Deer Hunters Get New Areas Previously Closed in Big Buck State

Deer hunters in one of the best states in the country for big bucks will have some previously closed land opened for several weeks to help with management control and might have a chance at a really good buck.

As of Dec. 1, every area normally open for archery hunting is still open for archery hunting in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.

Deer in the LBL area can turn some heads.

All other areas are closed to hunting except those listed below. The following areas are open to archery deer hunting only.

Kentucky areas — Dec. 1 through Jan. 19: Hillman Ferry Campground and Energy Lake Campground.
Tennessee areas — Dec. 1 through Jan. 4: Brandon Springs Group Center and South Nature Watch Demonstration Area (eastern part of Hunt Area 16).

Piney Campground will remain closed.

Hunters are encouraged to kill antlerless deer in these areas to maintain healthy deer populations. Hunting is not permitted within 150 yards of any road, facility, building, occupied area, or within 200 yards of any wildlife refuges. Hunters must possess all state required licenses and permits for the state being hunted.

Deer hunters age 16 and older must purchase a $25 Land Between The Lakes Hunter Use Permit or $35 with a combination Backcountry Camping Permit. Permits can be purchased online 24/7 under Reservations and Permits, Golden Pond Visitor Center and Wranglers Campground year-round, or at stores that sell state hunting licenses.

SEE: Keep Your Hands Warm and Phone Juiced Up in the Woods

Hunting in forested areas within campground boundaries, away from campsites, is permitted. Maintenance staff will continue working throughout the winter at facilities. Hunters are advised to use extra caution when hunting in these areas. Camping will be available at Wranglers Campground, at Self-service Camping Areas, and in Backcountry Areas.

For more information go to www.landbetweenthelakes.us/, and click Stewardship, and Hunting, or call 270-924-2065. For information on hunting regulations click on General Hunting Regulations on the hunting page.

Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area manages more than 170,000 acres in western Kentucky and Tennessee as part of the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture’s public lands program. Land Between The Lakes offers outdoor recreation, lake access, land management, and environmental education to over 1.4 million visitors annually. The Friends of Land Between The Lakes works in partnership with the Forest Service providing program services, funds development, and volunteer support.

To find more information about Land Between The Lakes, visit www.landbetweenthelakes.us or call toll-free at 1-800-LBL-7077.

SEE: THE MOST AWESOME COLLECTION OF SOUTHERN RUT INFORMATION ANYWHERE