The tragedies of September 11, 2001, are still etched in our minds and will never be forgotten. The effects are far reaching and have even echoed into our deer-hunting lives in some manner or another. A couple of years after the terrorist attacks, we took a look at these implications in the way of cancellations, postponements, restrictions -- and some very good hunting that remains -- on many of Tennessee's military lands that feature deer hunting.

From draw hunts to other non-quota open deer hunts, the plans of many hunters had to change in the time period after the attacks. Unbelievably, it's been eight years since the event and the effects are still lingering in some cases. So, to help you plan your fall deer hunts, we've once again talked with federal land managers to see if and how the fallout of September 11 is still affecting the deer hunting and accompanying seasons on the lands they manage.

Let's see which escape routes have opened or closed in the recent years at places like Fort Campbell, Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HAAP), Milan Army Ammunition Plant (MLAAP) and Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Fort Campbell

Let's start our post-9-11 look at the biggest military installation in the Volunteer State. Van Stokes of the Public Affairs Office at Fort Campbell said following 9-11, Fort Campbell experienced a reduction in available areas for approximately two months as they implemented various "force protection" measures on the installation. Eight years later, he said hunting opportunities continue to be provided and they have not had to cancel any programs as a result of September 11.

"When our soldiers are deployed, civilians have an increased opportunity to hunt on Fort Campbell," explained Stokes. "Understandably, when the soldiers redeploy, many of them are anxious to hunt."

Although there are no areas permanently closed as a result of 9-11, Stokes said there's still an effect from the war on terrorism. Primarily, military training continues to be most important. When the land is not being used for military training, they have more opportunities for hunters and recreational use.

However, as a result of 9-11, Stokes said they are highly conscious of force protection issues and security on the installation. They work as a team with law enforcement personnel and their Garrison staff to maintain a safe and secure environment.

There are there still updated safety checks and requirements (photo IDs, safety talks and orientations) for hunters in place. Stokes said every person desiring to hunt on Fort Campbell must have a valid hunting license, a post permit, and an area assignment issued by the Outdoor Recreation Office. Before receiving a post permit, every hunter must show proof of having completed a state-approved hunter safety course. They also conduct hunter safety classes at different intervals in the year. Their staff also provides detailed information to include maps, regulations and guidelines.

Although these requirements are more complicated to comply with than are the requirements for hunting other public and private land in Tennessee, they are not onerous. And hunters who do go through the process have access to some good hunting.

Stokes mentioned that deer populations and land management changes have not greatly affected harvest numbers. Factors affecting the deer harvest include weather, lack of rain, and lack of hunting areas available because of military training. Their harvest data has remained steady, averaging 840 deer harvested for the past nine years.

Also, their hunts and bag limits have not had to be seriously adjusted. Fort Campbell's bag limits have remained similar through the years, and they have not had any major adjustments as a result of restrictions or cancellations.