Photo By Ron Sinfelt

According to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Small-Game Coordinator Roger Applegate, there is no shortage of opportunities for hunters to pursue small game from now through the Feb. 28 statewide close of season on small game.

The most widespread small-game animal is without doubt the squirrel, and Applegate predicted a bountiful season this year.

"Because we had a huge mast crop in the fall of 2005, squirrel numbers are expected to be way up and hunting should be good in virtually any county within the state," he said.

Squirrels may be the most numerous and accessible small-game animal to hunt in Tennessee, but they're by no means the only one with a following among dedicated hunters.

If you want to find a class of hunters who are convinced they have more fun in the field than anyone else, find hunters who own a shotgun and a beagle. They'll be hunting rabbits.

"Finding good rabbit hunting on private land is not extremely difficult if one does not expect large numbers," Applegate continued. "Private lands throughout the state can hold small numbers of rabbits for those interested in a little winter activity."

Generally, rabbit hunting is one of the most social of small-game pursuits; though you can kick some rabbits up yourself, a beagle is about a thousand times more efficient. A pack of beagles is even better. And a pack of beagles and some friends is a social event.

On the opposite end of the extreme is grouse hunting. Hardcore grouse hunters don't mind walking a long way to find some birds, and they don't mind if the birds are so far away from people that no one else knows about them.

"Grouse hunting is pretty much entirely a public land activity," Applegate said. "Although there are likely a few grouse available on private lands scattered through parts of East Tennessee, the numbers are spotty at best."

For hunters with no access to private lands, there are thousands of acres of public land just teeming with game of every size. Below is a roundup of some of Tennessee's best small-game WMAs.

"Small-game hunting on WMAs can be challenging, but consider all your options," advised Tommy Edwards, manager of Yanahli WMA. "Scout hard. Know more than one place to go on the area in case your favorite spot is taken. The busiest time on Yanahli is around the holidays. Deer hunting comes to a close typically during the third week in December, offering unlimited opportunities for small-game hunting.