The old man is creeping in

[BigAl]

We've asked but the state won't relent on the use of e-bikes or any motorized vehicle. I think they just want to make it difficult for hunters. Only the fittest will be able to hunt the best areas. I know where they are but probably can't get to them!

That's odd as I believe they are allowed on WMA's, right?

 

[fairchaser]

That's odd as I believe they are allowed on WMA's, right?

I don't believe they are allowed on the Wolf River WMA which is what they have modeled the state forest after.

 

[DMD]

I skin my deer right where they fall dead instead of a drag out and killing myself.Deer hunting is fun but punishing yourself is not fun.I have bags with me and two good skinning knives.I debone the meat and have a small bone saw I use also.Where I hunt it is pretty steep hollers!

This is exactly what I do.

 

[BigAl]

I don't believe they are allowed on the Wolf River WMA which is what they have modeled the state forest after.

So TCA 55-8-302 says class 1 and 2 ebikes no . Class 3 bikes are not. Have you seen anything in writing that specifically says not subject to any requirements or laws applicable to motor vehicles. I've read where this means they can be used on WMA's unless specifically prohibited. I do not see in the Wolf River regs where that is the case. I've seen this discussed on TNDEER in the past but can't remember the specifics. Still looking. Of course, not sure if where you are hunting is a WMA or a State Forrest or whatever.

 

[BigAl]

 

[BigAl]

It looks like Wolf River, previously the Ames property, is a State Forrest. While the older Wolf River section is a WMA. The rules appear to be different. So it looks like a class 1 and 2 would be allowed on a WMA but not allowed on a State Forest.

Here are the rules for a State Forest

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

You're gonna have to go Toby Keith this year and just not let it happen, do not let him in

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

I'm only 52 but the worst part for me is packing and loading everything for the hunt. I'm an hour and a half from my lease so no quick 1/2 days hunts. I pack for the weekends or a few days and it takes forever to get all of that together. The hunt is the least of my worries.

Lol this is so true. I just loaded my truck up and it took me over an hour and a half just to make sure I had everything. Lol

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

3 years ago I went walking for a potential hang and hunt and I found a damn good spot. Never once did I consider how far I was back in there. I shot a buck at 4:45 that afternoon and mind you he is at the bottom of a 250-300' deep holler. I called my dad and we went through the hunt, the shot, the usual congrats and then he brought me back to reality and asked if I had anyone to help me drag it out which I did not and my dad was going through some heart issues at the time so he was out of the question. I pulled up Huntstand and figured out I was just about 1.75 miles from the truck.. I gutted him and then took my gear back so I wasn't lugging it around as well and tried to walk the path of least resistance along the away so I could mark that on Huntstand and follow that path out when I drug him out. I called the WMA manager and let him know that I had killed a deer deep in the land and was gonna be a while getting him out. He informed me I could use a 4wheeler for recovery if I had one which I do not. I got back to the buck at 7:00 or a little after and started the drag. When I got him to the truck at 2:45am I literally collapsed and just layed there for a half hour or more. When I finally had it in me to stand up I got him in the bed of the truck, got in the drivers seat, and passed out. About 5:30 that next morning I awoke to a knock on my door and the managing game warden standing there. I got out and showed him the deer and told him upon getting him to the truck I didn't feel confident I had enough energy to make it anywhere else for the night. He understood and congratulated me on my buck. But, I learned a valuable lesson that night. Know where you are and be ready for a drag you won't ever forget if you're way back in there especially if you're in hill country.

Not gonna lie that's a good eating book I bet and I'd tell you what that's one of the best stories. I've read on this website hands-down ever. Congrats on the good writing and incredible story.

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

I understand your situation very well. I've decided that I'm not going to be dragging a deer out. My plan is to slice and dice that critter right where he falls. If it takes me 3-4 trips to haul it out, that's ok!

Definitely get some of the quartering bags and you will be good to go , those bags are Clutch

 

[Iroquois]

Definitely get some of the quartering bags and you will be good to go , those bags are Clutch

Yes sir! I got some game bags and a good back pack. I've got plenty of time for the pack out.
After speaking to some game wardens you can pack out a deer as long as you leave evidence of the sex intact for proof. You may want to check with your game wardens that have jurisdiction over the public land you're hunting to be sure its legal where you are.

 

[Snake]

It's the things we do that make us question ourselves after the fact which is to late in most cases!

I am only 45...I do have a bad back, broke it when I was 20 and have rods and such. Nephew killed our target buck opening day of muzzleloader (thread titled "Heavy Weight") in trailcam forum. I was on vacation all last week but spent the next 3.5 days in the house relying on muscle relaxers and Ibuprofen....couldn't get out of bed on Sunday!! I messed it up helping him load his deer on the 4 wheeler and dragging it the little distance we had to drag it.
They didn't weigh it at the taxidermist (dunno why?) but did at the processor's, of course he was minus guts, hide and head but still weighed 167 lbs!!
I hate it happened but proud to help him and be a part of his biggest deer

I don't load them anymore myself and just tie the rack up (if mounting it) and drag them out with the 4 wheeler but he was afraid of messing something up.

That's the way I haul the deer out .

 

[Iglow]

I read a book about these guys up in Maine killing 250-280 lbs deer gutted and dragging that much for miles to a road. No thanks.

 

[fairchaser]

It looks like Wolf River, previously the Ames property, is a State Forrest. While the older Wolf River section is a WMA. The rules appear to be different. So it looks like a class 1 and 2 would be allowed on a WMA but not allowed on a State Forest.

Here are the rules for a State Forest
View attachment 302369

Correct, we have emails from state forest officials that state foot traffic only, as well as verbal instructions from the local game warden. I've already witnessed one mountain bike so I'm guessing some citations will be written today for violations.

 

[7mm08]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

Take 600mg Motrin , 1000mg of Tylenol , 24 oz of water AND GET BACK OUT THERE!!! Ha!