Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The rugged mountains, limited development and diverse habitats along Tennessee’s eastern border make an ideal home for a variety of wildlife. Wild turkey, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, black bear, wild boar, squirrel and raccoon can be found throughout the Cherokee National Forest. As a Wildlife Management Area, cooperatively managed, the Forest Service is responsible for wildlife habitat and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets game and fish seasons, bag limits and license and permit requirements.
- A valid Tennessee hunting license is required; other permits may be required depending on game species.
- Most of the Cherokee National Forest is open for hunting within legal seasons.
- Bear reserves are closed to bear hunting and to hunting wild boar with dogs.
- Recreation areas and administrative sites are closed to hunting.
- It is illegal to shoot any firearm across or from roads or vehicles.
- Pay close attention to property boundaries.
Site your firearm:
- Spring Creek Shooting Range (Starr Mountain Recreation Region)
- Bubbling Springs Shooting Range (French Broad River Recreation Region)
- Scioto Shooting Range (Unaka Mountains Recreation Region)
- Pond Mountain Shooting Range (Watauga Lake Recreation Region)
- Jacobs Creek Shooting Range (Holston Mountain Zone)
Anglers interested in boat fishing for bass, stripers and other warm-water fish will find the many Tennessee Valley Authority reservoirs excellent. Cold-water trout fisheries are managed below many of the reservoirs.
Stocked trout streams provide opportunities for anglers who catch and release as well as those who wish to harvest trout for consumption. Rainbow trout averaging 8 to 12 inches are stocked in many streams, typically between March and September. The most popular stocked trout streams include Tellico River, Citico Creek, Paint Creek and Beaverdam Creek. Wild trout, rainbow, brown and native brookies are present in most of the mountain streams above 1000 feet in elevation.
Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide and Tennessee Fishing Guide provides complete information and details regarding seasons, limits, licenses and permits. These guides are available at TWRA offices, Forest Service offices and many sporting goods outlets.
Contact TWRA:
- Polk and McMinn counties: Region III in Crossville, 1-833-402-4698
- All other Cherokee National Forest counties: Region IV in Morristown, 1-800-332-0900
Report game violations:
- Polk and McMinn counties: Region III, 1-833-402-4699
- All other Cherokee National Forest counties: Region IV, 1-800-831-1174
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Allen Branch Pond
Apalachia Powerhouse Launch
Backbone Rock Recreation Area
Big Bend
Big Oak Cove Campground
Birch Branch Campground
Bubbling Springs Range
Cardens Bluff Campground
Chestoa Recreation Area
Childers Creek Trailhead