Authored By Staff report

The 2018 deer archery-only hunting season opens statewide in Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 22. The archery season dates in all five of the state’s deer hunting units are the same: Sept. 22-Oct. 26 and Oct. 29-Nov. 2. Tennessee is divided into five deer units for better management, A, B, C, D, and L. The antlerless deer bag limits are four in Units A-D management areas and three per day in Unit L areas. The antlered deer bag limit is a total of two for the entire deer season. In addition to deer, archers may harvest one bearded turkey during the archery-only deer season in counties that have a fall turkey hunt. Turkeys harvested during the archery-only deer season count toward the fall turkey county bag limits. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency makes the recommendation that all archery hunters obtain a 2018-19 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists the counties and bag limits for each of the different deer management units. The guides are available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the TWRA website, and the TWRA app. Hunters are reminded that they must possess the appropriate licenses and permits. Any hunter born on or after Jan. 1, 1969 is required to carry proof of satisfactory completion of a hunter education class or be in possession of the Apprentice Hunting License (along with other required licenses), while hunting any species in Tennessee. Deer archery season began in Georgia on Sept. 8. For more on deer hunting in Georgia, including finding a game processor, reviewing regulations, or viewing maps, click here. In Alabama, deer archery season begins Oct. 15. Learn more about hunting in Alabama here. Youth deer hunt registration Youth between the ages of 10-16, who are hunter safety certified and who have never harvested a deer, are eligible to win a spot in what has become an annual special hunt. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will host the hunt in conjunction with the opening day of the 2018 Tennessee Young Sportsman Deer Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 27. Youth from various regions from across the state have participated in the event held at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. Last year, 16 young hunters had their first deer harvests. A total of 30 young hunters will be selected to participate. The area incorporates a variety of wildlife management practices and totals more than 2,000 acres of prime deer habitat. Treestands will be provided including three which are handicap accessible. A Friday night cookout will be held. Sites will be available for those who wish to camp (participants must provide their own camping gear). Breakfast and lunch will also be provided Saturday. TWRA will hold a drawing and the winners will be notified by Oct. 20. Confirmation packets will be sent to the successful participants that will include directions and a list of items to bring as well as a list of area hotels. Winning hunters are responsible for providing the appropriate Tennessee hunting license and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 21 years of age or older. Interested hunters may complete an application and mail it to the following address: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Youth Deer Hunt Giveaway, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204. Applications can also be faxed to (615) 781-6543. All applications must be received by Oct. 15. For more information or to receive an application, contact Donald Hosse, TWRA Wildlife Education Program Coordinator at Don.Hosse@tn.gov or (615) 781-6541. Applications are also available on TWRA’s website.  