Advice on public land hunting

[maroonandwhite]

I am in a dillema and need some advice. I moved to TN two years ago when I got married. I lived and hunted in MS before that. I have been hunting on my in-laws land since the move but due to other people hunting on the land (that's another story) I have chosen not to hunt there anymore. I am wondering if anyone can give me some advice or tips on public land hunting. I am completely new to it and don't know if you would normally use rifles, shotguns or just a bow. I also do not know of any good locations in my area. I live in Moscow, TN which is right next to the Wolf River WMA but again I don't know where to begin. Anyone with experience on the matter would be greatly appreciated! My only other alternative would be to join a hunting club.

[robin48]

Chickasaw State Park is ok. It is in unit L which means three doe a day can be harvested. Rifle is fine there. I am goiung to lauderdale County this week.

[Sidinman]

I have seen some nice deer that have come from Chickasaw, but have never hunted it so I"m of no help. It is less than 30 miles from my house but I have always been lucky enough to able to hunt on private land. I do know that it usually pretty crowded on the opening weekend, but not to sure of later in the season.

[whiskey]

First, I recommend that you read through the WMA regs for whichever one you decide to hunt. Each WMA has different regulations that may or may not align with the state regs. Some allow rifles, some only archery, some only small game. It is important to know the differences for the one you are going to hunt. You can find these on the TWRA website.

There is lots of good public hunting in Tennessee. You will have to work a little harder to get a quality deer or to get to the woods where other hunts aren't.

[maroonandwhite]

Thanks for the info. That was my big concern was not hunting close to anyone else.

[FJCrusing]

The key to successful hunting on public land is scouting and the best time to do that is after hunting season to find the most ideal locations to hunt due to the competition of other hunters and deer being under more density pressure and hiding out more than they would during the off season. Walk the trails to map out the deer travel patterns and find the woodland food source and basically find the more difficult locations on public land that other hunters would not go to. Hope this helps and good luck!

[DaveS]

I moved this post.....sorry....

Edited December 4, 2011 by wd-40
Brain Cramp