Woods & Water: Quota hunt applications now being distributed
Applications for the 2005-06 wildlife management area quota hunts have been printed and are being distributed to license agents, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
The applications will be mailed to license agents, TWRA regional offices, and sportsman license holders. Sportsman license holders will receive their application on the back of their Tennessee Wildlife Magazine. The application will also be available at www.tnwildlife.org.
All applicants are required to list their TWRA I.D. number. This is the 9-digit number printed on the hunting license. Those who order their license with a credit card over the toll-free number (1-888-814-8972) and have only the 18-digit number should call the help desk at 1-888-891-8972 to receive a 9-digit I.D number.
Rules for applying are the same as last year for adults and youth. Youth, ages 6-16, may apply for separate youth hunts on one application and in a party with adults on another application. Please note: ages 6 through 9 may also apply for WMA quota hunts this year. DO NOT put youth hunt and adult hunt choices on the same application.
Hunters should be aware that when applying for Oak Ridge and Yuchi hunts that all antlered deer must have a minimum of 4 points on one antler or a 15-inch minimum outside antler spread.
The young sportsman hunts included on the application this year include: Catoosa, Chuck Swan, Hiwassee Refuge, Kingston Refuge, Tellico Lake – McGhee Carson Unit, and Yuchi Refuge at Smith Bend. These hunts are listed on the lower left corner of the application.
Wild turkey hunters should be aware that the fall turkey hunts on Cheatham, Cheatham Lake, Chuck Swan, Eagle Creek, and Laurel Hill are listed on this application. In addition, AEDC, Chuck Swan, and Yuchi Refuge allow turkeys to be harvested during the archery-only deer quota hunts.
Remember to read the application carefully, fill out all requested information, double check the application, and mail it as early as possible. Mailing early gives you the best chance to correct any mistakes before the application deadline.
Applications must be postmarked no later than midnight, July 20, 2005, or delivered in person to the Hunt Application Office of TWRA in Nashville by 4:30 p.m. (CDT) July 20, 2005.
The priority system remains in effect. Anyone who applied last year, but was unsuccessful in the drawing has priority status. If you are on priority, be sure to apply alone or in a party that every member is on priority.
A common mistake is adding someone who does not have priority status. If this happens, the party will be included in the regular drawing. Also, be sure to double-check Social Security Numbers. If the Social Security Number does not match the one submitted the previous year, the applicants and all other party members will be dropped from priority.
Deer taken on many wildlife management areas do not count toward the statewide bag limit. Refer to the 2005 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for details.