Hunters Urged To Take Deer To Checking Stations This Saturday

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will once again be collecting deer biological data on the opening day of muzzleloader season, on Saturday and the opening day of the rifle season, Nov. 21, at various locations across East Tennessee.  Data to be collected will include deer age estimates, antler measurements, and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance samples at select locations.  With the addition of the Internet check in 2009 and the TWRA on the go mobile application, fewer hunters are physically bringing deer to the traditional check stations.  Less than half of deer harvested are brought to a check station and the trend is continuing as technology is increasing.  The newer methods for big game checking have made the process easier for hunters, but in return more difficult for TWRA agents to collect much needed data from harvested animals. 

The data collected is very important to aid the TWRA in managing deer populations across the state.  Many times, deer management recommendations and decisions are made using this data collected from hunters.  It is especially important when any buck restrictions are being considered.  This year if you harvest a deer on either opening day of the muzzleloader or rifle season, bring your deer by one of the below listed check stations or locations.  Not only will you be able to learn the age of your deer, but you will also be greatly aiding the TWRA with deer management in Tennessee.  

For additional information, contact regional biologist Sterling Daniels at by phone a 423-522-2445 or email at sterling.daniels@tn.gov.  TWRA Agents will be present at the following locations on dates marked with an X: