Authored By Staff report

The application period is underway for the computerized drawing system to be used for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s selected 2018-19 Wildlife Management Area waterfowl hunts and the statewide sandhill crane hunting season. The application period for both will continue until midnight (CDT) Sept. 26. A computerized drawing system will be held to select successful applicants based on the priority drawing system for the WMA waterfowl hunts. Hunters may apply at any TWRA license agent, at any TWRA regional office, online at www.tnwildlife.org and on the TWRA App. Mailed applications will not be accepted. The WMAs available for this year’s hunts are Bogota, Gooch Unit E, White Oak-Lebanon Pond, Meeman-Shelby Forest, Thorny Cypress in West Tennessee and Candies Creek, Johnson Bottoms, Rogers Creek, and Yellow Creek units on Chickamauga WMA in East Tennessee. Hunter’s may apply as individuals or a party (not to exceed five members). They may select up to 24 hunt choices, but cannot use the same hunt code more than once. No person may apply more than once. If two or more applications are submitted representing one individual, that individual’s application will be rejected and the subject could be prosecuted. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, on or before the hunt date. Youth, ages 6-15, can participate in the hunt as a guest, but cannot apply. There is no fee to apply for current Annual Sportsman or Lifetime Sportsman License holders or senior citizens possessing a current Type 167 permit. For all other applicants, there is a $12 nonrefundable fee per drawing entered (maximum of five draws). If applying at a TWRA license agent, a $1 agent fee will be added. If the application is made online a $2 internet usage fee will be added. This is a fee collected by the company that maintains the internet site. If applicants encounter any problems while applying, they may call (615) 781-6621 during business hours, 8-4:30 p.m. (CDT), Monday-Friday. For the statewide sandhill crane hunt, 637 applicants will have the opportunity to be drawn and receive two tags. There is no priority point system for the statewide sandhill crane quota hunt. Persons who drew a tag at the sandhill crane event in August are not permitted to be drawn for a computerized sandhill crane tag. There are parties for the sandhill crane quota hunts. A $12 nonrefundable application fee is required for all applicants with the exception of those persons with an Annual Sportsman or Lifetime Sportsman License or senior citizens possessing a current Type 167 permit. Applicants must be at least 13 years of age  