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WMA · West Tennessee
John Tully WMA
A 15,500-acre wildlife management area in Lauderdale County. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages it.
Photo: US Forest Service – Southern Region (Public domain)
John Tully WMA overview
Bottomland hardwood and swamp in the Mississippi River floodplain west of Ripley and Henning, including John Tully State Forest. Fullen North and South tract waterfowl hunting is allocated by drawing; tree stands must carry the hunter's TWRA ID.
The area listing names 5 kinds of game: deer, turkey, waterfowl, dove and small game. A TWRA quota draw decides who hunts some of the seasons here. Most of it lies in Lauderdale County, part of deer Unit 1. Lauderdale County is on the CWD-positive list, and the carcass and bait rules come with that.
Read the official John Tully WMA listing for its map, current dates and any permits.
Before you head to John Tully WMA
Four items from the deer rifle hunting checklist.
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Seasons and limits at John Tully WMA
The game listed for this area, with 2026-27 statewide dates and the county rules that apply.
Deer
The 2026-27 statewide window is Aug 28, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Turkey
The 2026-27 statewide window is Sep 26, 2026 to May 16, 2027. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Waterfowl
The 2026-27 statewide window is Sep 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Dove
The 2026-27 statewide window is Sep 1, 2026 to Jul 11, 2027. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Small game
The 2026-27 statewide window is Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Squirrel, rabbit and similar small game count here when the area allows them. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Deer bag, Unit 1
Three antlerless a day is the cap across Young Sportsman, archery, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle and gun hunts, with no antlerless deer in the August hunt. Antlered limit is 2 per season statewide, 1 per day.
CWD limits, Lauderdale County
Baiting and feeding are banned in these counties, and whole carcasses cannot be taken out of the CWD Management Zone. CWD-positive counties also run Earn-A-Buck.
Wearing orange
Fluorescent orange or pink, 500 square inches on the head and upper body, is required for big game except in archery-only and turkey seasons.
Statewide dates and limits from the 2026-27 TWRA hunting guide, checked October 9, 2026. Each WMA has its own dates and rules in the guide; the area listing wins where it differs.
What you can hunt in John Tully WMA right now
Bear hunting is closed in Lauderdale County. Fall turkey is not open in Lauderdale County. Lauderdale County carries CWD carcass rules. No baiting or feeding is allowed in Lauderdale County.
- Deer
- Turkey
- Ducks
- Waterfowl
- Canada goose
- White-fronted goose
- Brant
- Light geese
- Dove
- Woodcock
- Snipe
- Rails (virginia, sora)
- Gallinule and moorhen
- Crow
- Squirrel
- Rabbit
- Quail
- Grouse
- RaccoonYear-round
- Opossum
- CoyoteYear-round
- Bobcat
- Feral hogYear-round
TWRA 2026-27 guide, checked October 9, 2026.
Map of John Tully WMA and nearby public land
John Tully WMA shows as the orange marker, placed at its approximate center from the TWRA hunting map. In gold are the other public areas no more than about 70 miles away. Nearest towns: Covington (13 mi), Brownsville (32 mi), Dyersburg (35 mi).
Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
About 4 miles away (straight line) in Lauderdale County and Tipton County.
Sunk Lake State Natural Area (North Unit)
About 6 miles away (straight line) in Lauderdale County.
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
About 14 miles away (straight line) in Lauderdale County and Dyer County. 26,997 acres.
Meeman-Shelby Forest WMA & State Park
About 27 miles away (straight line) in Shelby County. 13,000 acres.
Where to process, mount and resupply near John Tully WMA
Drawn from Lauderdale County plus the next counties over.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
Recent deer harvest near John Tully WMA
Numbers are for each county as a whole rather than this tract. Lauderdale County ranks #59 of 95 counties for reported deer harvest.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauderdale County | 1,274 | 1,375 | 1,290 | #59 of 95 |
Total reported deer harvest by county, WMA harvest included, from TWRA Hunter’s Toolbox reports. Seasons run July 1 to June 30.
John Tully WMA questions
Where is John Tully WMA?
John Tully WMA is in Lauderdale County, in TWRA's West Tennessee region. The agency page shows the map and where to get in.
Is a WMA permit required on John Tully WMA?
Yes, if you are 16 to 64: a WMA permit or an annual sportsman license, plus the hunting licenses for your game. Some areas and federal refuges require more.
What is huntable at John Tully WMA?
Listed game: deer, turkey, waterfowl, dove and small game. Expect area dates that can trim the statewide seasons.
Is there a draw for hunting John Tully WMA?
Some are. TWRA draws quota permits for those hunts before the season opens.
What is the size of John Tully WMA?
About 15,500 acres, according to the managing agency.
Do CWD rules apply on John Tully WMA?
Yes. Lauderdale County is CWD-positive, so carcass transport limits and the baiting ban apply.
What are the deer limits on John Tully WMA?
It follows Unit 1, the deer unit for Lauderdale County. Up to 3 antlerless deer a day may be taken in archery, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle, gun and Young Sportsman seasons. None may be taken in the August hunt.
Which processors are close to John Tully WMA?
Try Hargett's Meat Processing, R & D Processing and Mason's Deer Processing. Call ahead, since many work only in season.
Where else can I hunt near John Tully WMA?
Closest public areas by straight line: Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (about 4 miles), Sunk Lake State Natural Area (North Unit) (about 6 miles) and Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge (about 14 miles).
How soon do I have to check in my deer?
Use the TWRA On The Go app, the online system or a check station. The deadline is midnight on the harvest day, and it must happen before the animal crosses the state line.
Planning a trip to John Tully WMA
Area rules and limits are revised each year, so confirm them in the 2026-27 TWRA guide and the area listing.