The application period for the 2026 Wildlife Management Area Big Game quota hunts for deer, turkey and the Cherokee party hunts for bears is June 10 through July 22. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Entries must be submitted before midnight (CDT) July 22.

Hunting locations, dates, rules and additional information can be found on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency quota hunts webpage. Quota hunt applications can be made online at www.gooutdoorstennessee.com or in person at any TWRA license agent or TWRA regional office.

Big Game WMA Quota Hunts:

An applicant may apply for 15 hunt choices out of 60 total hunt options for the Big Game WMA quota hunts.

For the Youth Quota, seven choices can be made. Applicants can apply individually or as a party of up to 15 people maximum.

After all the drawings are conducted, any leftover permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. (CDT). Leftover permits will be available for purchase at gooutdoorstennesse.com, via the TWRA mobile app, at any license agent, or any TWRA regional office.

Cherokee Bear Party Hunts:

There are 16 hunt choices for the Cherokee bear party hunts. Bear parties must have 50-75 members, and there are no priority points for these hunts. Dogs are allowed on bear hunts.

Application Instructions:

Customers can apply by using any one of the following methods:
- www.gooutdoorstennessee.com;
- Via the TWRA mobile app;
- At one of the TWRA regional offices; or
- At any TWRA license agent.

There is no application fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders, Lifetime Sportsman License holders or seniors possessing an Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License. For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $15 application handling fee, and a vendor fee is assessed for each drawing entered. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.