TWRA big game quota hunt application period underway
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced the application period for the 2022 Wildlife Management Area Big Game Quota Hunts, the regular elk, youth elk, and WMA youth.
Acceptance of applications is now underway through July 27.
The WMA hunting instruction sheet lists locations and dates for each of the quota hunts, along with drawing rules and regulations. Instruction sheets may be obtained and applications made for the hunts at any TWRA license agent, TWRA regional office or online at gooutdoorstennessee.com.
Mailed applications will not be processed into the drawing system. Entries must be submitted before midnight (CDT) July 27.
There is no fee for current annual sportsman license holders, lifetime sportsman license holders, or seniors possessing a Type 167 annual senior-citizen sportsman license.
For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 permit fee for each drawing entered. There is a $1 agent fee for applications made through a license agent.
When applying through a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify that the information is correct on the receipt.
For applications made on the internet, there is a $2 internet usage fee. If entering multiple quota hunts, a person must pay the permit and agent fees for each quota hunt application submitted.
The WMA (elk hunts excluded) priority point system gives a priority point for each year a hunter participates (this year a maximum of 13 points) without being successfully drawn for a hunt. Applicants drawn for a hunt last year will start over with a priority of zero.
After all the drawings are conducted, leftover permits will be sold online, on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. (CDT) Aug. 24.
The state’s 14th gun elk hunt will be held Oct. 8-14, with seven individuals selected to participate. Six of the participants will be selected through a computer drawing conducted by the TWRA. The seventh participant will get a permit that is donated to a non-governmental organization, which is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation. That permit will be issued in a raffle for the fourth year.
New this year, Elk Quota Hunt applicants may select up to four hunt choices, which is an increase from one choice in previous years. Applicants are still only eligible to be awarded one tag.
Additionally, this will be the sixth year for an archery only hunt, with seven permits. Elk archery hunt dates are Sept. 24-30. The one-tag Young Sportsman Hunt is set for Oct. 1-7.