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State Forest · Plateau Tennessee
Bledsoe State Forest
An 8,289-acre state forest in Bledsoe County, Cumberland County, White County and Van Buren County. The Tennessee Division of Forestry manages it.
Photo: Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, TN (Public domain)
What to know about Bledsoe State Forest
Cumberland Plateau forest of mixed hardwoods and pine in Bledsoe, Cumberland, Van Buren and White counties, about 3 miles from Fall Creek Falls State Park. TWRA lists it as open with statewide seasons; there is a no-hunting safety zone around the forest office and two other no-hunting areas south of Bee Creek and south of Hwy 30.
The area listing names 3 kinds of game: deer, turkey and small game. Most of it lies in Bledsoe County, part of deer Unit 4.
The managing agency’s page for Bledsoe State Forest carries the map, dates and permit details.
What to pack for Bledsoe State Forest
Four items worth checking before this hunt, from the deer rifle hunting list.
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Bledsoe State Forest seasons and rules for 2026-27
Listed species and the 2026-27 statewide seasons, followed by county-level 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.
Small game
The 2026-27 statewide window is Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Covers squirrel, rabbit and other small game where the area allows them. The area itself may run a shorter season.
Deer limits in Unit 4
Expect per-season antlerless caps rather than a daily one: archery 4, muzzleloader with straight-wall 2, gun 2, Young Sportsman 2 for all four days. The August hunt is closed to antlerless, and the limit covers the whole unit, not each county. Bucks: 1 per day and 2 per season under statewide rules.
Blaze orange rule
Outside archery-only and turkey hunts, big game hunters need 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink on the head and upper body.
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.
In season at Bledsoe State Forest today
Bledsoe County sits outside every bear zone. With a Deer Bait Privilege License, bait is legal on private land in Bledsoe 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.
Bledsoe State Forest map and neighboring areas
Look for the orange marker for Bledsoe State Forest, an approximate center drawn from the TWRA hunting map. Gold points show the other public land within about 70 miles. For supplies, the nearest towns are Pikeville (7 mi), Spencer (12 mi), Sparta (20 mi).
Fall Creek Falls State Natural Area
About 7 miles away (straight line) in Van Buren County and Bledsoe County. About 16,181 acres.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
About 7 miles away (straight line) in Bledsoe County and Van Buren County. About 20,000 acres.
Big Bottom Unit, Bridgestone Firestone WMA
About 8 miles away (straight line) in Van Buren County and White County.
Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA
About 8 miles away (straight line) in White County and Van Buren County. About 17,000 acres.
Scott's Gulf Centennial Wilderness State Park PHA
About 9 miles away (straight line) in White County and Van Buren County. About 6,500 acres.
Processors, taxidermists and shops near Bledsoe State Forest
Listings from Bledsoe County, Cumberland County, White County and Van Buren County and the counties that border it.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
Bledsoe State Forest area deer harvest by county
These are whole-county totals, not harvest from this area by itself. Of 95 counties, Bledsoe ranks #61 for reported deer.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bledsoe County | 1,171 | 1,293 | 1,277 | #61 of 95 |
| Cumberland County | 2,350 | 2,443 | 2,685 | #12 of 95 |
| White County | 1,264 | 1,578 | 1,427 | #52 of 95 |
| Van Buren County | 1,073 | 1,386 | 1,214 | #66 of 95 |
Total reported deer harvest by county, WMA harvest included, from TWRA Hunter’s Toolbox reports. Seasons run July 1 to June 30.
Hunting Bledsoe State Forest: questions
How do I find Bledsoe State Forest?
The area is in Plateau Tennessee, in Bledsoe County, Cumberland County, White County and Van Buren County. Maps and access points are on the official area page.
How big is Bledsoe State Forest?
The managing agency gives 8,289 acres as its size.
What game is open on Bledsoe State Forest?
Deer, turkey and small game. The area sets its own dates for each, sometimes tighter than the statewide ones.
Is a special permit required on Bledsoe State Forest?
The Tennessee Division of Forestry runs Bledsoe State Forest, so its page lists any area permit. A valid Tennessee license is required either way.
Is Bledsoe State Forest a quota hunt area?
Not in the current guide. Quota hunts can be added, so look at the listing every year.
What deer unit covers Bledsoe State Forest?
Deer limits come from Unit 4, which covers Bledsoe County. Antlerless limits: Young Sportsman 2 total over its four days, archery 4, muzzleloader plus straight-wall week 2, gun 2, and none in the August hunt. Moving to another county in the unit does not raise the limit.
Can I bait or move whole carcasses from Bledsoe State Forest?
As of 2026-27, Bledsoe County is not a CWD county and is not in the Management Zone.
What public hunting land is close to Bledsoe State Forest?
Nearest on this site: Fall Creek Falls State Natural Area (about 7 miles), Fall Creek Falls State Park (about 7 miles) and Big Bottom Unit, Bridgestone Firestone WMA (about 8 miles).
Is there a deer processor near Bledsoe State Forest?
Processors listed nearby include Oakes Processing, P3 Custom Meats and Ross Custom Slaughtering. Hours shift with the season, so call before heading in.
How do I check in a deer or turkey?
By midnight on the day it is taken, using the TWRA On The Go app, the website or a check station, and always before it leaves Tennessee.
Plan a hunt on Bledsoe State Forest
Seasons, limits and area rules change every year. Check the 2026-27 TWRA guide and the Bledsoe State Forest listing before you go.