Percy Priest WMA

Directions and Description

Site Directions: From I-24, take exit 66, Sam Ridley Parkway, east 2.8 miles and merge onto US-41/US-70S towards Smyrna/LaVergne and travel north on “US-41N/US-70N/Murfreesboro Road/Lowry Street” (the road has a lot of names and numbers).   Travel 1.3 miles to a light at Fergus Road and make a right onto Fergus Road.  Travel 0.8 miles and turn right on Jones Mill Road,  travel past the main entrance to the WMA for a total of 1.8 miles from Fergus Road to the entrance to the Field Trial Area (there are signs), make a left onto Old Jones Mill Road, and enter the WMA. Lat-Long: 36.031887, -86.512917, entrance to the field trial area on the WMA Lat-Long: 36.038325, -86.51517, "goose ponds" on either side of the road.

The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, with access dependent on hunting seasons.   License fees may apply.

TWRA Contact Information: Region 2 Office: 1-615-781-6622, Toll-Free: 1-800-624-7406, E-mail the office, TWRA Area Manager: Mark Vance (615) 355-0914

The field trial area has a mixture of agricultural fields, old fallow fields, shallow water ponds (sometimes dry), and has a view of Percy Priest Lake.   All roads are gravel and we encourage people to stay on the main gravel roads at all times.   Dirt roads can be very slippery when wet and are often in poor condition for cars and small trucks. After entering the WMA, take the first left turn approximately 0.3 miles from the gate.  This gravel road will pass “goose ponds” on both sides of the road that are periodically flooded.  Follow the main gravel road around the WMA to explore other ponds and fields.

The old fields attract sparrows, Indigo Buntings, and Northern Bobwhite, among other grassland birds in season. In the fall, Rose-breasted Grosbeak can be common. In summer, Prairie Warblers, Indigo Buntings, Eastern Bluebird, Blue Grosbeak, and Field Sparrows can be abundant.

The “goose ponds” along the first gravel road on the left (mentioned above) can be excellent for wading birds, sora, and shorebirds if the water level is suitable.   The habitat is very hit or miss but has been excellent. Buff-breasted Sandpipers were present along with Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, and Least Sandpipers, among others. 

Sora has been seen in ponds on both sides of the road. There are a couple of pull offs for parking and you are allowed to walk the fields. Bald Eagles may be found year-round, while Peregrine Falcons could pass through in spring and fall. Northern Harriers are likely regular in winter. Waterfowl and gulls may occur on the lake proper in season.

Regulations & Dates

Centerfire rifles are prohibited on all units.

UNIT I - NEAR LAVERGNE NORTH OF SMYRNA AIR BASE • 1,408 ACRES

Unit I closed to all activity from sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except as noted.

Trucks and ATVs are allowed off-road during field trials and training only.

All activities, except dove hunts on designated fields and scheduled field trials, are prohibited on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Sept. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025.

Additional WMA closures for special field trial dates are determined by the manager. 

Dove - Sept. 1, 2024, and each Saturday and Sunday thereafter, and Labor Day during the first and second segments of the statewide season. Shooting from staked positions only. On Sept. 1, 2024, staked positions will be assigned by a drawing held on-site at 10 a.m. and hunters must check out at the conclusion of their hunt. Successful applicants must be at their staked position at the start of shooting hours.

Squirrel - Same as statewide season, except as noted.

Quail, Rabbit (Young Sportsman) - Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025. Same as statewide seasons, except Monday through Thursday only.   Shotguns only.   Each Youth must be accompanied by an adult who may not hunt or carry weapons. Each adult must possess a valid hunting license and an area permit.

Deer, Turkey (Archery Only) - Same as statewide seasons, except closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and except as noted.

Deer (Muzzleloader) -  Same as statewide seasons, except as noted, closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The remainder of deer season is archery only.

Turkey - Same as statewide turkey season, except closed Friday–Sunday until April 30, 2025. Bag limit one (1) male bearded turkey during the first 14 days of the statewide season, not to exceed two (2) for the season. 

Dog training - Year-round. License and permit requirements apply. Training on horseback is prohibited before Oct. 1, 2024. Blank ammunition only. Daylight hours only. Retriever trainers may use an OHV within an established area.

Field Trials - Sept. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025, in designated areas only. Trials must be scheduled with Area Manager. Field trial applications must be submitted to the TWRA Region 2 office at least 30 days in advance of trial dates. Participants of sanctioned field trials may train 72 hours before and after scheduled trial dates without a small game permit. Field trail gallery must be kept out of standing planted crops by marshals provided by sponsoring clubs.

Rabbit and Bird Dog Training - are restricted to Sep. 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.

UNIT II

Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping - Same as statewide seasons, except as noted. Deer is shotgun/muzzleloader/archery only. 

Quail - Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025.

Fall Turkey - Archery only.

Spring Turkey - Same as statewide season. Bag limit one (1) male bearded turkey during the first 14 days of the statewide season, not to exceed two (2) for the season. 

Waterfowl - Same as statewide seasons. Temporary blinds only. No blinds, blind materials, boats, or decoys may be left overnight.

Dog training - Sept. 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025. No hunting or training on horseback.