Tennessee (WOKI) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has opened the application period for its 2026 Wildlife Management Area big game and Cherokee bear quota hunts.
Hunters can apply from June 10 through July 22, with all entries required to be submitted before midnight Central Daylight Time on the closing date. Officials say mailed applications will not be accepted.
The big game WMA quota hunts include opportunities for deer, turkey, and bear. Applicants may select up to 15 hunt choices from a total of 60 available options, while youth applicants can choose up to seven hunts. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a party of up to 15 people.
For Cherokee bear party dog hunts, 16 hunt options are available. These hunts require large groups, with parties consisting of 50 to 75 members. No priority points are used for these hunts, and dogs are permitted.
TWRA says any leftover permits following the drawing process will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 19 at 8 a.m. CDT. Those permits will be available online, through the TWRA mobile app, at license agents, and at regional offices.
Applications can be submitted online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, through the TWRA mobile app, or in person at regional offices and licensed agents.
There is no application fee for Annual or Lifetime Sportsman license holders or qualified senior license holders. Other applicants must pay a $12 non-refundable application fee, along with applicable vendor fees.
More information, including hunt locations, dates, and rules, is available on the TWRA website.
