen good ones in there. And you've got AEDC, Bark Camp Barrens, Hickory Flats, and Maple Springs about 1/2hr drive south of Murfreesboro. And Normandy WMA also south of town. Good deer in all of them.

 

[DoubleRidge]

Welcome from Middle TN.

 

[kaizen leader]

Hey ya'll. I just moved up to Rutherford county from South Georgia. I've hunted all my life and enjoy being outside. Being farther from home I won't get to go back and hunt much. Just wondering if you guys had any suggestions on public land. Already got a sit under my belt a Yanahli. Any suggestions are welcome. Also def interested in getting a lease for this year but realize it's a little late. Open to one next year as well if you know anyone looking to add a single hunter. Thanks for the help

WMA along Old Hickory above 109 has some big bucks. Hard access unless by boat. Because of that not many hunters. Good luck.

 

[timberjack86]

I wouldn't broadcast what I'm seeing on a named wma online.

 

[Apostolic Outdoors]

Hey ya'll. I just moved up to Rutherford county from South Georgia. I've hunted all my life and enjoy being outside. Being farther from home I won't get to go back and hunt much. Just wondering if you guys had any suggestions on public land. Already got a sit under my belt a Yanahli. Any suggestions are welcome. Also def interested in getting a lease for this year but realize it's a little late. Open to one next year as well if you know anyone looking to add a single hunter. Thanks for the help

Welcome! I'm from Clyattville. Where are you from?

 

[Hduke86]

This is awesome. I do have a boat with a surface drive so I can get into some skinny places if need be. Only problem is it's a little loud. I am an archery hunter myself so trying to get it done before the rifle season comes in. Went to Public land last week and saw a doe and a basket 6. Thanks for the help.

I'd definitely kill the motor WAY in advance of the area I would be trying to hunt and drop the trolling motor. The trend for boat access has gotten ridiculous over the last 5-8 years and I can guarantee that the deer in those areas have wised up to that sound coming from the water even with a regular outboard.

 

[wsm]

Welcome ,good luck.

 

[MidTennFisher]

*Deleted mention of WMA* has some big bucks. Hard access unless by boat. Because of that not many hunters. Good luck.

Probably not a good idea to mention this on the internet...

Please delete that.

 

[Iglow]

Oh my gosh. unreal.

 

[TNReb]

Lots of public land around Percy Priest that probably isn't too far from you. It can be "thin" - not just acres and acres of big woods.

 

[Ski]

Here's a WMA map with legend from TWRA site, and there are big bucks on every one that is designated for big game. Nothing secretive about it. https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife-management-areas.html

 

[kaizen leader]

Lots of public land around Percy Priest that probably isn't too far from you. It can be "thin" - not just acres and acres of big woods.

Percy Priest WMA is hunted pretty hard being close to populations.

 

[Snake]

Welcome to the campfire .