Tims Ford Hunting

Deer with antlers standing in a forest with autumn leaves.

A person in camouflage, partially obscured by dense, bare branches, suggesting a winter setting. The atmosphere is quiet and secluded.

Hunting at Tims Ford

Hunting is allowed in certain areas of Tims Ford with a permit.

You can register for a permit online or by visiting the Tims Ford office. There is no fee.

Once you register, you will be emailed your permit. A paper copy of your permit must be kept with you or on your cell phone while hunting. Please be prepared to show it to a Ranger, if asked. A copy of the permit number must be kept on the dashboard of your car.

Permits expire at the end of February every year. A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) hunting license is also required.

Hunting License & Permits

Hunting Conditions

Hunting within Tims Ford State Park huntable land areas shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Designated Areas Only

Hunt in designated areas only. No exceptions.
Permit Required

Each person hunting must obtain and carry a hunting permit.
Display Permit

A copy of the permit must be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Obey Rules

All state park rules and regulations apply and are enforced.

Huntable Property and Safety Zone

Huntable Property:

Marked with yellow markers
Target practice is prohibited
Hunters may not enter prior to one hour before sunrise, and they must be out of the area by one hour after sunset (Exception: raccoon, opossum, turkey, and waterfowl hunters)
Hunters are required to retrieve all cripple and/or dead game, if possible
Hunters may not dispose of dead wildlife in the area

Safety Zone:
Safety zones are marked with orange markers. Be aware! Some trails overlap into huntable property. Be certain of your target.

Field Dressing Rules

No field dressing in the campground or cabin areas.  

Campers/cabin guests:
A designated field dressing area is located in the Maintenance area. Non-edible parts of kill may be disposed of in a trash bag and placed in the Maintenance dumpsters.

Non-campers/Non-cabin guests:
All non-edible parts of kill must be removed from state property. Under no circumstances is a hunter permitted to hang kill from a tree in the campground or cabin areas.

Rules & Guides

Acts of Disorderly Conduct

Obnoxious or boisterous conducts, including acts that interfere with the orderly process of hunting, are prohibited. Violators shall be removed from the area and/or prosecuted.
Alcoholic Beverages

Possession of, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, narcotic drug, barbiturate, or marijuana while hunting within the park property is prohibited.
Bag Limits

Statewide bag and possession limits apply unless a special exception is indicated.
Baiting

The placement or depositing of any type of food to feed or attract wildlife is prohibited.
Camping

Camping is prohibited except in designated areas.
Dog Training for Small Game

The training of dogs is strictly prohibited unless authorized through a joint agreement with the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Horses

Use of horses is prohibited.
Firearms

Use, possession, or transportation of firearms, bows, and arrows or other arms and ammunition is expressly prohibited unless the area is clearly marked as huntable property. 
Hunting Near Private Dwellings

It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, or kill any wild animal, wild birds, or waterfowl on public land and waters within 100 yards of a visible dwelling house whether or not such a dwelling is on public or private lands, without the owner’s permission.
Litter

No litter or sewage may be deposited in the area
Motorized Vehicles

The use of any motorized vehicle off paved roads or designated parking areas is prohibited.
Natural Features

The intentional or wanton destruction, defacement, or removal of a natural or cultural feature or non-renewable natural resource is prohibited.
Wildlife

No wildlife may be harassed except those authorized for the hunt and no animal killed shall be dismembered to the extent that its species and sex cannot be identified before it is checked at a check-in station.