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WMA · West Tennessee
Obion River WMA
An 8,500-acre wildlife management area in Weakley County, Obion County and Gibson County. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages it.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain)
Hunting on Obion River WMA
Bottomland hardwoods and cropland managed for waterfowl in Obion, Weakley and Gibson counties, including the Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area unit. Hunters may not enter more than 2 hours before sunrise; no permanent blinds.
See the separate pages for tracts within it: Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area.
The area listing names 4 kinds of game: deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. Some seasons are quota hunts, so apply in the TWRA draw beforehand. Most of it lies in Weakley County, part of deer Unit 1. CWD carcass and baiting restrictions apply, since Weakley County is CWD-positive.
Before going, open the agency page for this area, which lists dates, permits and the map.
Packing list for Obion River WMA
Start with these from the deer rifle hunting list.
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What is open on Obion River WMA in 2026-27
Species open on this ground, their statewide windows, and the local deer and county rules.
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.
Small game
The 2026-27 statewide window is Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Applies to squirrel, rabbit and any other small game this area opens. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Unit 1 bag limits
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. Statewide, hunters may take 2 antlered deer a season and 1 a day.
CWD rules here
Carcasses must be processed before they leave the CWD Management Zone, since whole ones may not be moved out. No baiting or feeding, and Earn-A-Buck in positive counties.
Blaze orange
The law calls for 500 square inches of blaze orange or fluorescent pink, worn on the upper body and head, for big game. Turkey and archery-only hunts are the exceptions.
Statewide dates and limits from the 2026-27 TWRA hunting guide, checked October 12, 2026. Each WMA has its own dates and rules in the guide; the area listing wins where it differs.
Open seasons for Obion River WMA
Weakley County sits outside every bear zone. CWD has been found in Weakley County. Bait and feeders are off limits in Weakley 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 12, 2026.
Obion River WMA on the map
Orange marks Obion River WMA, set at the rough center taken from the TWRA hunting map. Public hunting areas within about 70 miles are marked in gold. Closest towns: Martin (9 mi), Union City (15 mi), Dyersburg (27 mi).
Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area
About 3 miles away (straight line) in Weakley County.
Maness Swamp Refuge
About 5 miles away (straight line) in Gibson County and Weakley County. Covers 1,200 acres.
Businesses that serve Obion River WMA hunters
Each one is in Weakley County, Obion County and Gibson County or a county next to it.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
How many deer come out of the Obion River WMA area
Read these as county numbers, since the area’s own harvest is not reported separately. By reported deer harvest, Weakley County places #8 among 95 counties.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weakley County | 2,825 | 2,927 | 2,901 | #8 of 95 |
| Obion County | 1,279 | 1,262 | 1,294 | #57 of 95 |
| Gibson County | 1,787 | 1,629 | 1,578 | #43 of 95 |
Total reported deer harvest by county, WMA harvest included, from TWRA Hunter’s Toolbox reports. Seasons run July 1 to June 30.
Questions about Obion River WMA
How large is Obion River WMA?
The agency lists it at roughly 8,500 acres.
What county is Obion River WMA in?
It lies in Weakley County, Obion County and Gibson County, which TWRA counts as West Tennessee. See the official listing for maps and entry points.
What animals can you hunt on Obion River WMA?
Deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game are listed. Follow the area's own dates, which may be narrower than statewide.
How many deer can I take on Obion River WMA?
Unit 1, because the area is mainly in Weakley 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.
What permit do I need for Obion River WMA?
Anyone 16 through 64 hunting a TWRA wildlife management area needs a WMA permit (or an annual sportsman license) in addition to the hunting licenses. Federal refuges and certain areas set extra permits.
Which public areas are closest to Obion River WMA?
Try Hop-In Refuge (about 3 miles), Big Cypress Tree State Natural Area (about 3 miles) and Maness Swamp Refuge (about 5 miles).
Are there quota hunts on Obion River WMA?
Yes. Apply in the TWRA quota draw before the season for the hunts that need it.
Where do I check in a deer or turkey?
Deer and turkey are checked in by midnight of the day of harvest, before they leave the state, by app (TWRA On The Go), online or at a check station.
Is Obion River WMA in the CWD zone?
Yes, Weakley County is CWD-positive. Carcass transport limits and a baiting ban apply.
Where can I drop off a deer near Obion River WMA?
Close options include Birdwell Deer Processing and Brown's Meat Plant. Many open only during deer season, so call first.
Get ready for Obion River WMA
Before you hunt, compare the 2026-27 TWRA guide with the Obion River WMA listing. Both change from season to season.