Tennessee Deer Harvest Totals Pass 176,600 for 2012-13

ore than 176,600 deer were harvested in Tennessee during the recently completed 2012-13 season as data continues to be gathered by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The statewide season concluded Jan. 6 and the youth hunt followed on Jan. 12-13. This year’s harvest tops last year’s total of 167,821. The harvest numbers range from the start of archery season on Sept. 22, 2012 through the final youth hunt. Giles County leads the way with 5,500 deer harvested, slightly ahead of Henry County at 5,496, which had a strong finish down the stretch to move into second place past Fayette County, which had a harvest of 5,433. Rounding out the top 13 counties are Hardeman 4,851, Lincoln 4,638, Maury 4,003, Montgomery 3,873, Franklin 3,867, Hardin 3,687, Weakley 3,664, Carroll 3,652, and Madison 3,529. More than 1,000 deer were harvested in 70 of the state’s 95 counties. Polk County, in the southeastern corner of the state, had the lowest county harvest total with 209. The harvest totals can be viewed on the TWRA website (www.tnwildlife.org) and is located in the “For Hunters” section.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

The mission of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors. The Agency will foster the safe use of the state’s waters through a program of law enforcement, education, and access.