Hunt Catoosa WMA

Special Use: Hooved animal riding, bicycling, and OHV use permitted only by individuals possessing a valid hunting and fishing license and WMA permit or a High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit. OHVs are allowed from the fourth Saturday in August through the second Sunday in June and may only enter via gated TWRA access points.

Access Limitations: Closed to all access during big game hunts, open only to legal participants. Guides are prohibited. Big game and hogs must be checked at WMA stations and tagged before transport. Use caution when handling hogs due to Brucellosis cases.

Seasonal Closures: Closed to all users Feb 1 – last Friday in March, except for walk-in small game hunting and trapping in February. Closed to all hunting March 1 – fourth Friday in August, except turkey and spring squirrel seasons.

Cumberland Trail: Open year-round for pedestrians. During hunts, all users must wear visible fluorescent clothing and remain within 100 feet of the trail.

General Rules: Unauthorized presence prohibited between sunrise and sunset. Trapping and small game hunting closed during hog control season. No quail hunting or dog training. Dogs not permitted in spring squirrel season.

Weapon Use: Rifles and center-fire handguns legal for beaver, bobcat, fox, coyotes, groundhogs, and crows during big game seasons. Coyotes may be taken with any legal weapon for the hunt. Dog chasing of fox, coyote, or bobcat not allowed.

Seasons:

• Opossum/Raccoon: Nov 1 – Dec 31 (sunrise), closed during big game hunts.
• Deer (Archery): Oct 5–13, 2024. Two deer (max one antlered). Bears may be taken.
• Deer (Muzzleloader): Oct 24–26, 2024. One antlered deer. Quota: Genesis/Bicolor 1,000.
• Deer (Gun): Nov 14–16 and Nov 21–23, 2024. One antlered deer per hunt. Quota: Genesis/Bicolor 1,000.
• Deer (Gun - Young Sportsman): Oct 19–20, 2024. Two deer (max one antlered).
• Deer (Gun): Dec 5–7, 2024. One antlered deer.
• Wild Hog (Control - Dogs Permitted): Dec 11–15 and Dec 18–22, 2024. No limit. Orange required. Legal deer/bear/elk weapons allowed. Hogs must be whole at check stations.
• Bullfrog: Apr 1 – Sept 1 (not during turkey hunts).
• Turkey: Apr 19 – May 18, 2025. One male per day.
• Turkey (Young Sportsman): Apr 5–6, 2025. One male.
• Trapping: Dec 15, 2024 – Feb 28, 2025.

Ranges:

• Genesis Checking Station Range: Open daily, daylight hours, except during archery and turkey hunts. Permit required.
• Peavine Campground Range: Open Apr 1 – Jan 31, daylight hours only. Closed during archery and turkey hunts. Permit required.

Camping: Allowed for big game hunters only during big game hunts.