Snake
Well-Known Member
Why so few quota being that large ? KR say you hunted it before ? Pretty steep terrain with no ATV'S .
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Otey mills refuge
- Thread starter deerman865
- Start date
cjmt29
Active Member
I got some information on the hunt. It is currently only 800 acres. The state is trying to get the additional 2200 acres, but don't currently have that deal completed. That 2200 acre section is where the better hunting is and there were some very nice bucks killed on that part of the property. There is a possibility the 2200 acres may be available for the Dec hunt. You can access it with an ATV. I should have only applied for PI again as I have the past 10+ years and not lost my points =(
I would go by the word printed in the hunting guide unless TWRA sends you other info.
800 acres is small, especially for East Tn mountains. Some places your lucky to find any game in 800 acres. Hopefully there's some good habitat for game and it's not full of rocks and dead and dying pines.
cjmt29
Active Member
I was told it wasn't the best area and there were no kills on either hunt last year. I most likely won't be going unless the additional acreage becomes available. 10 years of points down the drain.
encore06
Well-Known Member
As the crow flies, I live less than 5 miles from the refuge. Of course being in a wheelchair prevents me from even thinking about hunting there, but the chance to kill a really good buck cruising through the area is very good. This is the first year of the Otey Mills Refuge.
cjmt29
Active Member
I thought so too, but I actually spoke to a warden in the area and he is who told me there were no kills there last year??? He has been on the property many times recently and he's who gave me the info on the area??? Hopefully, the other 2200 acres is available come December. Thanks a bunch for the info.
Luke the drifter
New Member
Anyone have any luck on the Otey mills hunt?
DeerMan66
Well-Known Member
Good question. I would like to hear as well.
Bump. I'm interested too.
Abner
New Member
I have been the caretaker for the hunting club that has hunted the 2000+ acres that TWRA took control of on Dec 13, 2024. I know ever inch of the ground. I have hunted there for the last 14 years. The 800 acres that is listed as Otey Mills Refuge is the property connected to the 2000+. I can promise you that it is some if not the best hunting in eastern TN. However, it is also very rough and difficult land. On the 2000+ there are no fields currently, unless TWRA creates a few. It is all hardwoods that is very steep. I have mounted on my wall a 167, 153, 150, (2) 140 inch bucks. The 800 acres does hold a lot of big bucks but you must be willing to work for them. The 800 acres does have fields on it. Although I have never hunted the 800 I would suggest a mobile set up and being prepared to cover some ground on your hunt. The 2000+ acres I could tell you the exact tree to climb. It is sad that we are no longer going to have the hunting rights on it but hopefully if they do open it I can apply and get drawn to hunt it in the future. Best of luck to all that do.
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killingtime 41
Well-Known Member
Awesome bucks there for sure. Wonder if and when they will have the other acreage available to hunt.
