Hunting is allowed in certain areas of Tims Ford, with a permit. You can register for a permit online or by visiting the Tims Ford office. There is no fee. Once you register, you will be emailed your permit. A paper copy of your permit must be kept with you or on your cell phone while hunting. Please be prepared to show it to a ranger, if asked. A copy of the permit number must be kept on the dashboard of your car. Permits expire at the end of February every year. A TWRA hunting license is also required. Visit TWRA for complete details.

Tims Ford Hunting Permits

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Hunt in designated area only. NO Exceptions.
• Each person hunting must have a permit. 
• Hunters must have a copy of the permit on the dash of the vehicle and on your person.
• All state park rules and regulations apply and are enforced.

Tims Ford Hunting Permit Registration will be available in the fall.

TN STATE PARK HUNTING REGULATIONS

• Hunting within Tims Ford State Park huntable land areas shall be in accordance with the laws and regulations of Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

SAFETY ZONE

• Marked with Orange markers
• Be Aware! Some trails overlap into the huntable property. Be certain of your target.

HUNTABLE PROPERTY

• Marked with Yellow markers.
• Target Practice is prohibited.
• Hunters may not enter prior to one hour before sunrise, and they must be out of the area by one hour after sunset. (Exception: raccoon, opossum, turkey, and waterfowl hunters)
• Hunters are required to retrieve all cripple and/or dead game, if possible.
• Hunters may not dispose of dead wildlife in the area.

FIELD DRESSING

NO field dressing in the campground or cabin areas.  

For campers/cabin guests only: a designated field dressing area is located in the Maintenance area. Non-edible parts of kill may be disposed of in a trash bag and placed in the Maintenance dumpsters.

Non-campers/cabin guests: All non-edible parts of kill must be removed from state property

Under no circumstances is a hunter permitted to hang kill from a tree in the campground or cabin areas.

ACTS OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Obnoxious or boisterous conducts, including acts that interfere with the orderly process of hunting, are prohibited. Violators shall be removed from the area and/or prosecuted.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Possession of, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, narcotic drug, barbiturate, or marijuana while hunting within the park property is prohibited.

BAG LIMITS 

Statewide bag and possession limits apply unless a special exception is indicated.

BAITING

The placement or depositing of any type of food to feed or attract wildlife is prohibited.

CAMPING 

Camping is prohibited except in designated areas.

DOG TRAINING FOR SMALL GAME

The training of dogs is strictly prohibited unless authorized through a joint agreement with the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)

HORSES

Use of horses is prohibited.

FIREARMS

Use, possession, or transportation of firearms, bows, and arrows or other arms and ammunition is expressly prohibited unless the area is clearly marked as huntable property. 

HUNTING NEAR PRIVATE DWELLINGS

It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, or kill any wild animal, wild birds, or waterfowl on public land and waters within 100 yards of a visible dwelling house whether or not such a dwelling is on public or private lands, without the owner’s permission.

LITTER

 No litter or sewage may be deposited in the area

MOTORIZED VEHICLES

The use of any motorized vehicle off paved roads or designated parking areas is prohibited.

NATURAL FEATURES

The intentional or wanton destruction, defacement, or removal of a natural or cultural feature or non-renewable natural resource is prohibited.

WILDLIFE

No wildlife may be harassed except those authorized for the hunt and no animal killed shall be dismembered to the extent that its species and sex cannot be identified before it is checked at a check-in station.