The Beauty of the Prentice Cooper State Forest

Living within the Prentice Cooper State Forest, I have nature at my front and back doors. More than just leaves on the ground or creeks flowing. I walked out on my deck the other day and there were 8 to 10 hawks circling above moving north with every circle. It is beautiful and peaceful. I hope you will come visit this awesome forest.

Prentice Cooper State Forest

Whitetail Deer muzzleloader season began this week at Prentice Cooper State Forest and other state natural areas. Gun season runs Nov. 22 – Dec. 7. If you’re out hiking or mountain biking, please wear bright colors and be aware and considerate of hunters. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency now offers a downloadable calendar card that profiles all Tennessee yearly hunt dates.

Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in Marion County and covers approximately 27,000 acres. The State Forest lies atop Suck Creek Mountain overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge.

PRENTICE COOPER HOLDS MANAGED DEER AND TURKEY HUNTS EACH FALL AND SPRING
Each spring and fall, Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area holds managed turkey and deer hunts for licensed and permitted hunters. The area west of State Highway 27 (Suck Creek Road) will be closed to visitors, except hunters, on the following dates:
April 1-6, 2008
April 8-10, 2008
April 17-19, 2008
April 22-27, 2008
The area east of State Highway 27, including Edwards Point, will still be open to the public during these hunts. As a courtesy to hunters, we STRONGLY recommend that hikers wear hunter orange during the fall and spring in ALL Wildlife Management Areas.

Related Activities: hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing

Address: Marion County, TN

Distance from Outdoor Chattanooga HQ: 30 minute drive

Map(s) and directions: Located in Marion County on Hwy 27 five miles east of Powell's Crossroads
Map

Activity type: permit only

Dates/Hours: Check with Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency for dates - TWRA

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Call TWRA at 1-800-262-6704, or visit their website at TWRA
Call the Tennessee Division of Forestry at 423-634-3091
Call the Cumberland Trail Conference at 931-456-6259

ACREAGE
27,000 acres

TYPE
Wildlife Management & Wilderness Areas

GAME
Birds: Dove, Grouse, Quail
Small Game: Rabbit, Snipe, Squirrel, Woodcock
Big Game: Deer (Archery), Deer (muzzleloader), Deer (gun)

SEASON DATES
seeTWRA for complete details

OPEN TO PUBLIC
Yes, however a permit is required to hunt property

ACCESS ISSUES
Permits are required

RESTROOMS
Yes

OVERNIGHT CAMPING
yes, in designated areas

Map: http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/458.htm