Hunting Opportunities include Deer Hunting, Small Game Hunting, Turkey Hunting and Waterfowl Hunting
About 75 miles from Nashville, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge offers a great public hunting opportunity along 12.5 river miles of the Cumberland River. The refuge's woodland habitat holds sizable numbers of popular game species, including turkey, deer, squirrel, beaver and coyote. Turkeys may be hunted in the spring or fall (archery) seasons during general-access hunts. Deer hunters can choose from general-access hunts and one quota hunt. A firearm quota hunt, issued by lottery, takes place in October. The state season archery hunt, youth deer hunt and muzzleloader deer hunt are general-access opportunities until the refuge closes to the public on November 15. During the quota hunt, hunters must take an antlerless deer before being allowed to take a buck. While the refuge can draw thousands of ducks, it is preserved as a winter refuge for waterfowl. However, a season for resident Canada geese is held in September. Beaver and coyote may be hunted incidental to any scheduled refuge hunt.
Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs.
As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, because their natural predators are gone, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support.
Hunting programs can promote understanding and appreciation of natural resources and their management on lands and waters in the Refuge System.
To find out more about hunting opportunities, seasons and regulations on Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, contact the refuge manager or refer to the Cross Creeks Hunting/Fishing brochure.