Land Between the Lakes, Ky/Tenn. – Nov. 22, 2023 – The USDA Forest Service will allow archery and crossbow deer hunting in areas typically off-limits to hunting in select areas of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL). Opening these additional areas to hunting helps with wildlife conservation and population management at LBL.
Archery and crossbow hunters are strongly encouraged to take antlerless deer to help reduce deer populations within these select areas and dates (please note all areas will be closed December 15-17 for a youth quota hunt):
- November 20 – December 14, 2023 and December 18, 2023 – January 15, 2024: Limited White Tail Deer Hunt Area within the Woodlands Nature Watch Area in Kentucky and the southern Nature Watch Area in Tennessee.
- December 1 -14, 2023 and December 18, 2023 – January 15, 2024: Energy Lake and Hillman Ferry Campgrounds in Kentucky and Brandon Spring Group Center and Piney Campground in Tennessee
Hunting area maps, including the Limited White Tail Deer Hunt Area map, that shows the limited areas within the larger Woodlands Nature Watch Area, can be located online at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/maps. Fallow deer frequent the Woodlands Nature Watch Area and are illegal to harvest. Hunters should review the Deer Identification Fact Sheet before hunting. All harvested deer must be self-checked at an LBL check station before leaving. For bag limits, rules, and permit information, see the 2023 -2024 Deer Hunting Fact Sheet.
“Hunting is an important component of our wildlife management program here at LBL. Opening these areas to archery and crossbow deer hunting is of mutual benefit because it helps us manage our deer populations while providing more access to hunters,” said John Westbrook, environmental stewardship staff officer with the USDA Forest Service.
Archery and crossbow deer hunters may hunt within facility boundaries away from campsites and structures at Brandon Spring Group Center, and Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry and Piney Campgrounds. Maintenance staff will continue working throughout the winter at facilities. Hunters are advised to use extra caution when hunting in those areas.
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. LBL Hunter Use Permits, required for hunters age 16 and older, can be purchased online 24/7 under Reservations and Permits, or year-round at Golden Pond Visitor Center and Wranglers Campground.
Year-round camping opportunities are available at Wranglers and self-service campgrounds. Camping is also permitted in basic and dispersed camping areas with the purchase of a basic/dispersed camping permit.