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Public land/WMA'S

gobblesandgrunts

gobblesandgrunts

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So I have never hunted public land, besides fort campbell. I hunt my families farms other than that. I'm thinking about looking into some public land but I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I obviously know no one is going to tell me where to hunt. I just want to know what wma or area would be the best to start. I'm about 30 min from AEDC so thought about there but I didn't know if you have to have get drawn for that place or not with the priority points. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Thank you
 
i hunt north cherokee and south cherokee..backpack hunting. put miles in on boots and learn to quarter a deer and take all meat without gutting...get a good meat pack and gps..look for big patches of mountain laurel and hunt the edges, knowing how thermals work help as well. a mile from any trail you will run into great hunting...these hunters around here do not packpack hunt. no pressure deep in mountains..need more help private message me and i will help you out.
 
I started public land hunting several years ago. Private is almost always going to be better. I did it for the ability to roam around and explore new places while doing an activity I love. Hunting. I just really like seeing new ground. My advice would be to slow down and enjoy the process. If your expectation is to go out and have quick success and kill something big like you see youtubers do....you will be discouraged. These internet forums are way different than reality too. Many will resent you asking questions about public. My advice is to go out, burn some boot leather, have low expectations at first but if you give it time....you can have success.
 
Ski said:
Between you and AEDC, you'd have to drive within minutes of Bark Camp Barrens, Hickory Flats, and Maple Springs WMA's. They're all worth taking a look at.
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Ok I'll check them out. On these wmas do you have to checkin at a station or some do some don't? These may be really stupid questions lol
 
Ski said:
Between you and AEDC, you'd have to drive within minutes of Bark Camp Barrens, Hickory Flats, and Maple Springs WMA's. They're all worth taking a look at.
Click to expand...
Ok I'll check them out. On these wmas do you have to checkin at a station or some do some don't? These may be really stupid questions
bucksolo said:
i hunt north cherokee and south cherokee..backpack hunting. put miles in on boots and learn to quarter a deer and take all meat without gutting...get a good meat pack and gps..look for big patches of mountain laurel and hunt the edges, knowing how thermals work help as well. a mile from any trail you will run into great hunting...these hunters around here do not packpack hunt. no pressure deep in mountains..need more help private message me and i will help you out.
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Ok I'll shoot you a pm, thank you for your help.
 
Bagg-it Tag-it said:
I started public land hunting several years ago. Private is almost always going to be better. I did it for the ability to roam around and explore new places while doing an activity I love. Hunting. I just really like seeing new ground. My advice would be to slow down and enjoy the process. If your expectation is to go out and have quick success and kill something big like you see youtubers do....you will be discouraged. These internet forums are way different than reality too. Many will resent you asking questions about public. My advice is to go out, burn some boot leather, have low expectations at first but if you give it time....you can have success.
Click to expand...
That was my main hesitation on posting this, some people even have gave Me false info before at the fort. Although i do have a really upstanding friend that lives on base that helps me now up there. Like you Saif I really just want a change of scenery and new hunting experience
 
gobblesandgrunts said:
Ok I'll check them out. On these wmas do you have to checkin at a station or some do some don't? These may be really stupid questions lol
Click to expand...

No check station that I know of. The Maple Springs is small, only about 100 acres. It's really thick, though, and holds deer. Bark Camp is much bigger and has a mix of habitat and several small ponds. I've not hunted Hickory Flats but what little bit I've cruised of it is mostly mature hardwoods with some scattered thickets.
 
Ski said:
No check station that I know of. The Maple Springs is small, only about 100 acres. It's really thick, though, and holds deer. Bark Camp is much bigger and has a mix of habitat and several small ponds. I've not hunted Hickory Flats but what little bit I've cruised of it is mostly mature hardwoods with some scattered thickets.
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You have to check in at AEDC before and after every hunt. Also look into getting a deer cart on those flat wmas. I've hunted all of them mentioned and after the first deer I killed I went out and bought a deer cart!
 
gobblesandgrunts said:
So I have never hunted public land, besides fort campbell. I hunt my families farms other than that. I'm thinking about looking into some public land but I have absolutely no idea where to begin. I obviously know no one is going to tell me where to hunt. I just want to know what wma or area would be the best to start. I'm about 30 min from AEDC so thought about there but I didn't know if you have to have get drawn for that place or not with the priority points. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Thank you
Click to expand...
Hunting guide indicates it is open for bow season the same as the state season for use of bow as a hunting weapon. Only exceptions are day before and during quota hunts. Be sure you are hunting a zone that is open to hunt. Wear your orange if it is muzzle load or gun season. Tons of deer, lots of woods. Easy land to walk. All that said be sure to consult your hunting guide just in case my info is incorrect. Good hunting!
 

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