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Jon

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I have a question about WMAs. I know you have to have a WMA permit to hunt a WMA but I have never hunted one and was thinking about checking out my local WMA (Pea Ridge.) Do I need the permit to be on the property and check it out and look around or can I wait and get it obviously before I hunt there.

Thanks,

Jon
 
I'm reading from the 2021-22 regulations and it says "unauthorized entry or presence is prohibited between sunset and sunrise." I'd be leary of that.

To answer your question, it states "...hooved animal riding, bicycling, and OHV use permitted only by individuals with a valid hunting and fishing license and a WMA permit, or a HIC Permit."

Checking page 8 under WMA Permits, it states "Everyone who hunts on a WMA is required to have a WMA permit except Sportsman License holders." That also includes Lifetime License holders.

I've been checked on WMA's when it wasn't a hunting season. I have a Lifetime License, so I was good to go.
 
I may be wrong but one would think they wouldn't mind someone first checking out a WMA in person to see if they want to hunt it or not. Since it's not spelled out in the regs, though, it sure wouldn't hurt to first seek permission of the area manager. You want to do that, anyhow, so you might learn a little about the place.
 
Jon said:
I decided to email the region 3 office. They emailed me right back and advised you do have to have a WMA permit to be on the property for any reason. Thanks to all who responded.
Click to expand...
Not arguing but I believe someone told you wrong, you do need a permit to hunt, however most wma's you do not,need a permit to drive around and scout for the past 50 years, I've driven through and scouted through out the summer at South Cherokee, Prentice Cooper, AEDC, the old Cumberland Springs, Arnold Hollow, Eagle Creek, Bark camp Barrens, and Yuchi refuge, always stop and chat with any game wardens or wildlife biologist we came across not once we're we ask to see a permit except during hunting season.
 
I have a buddy(non hunter) who took a drive on a WMA just to get out of the house. He got ticketed by a game warden because he did not have a permit. It was not during hunting season best I can recall.
 
This from the Hunting Guide. It depends on the WMA.

High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit
A High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit is required for riding hooved animals, bicycling, and off-highway vehicles (OHV) use on designated wildlife management areas. Persons holding a valid hunting license with an appropriate permit to hunt on a wildlife management area and youths under age thirteen (13) are exempt. At least one occupant of an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) must possess the proper permit(s). No permit shall be required on roads/trails as designated. OHVs is any vehicle capable of traveling off highways within the state. The term includes all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, dune buggies and other four-wheeled vehicles used for off-road activities.
This permit is required on the following WMAs (Note: not all activities are permitted on each WMA requiring this permit): Bear Hollow, Bridgestone Firestone - Big Bottom Unit, Catoosa, Cheatham, Forks of the River, Keyes-Harrison, Laurel Hill, Luper Mountain, Mt. Roosevelt, North Chickamauga Creek - Patton Unit, North Cumberland, Pea Ridge, Skinner Mountain, Williamsport, and Yanahli. Refer to the individual listing for each WMA for more specific information on which activities are permitted.
LICENSE
FEE
 
Jon said:
I have a question about WMAs. I know you have to have a WMA permit to hunt a WMA but I have never hunted one and was thinking about checking out my local WMA (Pea Ridge.) Do I need the permit to be on the property and check it out and look around or can I wait and get it obviously before I hunt there.

Thanks,

Jon
Click to expand...
How'd it go at pea ridge ? I haven't seen anything any tips?
 

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