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WMA · West Tennessee
Moss Island WMA
5,119 acres of wildlife management area in Dyer County. Managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Photo: User:JeremyA (CC BY-SA 2.5)
What to know about Moss Island WMA
Mature forest, farmland, reforestation and wetlands in Dyer County. Deer hunting is archery-only except a 7-day gun season, with a 9-point or 20-inch antler restriction.
Hunters come to Moss Island WMA for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. Deer rules follow Unit 1 because the area is mainly in Dyer County. Chronic wasting disease has been found in Dyer County, which brings carcass and baiting limits.
The managing agency’s page for Moss Island WMA carries the map, dates and permit details.
What to pack for Moss Island WMA
Four items worth checking before this hunt, from the deer rifle hunting list.
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Moss Island WMA seasons and rules for 2026-27
Listed species and the 2026-27 statewide seasons, followed by county-level rules.
Deer
Statewide season dates for 2026-27: Aug 28, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027. The area listing can cut that window down.
Turkey
Statewide season dates for 2026-27: Sep 26, 2026 to May 16, 2027. The area listing can cut that window down.
Waterfowl
Statewide season dates for 2026-27: Sep 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027. The area listing can cut that window down.
Small game
Statewide season dates for 2026-27: Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Covers squirrel, rabbit and other small game where the area allows them. The area listing can cut that window down.
Deer limits in Unit 1
Antlerless deer: 3 per day in the Young Sportsman, archery, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle and gun seasons, and none in the August hunt. Bucks: 1 per day and 2 per season under statewide rules.
CWD in Dyer County
Feeding and baiting deer are prohibited in these counties. Whole carcasses may not be carried out of the CWD Management Zone, and positive counties add Earn-A-Buck.
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 Moss Island WMA today
Dyer County has no bear season. Dyer County has no fall turkey season. Chronic wasting disease rules apply in Dyer County. Dyer County bans baiting and feeding.
- 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.
Moss Island WMA map and neighboring areas
Look for the orange marker for Moss Island WMA, 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 Dyersburg (15 mi), Covington (27 mi), Tiptonville (30 mi).
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
Lauderdale County and Dyer County, about 8 miles from here in a straight line. About 26,997 acres.
Tumbleweed WMA
Lake County and Dyer County, about 17 miles from here in a straight line. About 5,770 acres.
Processors, taxidermists and shops near Moss Island WMA
Listings from Dyer County and the counties that border it.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
Moss Island WMA area deer harvest by county
These are whole-county totals, not harvest from this area by itself. Of 95 counties, Dyer ranks #80 for reported deer.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyer County | 976 | 934 | 874 | #80 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 Moss Island WMA: questions
How do I find Moss Island WMA?
The area is in West Tennessee, in Dyer County. Maps and access points are on the official area page.
How big is Moss Island WMA?
The managing agency gives 5,119 acres as its size.
What game is open on Moss Island WMA?
Deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. The area sets its own dates for each, sometimes tighter than the statewide ones.
Do I need a special permit for Moss Island WMA?
TWRA requires a WMA permit, or the annual sportsman license that includes it, for hunters 16 to 64, on top of the licenses for the game hunted. A few areas and the federal refuges add separate permits.
Is Moss Island WMA 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 Moss Island WMA?
Deer limits come from Unit 1, which covers Dyer County. Hunters in this unit get 3 antlerless deer per day in all regular seasons (Young Sportsman, archery, muzzleloader, straight-wall rifle and gun), but zero in the August hunt.
Can I bait or move whole carcasses from Moss Island WMA?
CWD rules apply: Dyer County is positive, so baiting is banned and carcass movement is limited.
What public hunting land is close to Moss Island WMA?
Nearest on this site: Ernest Rice WMA (about 5 miles), Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge (about 8 miles) and Thorny Cypress WMA (about 10 miles).
Is there a deer processor near Moss Island WMA?
Processors listed nearby include Ty's Deer Processing, Circle L Butcher Barn and Hargett's Meat Processing. 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 Moss Island WMA
Seasons, limits and area rules change every year. Check the 2026-27 TWRA guide and the Moss Island WMA listing before you go.