Typically marked as “no hunting” areas in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, officials announced on Tuesday the opening of three campgrounds to archery deer hunting — providing more acreage and opportunities for hunters, while helping reduce extra deer numbers around public use areas.
Hillman Ferry and Energy Lake campgrounds will be open for this hunt beginning December 1 and ending January 17. Piney Campground will begin its loosened restrictions on December 6 through January 2.
John Westbrook, an environmental stewardship staff officer with the USDA Forest Service, said hunting is an important component of wildlife management in LBL, and opening more grounds is of mutual benefit.
Archery deer hunters may hunt within these campgrounds boundaries and away from campsites in only these three identified campgrounds. Maintenance staff will continue to work in these areas throughout the winter, so extra caution is advised when hunting in these zones.
Archery hunters are encouraged to take antlerless deer in these areas, and hunting remains impermissible within 150 yards of any road, facility, building, occupied area or within 200 yards of any wildlife refuge — such as LBL’s Elk & Bison Prairie.
Hunters aged 16 or older must possess all state-required licenses and permits for the state being hunted, and LBL Hunter Use Permits can be purchased online 24/7 under the Reservations and Permits tab, or year-round at the Golden Pond Visitor Center and Wranglers Campground.
