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WMA · West Tennessee
West Sandy WMA
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages this 4,319-acre wildlife management area in Henry County.
Photo: Photo by Richard Hines (Public domain)
About West Sandy WMA
River-bottom swamps, cropland and upland hardwoods, managed with TVA, which floods it for waterfowl in late October; vehicle access is limited. Sub-impoundments close before and during duck season except to waterfowl hunters.
West Sandy WMA is open for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game under its listing. The main county is Henry County, which sits in deer Unit 1. Expect CWD carcass and bait limits: Henry County is a positive county.
Official West Sandy WMA page has the area map, hunt dates and any permit rules.
Kit for a day at West Sandy WMA
Part of the deer rifle hunting checklist, priced on Amazon.
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West Sandy WMA: 2026-27 dates and rules
Statewide dates for each listed species, plus the limits tied to Henry County.
Deer
Statewide 2026-27 dates run Aug 28, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027. Area dates can be shorter than statewide dates.
Turkey
Statewide 2026-27 dates run Sep 26, 2026 to May 16, 2027. Area dates can be shorter than statewide dates.
Waterfowl
Statewide 2026-27 dates run Sep 1, 2026 to Mar 31, 2027. Area dates can be shorter than statewide dates.
Small game
Statewide 2026-27 dates run Aug 22, 2026 to Jun 13, 2027. Squirrel and rabbit are the usual quarry, along with other small game the area lists. Area dates can be shorter than statewide dates.
Deer limits for Unit 1
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. The antlered bag is 1 a day and 2 for the season, statewide.
CWD rules for Henry County
Rules here: no whole carcass leaves the CWD Management Zone, no baiting, no feeding. In CWD-positive counties Earn-A-Buck applies as well.
Fluorescent orange
Unless the hunt is archery-only or for turkey, big game hunters must show 500 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink on the torso and head.
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.
West Sandy WMA: what is in season
Bear hunting is closed in Henry County. Henry County carries CWD carcass rules. No baiting or feeding is allowed in Henry 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.
Where West Sandy WMA is, and what is nearby
The orange pin sits near the middle of West Sandy WMA, based on the TWRA hunting map. Gold markers are other public hunting areas within about 70 miles. The nearest towns are Paris (7 mi), Camden (17 mi), Dover (22 mi).
Big Sandy WMA
Around 7 miles as the crow flies, over in Henry County and Benton County. Size: 2,370 acres.
Sergeant Lee Russell Refuge
Around 21 miles as the crow flies, over in Carroll County. Size: 570 acres.
Deer processing and shops around West Sandy WMA
Sorted by county: Henry County first, then its neighbors.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Hours change by season, so call ahead. Full services directory.
County deer numbers for West Sandy WMA
Each row is a full county total and includes land outside this area. Henry County sits at #5 of 95 in the state deer harvest ranking.
| County | Deer 2023-24 | Deer 2024-25 | Deer 2025-26 | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry County | 3,432 | 3,782 | 3,137 | #5 of 95 |
Total reported deer harvest by county, WMA harvest included, from TWRA Hunter’s Toolbox reports. Seasons run July 1 to June 30.
West Sandy WMA FAQ
Does West Sandy WMA require a WMA permit?
A WMA permit is required for hunters aged 16 to 64 unless they hold an annual sportsman license, and the regular licenses still apply. Watch for added area or refuge permits.
Which game does West Sandy WMA allow?
The area is listed for deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game. Each species follows the dates in the area's own listing, which can be shorter than statewide seasons.
Where is West Sandy WMA located?
You will find it in Henry County, part of the West Tennessee region. Access points are marked on the map at the area page.
Does West Sandy WMA have quota hunts?
The current guide lists none for this area, though that can change from year to year.
Which deer unit does West Sandy WMA fall under?
The deer unit is Unit 1, set by Henry County. The daily antlerless bag is 3 in every season from Young Sportsman through gun, straight-wall rifle included. The August hunt allows no antlerless deer.
How much land does West Sandy WMA cover?
Roughly 4,319 acres, per the managing agency's page.
Where can I get a deer processed near West Sandy WMA?
Processors in the area: K & J Meat Processing, Clifty Creek Farm and Yoder Brothers Custom Processing. Phone before you drive over; plenty are seasonal.
Are there CWD restrictions at West Sandy WMA?
It is. Henry County is a CWD-positive county with carcass and baiting restrictions.
Do I have to check in game taken here?
Report it by midnight that day through TWRA On The Go, online or at a check station. It has to be checked before the animal leaves Tennessee.
What other public ground is around West Sandy WMA?
The three nearest are New Hope WMA (about 6 miles), Big Sandy WMA (about 7 miles) and Lick Creek WMA (about 9 miles).
Heading to West Sandy WMA
Dates and bag limits shift each season. The 2026-27 TWRA guide and the area listing have the current version.