How do I know where I can hunt?

[Guest Cogent Design]

I will say ahead of time that the answer is probably simple and I am a newbie.

In what places is it legal to hunt? I know private property is with permission from the landowner, and I'm assuming that side of the road turkey shoots aren't legal. So how do I know where it is legal to hunt or fish? I know all about the seasons and permit buying, but strictly geographically speaking.

Say hypothetically I kill a deer, turkey, squirrel or whatever. What is the process for checking it in? I would definitely take the larger game to a place to have it processed for me, can they everything there?

I know, probably terrible questions, but I really do not know.

Thanks.

[JeffL]

You can hunt on private land or TWRA Wildlife Management areas.

Deer, bear, turkey, and possibly wild hog are the only animals you have to check in. Take them to a big game checking station before taking them to the processor. All this information is available on TWRA's website. http://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife.html

[Guest USMC 2013]

Go to any locations that sell hunting and fishing licenses and get a free hunting regulation guidebook. Read it and read it again.

When you get out on the field and harvest a big game animal (deer, etc...) make sure you don't forget to tag it with your hunting permit that is on your license BEFORE you transport the animal to check it in.

Even a seasoned hunter can sometimes let that one slip his/her mind after the thrill of a successful hunt and most game wardens will hammer you. My buddy almost got busted last year because he forgot to tag his deer and was about to drive off, after talking to the warden, without tagging it. Luckily for him the warden told him not to forget to tag it as he was getting in his truck to drive away.

Joe