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WMA · Plateau Tennessee
Edgar Evins State Park
A 6,000-acre wildlife management area in DeKalb County. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages it.
Photo: Andrew Neel andrewtneel (CC0)
Edgar Evins State Park at a glance
Largely forested state park on Center Hill Lake in DeKalb County, open to hunting as a WMA. Spring squirrel and dog training are closed on the north side of the lake.
The area listing names 3 kinds of game: deer, turkey and small game. Most of it lies in DeKalb County, part of deer Unit 3.
For the area map, hunt dates and permit rules, see the official Edgar Evins State Park page.
Gear for hunting Edgar Evins State Park
From our deer rifle hunting list, four that are easy to forget.
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Hunting seasons for Edgar Evins State Park
Each card below covers one listed species or one rule that applies to this county.
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.
Small game
The 2026-27 statewide window is Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Small game here means squirrel, rabbit and the others the area listing allows. The area itself may run a shorter season.
How many deer in Unit 3
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. No more than 1 antlered deer a day, or 2 a season, anywhere in the state.
Orange or pink rule
Big game hunters wear 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink on the upper body and head, except during archery-only and turkey hunts.
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.
Seasons open around Edgar Evins State Park
There is no open bear season in DeKalb County. Private land baiting is allowed in DeKalb County with the bait license.
- 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.
Public land around Edgar Evins State Park
Edgar Evins State Park is the orange point; its position is an approximate center from TWRA mapping. Other public hunting areas within roughly 70 miles appear in gold. Towns closest to the area: Carthage (16 mi), Cookeville (19 mi), Sparta (21 mi).
Pea Ridge WMA
About 11 miles away (straight line) in DeKalb County and Cannon County. 2,000 acres in all.
Cordell Hull WMA
About 19 miles away (straight line) in Jackson County and Smith County. 25,000 acres in all.
Local services for a hunt on Edgar Evins State Park
Businesses in DeKalb County and the neighboring counties.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
Deer checked in around Edgar Evins State Park
County totals, not numbers from this area alone. Statewide, DeKalb County is #69 of 95 for deer checked in.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County | 1,047 | 1,344 | 1,163 | #69 of 95 |
Total reported deer harvest by county, WMA harvest included, from TWRA Hunter’s Toolbox reports. Seasons run July 1 to June 30.
Common questions on Edgar Evins State Park
Which part of Tennessee is Edgar Evins State Park in?
DeKalb County, in the Plateau Tennessee region used by TWRA. The official area page has maps and access points: TWRA listing.
What can I hunt on Edgar Evins State Park?
Its listing covers deer, turkey and small game. Dates come from the area listing and may be shorter than statewide.
Which deer unit is Edgar Evins State Park in?
DeKalb County, and so this area, is in Unit 3. 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.
Does CWD affect hunting on Edgar Evins State Park?
No CWD county rules apply in DeKalb County for 2026-27; it is outside the zone.
Which licenses cover Edgar Evins State Park?
For ages 16 to 64, carry a WMA permit or annual sportsman license along with the right hunting licenses. Some areas, and federal refuges, have permits of their own.
Do any hunts on Edgar Evins State Park need a quota permit?
None appear in the current guide for this area. Recheck the listing each season.
What acreage does Edgar Evins State Park have?
Its listed size is about 6,000 acres.
What other public land is near Edgar Evins State Park?
The closest listed areas are Long Branch PHA (about 4 miles), Pea Ridge WMA (about 11 miles) and Headwaters WMA (about 16 miles).
When must I check in a deer or turkey?
Check in big game by midnight on the day of harvest through the TWRA On The Go app, online or at a check station, and before the animal leaves the state.
Who processes deer near Edgar Evins State Park?
The nearest listed processors are Sue's Taxidermy and Deer Processing, The Buck Barn Deer Processing and Taxidermy and Sircy's Deer Processing. Most keep seasonal hours, so check by phone.
Edgar Evins State Park trip planning
Confirm the 2026-27 dates and any area rules in the TWRA guide and the Edgar Evins State Park listing ahead of your hunt.