2026-27 Sandhill Crane & Bobwhite Quail Quota Hunt Application Period Open September 2-30

NASHVILLE --- The application period for the 2026-27 Sandhill Crane quota hunt, the 2026-27 Bobwhite Quail quota hunt, and the Game Warden Deer Hunt will be open Sept. 2-30.

Information can be found on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) quota hunts webpage. Applications can be made online at gooutdoorstennessee.com, through the TWRA mobile app, in person at any TWRA license agent, or at a TWRA regional office. No mailed applications will be accepted.

SANDHILL CRANE QUOTA HUNT:

Applicants must be at least 13 years of age by the end of the application period to enter the drawing. This hunt utilizes priority points. If applying as a party, priority points are averaged and rounded to the nearest number. Parties may have up to five applicants, including the party leader. When applying for the Sandhill Crane Quota Hunt as a party, all party members' points will be averaged to determine the point value of the party.

A total of 1,250 permits will be issued for this hunt. A total of 2,500 tags (two tags/hunter) will be issued through a computerized drawing. The tags are valid statewide and in the Southeast Crane Zone. All sandhill crane hunters must pass an internet-based crane test each year before hunting. The sandhill crane hunting season is Dec. 3-Jan. 31, 2027, with the exception of Jan. 15-17 in the Southeast Zone.

BOBWHITE QUAIL QUOTA HUNT:

For the third year, a Bobwhite Quail quota hunt will be held on four dates at Bridgestone Firestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Dec. 17, and on Jan. 14, 20, and 21 in 2027. There will be one permit per hunt, and applicants may create or join a party or apply as an individual. The maximum party size is three, and there are no priority points associated with this hunt.

If drawn, applicants may choose to alter their party or bring additional hunters (not to exceed a party of three) up until check-in at the WMA, the day of the hunt. Non-hunting individuals may not go on the hunt.

Applicants must be at least six years old by the date of the hunt. There can be no more than two youth (16 years old or younger) in a party. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who may hunt as a member of the party, not to exceed a party of three.

GAME WARDEN YOUTH HUNT:

A TWRA Game Warden Youth Deer Hunt will be held on Jan. 9, 2027, in Montgomery, Robertson, and Stewart counties. An area game warden will contact the individual following notification, and Jan. 8 will be a preparation day with the game warden. Youth ages 6-16 are eligible to participate.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH OF THE HUNTS

Customers can apply by using any one of the following methods:

1) https://www.gooutdoorstennessee.com

2) Via the TWRA mobile app

3) At one of the TWRA regional offices

4) At any TWRA license agent

There is no application fee for current Annual Sportsman License holders or Lifetime Sportsman License holders. For all other applicants, there is a non-refundable $12 application fee, and a vendor fee. When applying at a license agent, hunters must remain at the location while the application is processed to verify the information is correct on the receipt.

All applicants should have a valid and accurate email address on their GoOutdoorsTennessee.com account. A receipt, which serves as proof of application, will be sent to the email address on the account.

Applicants may review their application (including party members) by logging in at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Applications may be edited by the applicants until the deadline. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

---TWRA---