The largest bottomland hardwood forest in Tennessee, Chickasaw NWR has become an important wintering and stopover area for huge numbers of waterfowl. Located in the Mississippi River floodplain, the forest floods periodically, creating ideal conditions for ducks. During optimum years, waterfowl numbers may exceed 250,000, including black duck, gadwall, pintail, wigeon and many other species. Waterfowl hunters can experience these impressive fall flights during a season that follows state hunting dates; refuge hunting ends at noon. The refuge offers a variety of other hunting opportunities, mostly in line with state seasons. The three-day turkey hunts, offered in April, are issued by quota. Deer hunters can choose from archery, muzzleloader and firearms seasons, as well as a special season for young hunters.
