Hatchie NWR Deer Quota Hunt Information
Season: 1) TBA
2) TBA
Bag Limit: Three deer, no more than one antlered. Harvested deer count as bonus deer.
Permits: Quota hunt, see below for application procedure.
Application Procedures
*Please keep in mind that we have had major issues with the mailing system. If you plan on applying for this hunt, apply early so we will be sure to receive your card in time. We accept cards DURING the month of July. If you postmark your card on July 31st, it will most likely not make it in time for the drawing. The drawing is conducted during the first week of August.
To apply for a permit, applicants must submit a stamped, self-address U. S. Postal Service postcard to the Refuge Manager. Index cards and any other post card other than the U.S. Postal Service postcard will not be accepted. A party of up to four hunters may apply on the same postcard. One hunter’s information on the front of the card, up to three hunters on the back with the following information for each participant:
- Name
- Address
- Contact Number
- Hunt Location (Hatchie)
Hunt Date (Example-Hunt 2, Nov. __-__)
Hatchie NWR Deer Quota Hunt Application Card Example
Place your postcard INSIDE AN ENVELOPE and mail to the REELFOOT NWR at:
Reelfoot NWR
4343 Hwy 157
Union City, TN 38261
Attention: Hatchie Deer Quota Hunt
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my buddy turn in a card with 4 names, and then I turn in another card with the same 4 names in different order for the same refuge? No. It's still the same 4 names. We have a system that puts all names in alphabetical order where duplicates are easily spotted. IF duplicates are spotted, the names will be disqualified and a new card will be drawn in its place.
Can I apply for Reelfoot (Long Point or Grassy Island) and Hatchie deer quota hunt? Yes, but each refuge needs its own application card.
Can I apply for both hunt dates at Hatchie? No, you may only apply for one hunt date per refuge.
Incomplete or duplicate applications will be disqualified. Applications will ONLY be accepted during the month of July for the deer hunt. All applications need to be submitted by July 31st, at 4:00 p.m. All permits will be selected by random drawing.
Drawn Hunters
If you are drawn for a hunt, you will be sent a notification with instructions on payment for your permit. Money orders and cashiers checks only - We do not accept personal checks or cash. You may put each hunter's payment on one money order/cashiers checks. This also applies for both lake locations. (Example: If you are drawn for both Champion and Little Champion and/or a youth hunt, you may put them together on one money order or cashiers check). Once payment is collected, you will receive your permit and Public Use Regulations brochure.
Permits are non-transferable. Only the persons possessing a valid, signed permit are allowed on the hunt. If a hunter is unable to go, you may not have another hunter take his/her place. Guests are prohibited, even if they are not taking a firearm.
Not-Drawn Hunters
If you are not drawn for the hunt, you will receive your original postcard back through the mail with a sticker on the back stating you were not drawn. It is important that you fill your card out correctly (self addressed - like you are mailing it to yourself) for this reason. When applying for the hunt, if your card is not filled out properly with your address in the front/center, OR if you do not put your card in an envelope so that the postage is not used, you will not receive your "not-drawn" notification. If you have questions on how to fill out your card properly, please refer to the image on this page, or by calling Ranger Tara Dowdy at 731-538-2481.
How the Drawing is Conducted
Each hunt card is added to the FIRST preferred hunt date/location specified on the application postcard. There is no need in adding anything other than the first preferred date/location. There is a drawing for each weekend and each hunt location. If you are not drawn for your preferred hunt, your card is then set aside with all other hunters who were not drawn for their preferred hunt to be given a "second chance" for any remaining open weekends. If you receive a notification that you were drawn but it wasn't for your preferred hunt, that means you were not drawn for your preferred hunt but given a second chance at the remaining openings.

