South Fork Waterfowl Refuge

Directions and Description

Site Directions: there are two access points to this area both of which are directly off Highway 412 and on the south side of Highway 412.  East Parking Lot – Lat. 35.6656 N, Long.  -88.9145 W:  West Parking Lot – Lat. 35.6706 N, Long. 88.9443 W

The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, except closed to all activities five days before the first opening of the late duck season to Feb. 15, please note hunting seasons.  General access is free however, some hunting, fishing, or recreational license fees may apply.

TWRA Contact Information: Region 1 Office 1-731-423-5725 Toll-Free 1-800-372-3928 e-mail the office TWRA Area Manager is Andrew Rutherford 1-731-345-9992

This WMA is in Madison County Tennessee and consists of 778 acres of predominately seasonal and permanent wetlands. There are some portions of the area that have bottomland forests. The South Fork Forked Deer River runs along the southern boundary, therefore this area is prone to extensive flooding.  The forest and swamps of the area provide some excellent habitats for woodland birds. Prothonotary Warblers are common breeding birds in summer. A wide variety of waterfowl species can be present during the winter months.

Buy a license link
Interactive Map
Hunting Regulations Link

Regulations & Dates

CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply

Big Game and Small Game are the same as statewide seasons, except closed to all activities five (5) days before the first opening of the late duck season to Feb. 15.

All hunting other than waterfowl is prohibited during the duck season occurring in Nov. - Feb.  No access during refuge closure dates except for waterfowl hunters on open hunt days.

Deer - August Archery Deer Hunt.

Fall Turkey - Closed.

Spring Turkey - One non-quota hunt; April 12 - May 4, 2025. Bag limit one (1) male bearded turkey counts toward the statewide bag limit.

Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide season and bag limit.

Waterfowl - Same as statewide season, except hunting of waterfowl during the late duck season permitted on Saturday and Sunday and the first and last day of each segment of the duck season occurring in Nov. - Feb. All hunting ceases at 3 p.m. (CST) each day, except the last day of the season when hunting closes at sunset. Walk-in only. No blinds, decoys, or materials may be left overnight. No access before 4 a.m. or after 5 p.m.