2015 University Deer Hunt Opens Today

The 2015 University deer hunt regular season begins Friday (today), Dec. 18, and continues through Jan. 3.

The different sections allow for a broader hunting program once students leave for winter break. The hunt is by invitation only and is not open to the general public. [To view the map and the  full list of rules and requirements for hunters, go to page 11.]

The University’s 2014 deer census showed a herd population that was double its target, a 50 percent reduction from 2013. Results from the 2015 census show a stable population from 2014, which was not a surprise given lower harvest numbers last year and a record acorn crop that kept many animals well fed and happy all winter.

There are several small changes to the hunting map for 2015, but no new zones. Several zones have been expanded slightly to add area under the bluff. This does not impact any trails and allows hunters more flexibility in areas around residential areas where deer move above and below the bluff regularly. All trails in this area will remain open throughout the season. Zone 3 has also been expanded slightly to the west to incorporate the former cull zone 8.

Hunting is allowed on most days from sunrise to 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. until sunset. As in previous years, there is no hunting on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. There will be a limited firearms hunt that will start the day after Christmas. For specific locations of firearms and archery hunting, please go to the online map link, <http://domainmgt.sewanee.edu/hunting/>. 

This year’s map has an added feature: it is a geoPDF. It can be downloaded into PDF Maps or a similar smartphone app and can be used for navigation in the field. In order to participate in the hunt, all hunters must: Be a member of the faculty or staff of the University of the South, or a direct relative of same (parent, child or sibling); be a full-time student of the University or School of Theology; pass a background check by Sewanee Police Department; possess a valid Tennessee Hunter Safety Certification; possess a valid Tennessee big game archery hunting license or equivalent; all new hunters in 2015 must possess valid Tennessee Bowhunter Education Certification; and all hunters must have attended a mandatory meeting and registered online with the University.