When Does Deer Season Start In Tennessee - T-Tees - Your Answers Await, Life's Questions Unraveled

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Landowner Programs

TWRA has developed two landowner programs as tools to manage CWD and stop the spread. These programs act on the principle “Fewer Deer = Fewer CWD-Positive Deer = Less CWD Transfer”.

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1. Targeted Removal

Targeted removal of deer is one of the most promising tools for managing CWD in a recently affected area. The idea is to remove infected deer at the leading edge of an area affected by CWD and curtail the spread into unaffected areas. TWRA is contacting landowners with land that lies within a 3-mile radius of CWD-positive deer on the outskirts of CWD in Hardin, Henry, Hickman, Lewis and Madison counties to recruit them as partners to help fight CWD.

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TWRA is partnering with USDA Wildlife Services to remove deer in these areas after hunting seasons through March 31st. With landowner permission, this additional take will occur on properties where the greatest potential exists to stop the spread of CWD. The goal is not to eliminate all deer from the area, but to remove as many deer as necessary to decrease the rate of infection and stop the spread.

This method, known as Targeted Removal, has proven to be successful in Illinois and is making a positive difference in Minnesota, Michigan, and Missouri. No removal will occur without the written consent of the landowners. All deer will be tested for CWD and, if CWD is not detected, the meat will be available to the landowner or donated to charity.

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Please visit the National Deer Association webpage to learn more about what targeted removal is and how it can be used to manage CWD. If you own land in Hardin, Henry and/or Madison counties and are interested in this program, please contact the Region 1 TWRA office at 731-423-5725 or [email protected].

2. Landowner CWD Management Permits

These permits are issued by County Wildlife Officers directly to landowners or their designated agents to allow the removal of deer on their property outside of deer season for the purpose of CWD management. This program is available only in Fayette and Hardeman counties OR on properties that are within a 3-mile radius of a TWRA-confirmed CWD-positive location.