Why It Matters: Many state fish and wildlife agencies offer quota hunts to both resident and nonresident hunters that provide novice and experienced hunters alike with unique opportunities. Quota hunt programs also support recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts and conservation funding.
Highlights:
- A limited number of tags are issued for quota hunts which can lead to relaxed hunting pressure and a more desirable public land hunting experience.
- Quota hunts may offer the chance to hunt a species that would be difficult to hunt without access to that land or provide unique access to desirable public lands that otherwise may not be open to regular hunting activity.
- Permit, license, and application fees from quota hunts contribute to the “user pays – public benefits” American System of Conservation Funding.
State fish and wildlife agencies have worked hard to provide sportsmen and women the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of game animals across the Southeast. Hunting public land can be a challenge at times due to hunting pressure during popular seasons and some hunters avoid public land for this reason. However, quota hunts give unique access to excellent hunting opportunities that otherwise may not have been available to the public.
Youth engagement is essential to continue the rich and storied traditions of hunting in the Southeast. Furthermore, it is equally important to make sure that initial exposure to hunting is a positive experience to ensure that youth remain engaged for years to come. Due to the controlled management of quota hunts, they often have higher hunter success rates and, most importantly, leave positive and lasting impacts on youth participants where quota hunting opportunities are offered. Some states even offer youth-specific quota hunts.
Whether it is the pursuit of upland birds or a trophy elk, there are a myriad of opportunities available for interested hunters across the Southeast. See below for more information regarding quota hunts and eligible species through several state fish and wildlife agencies:
- Alabama: Alligator, Deer, Dove, Feral Swine, Quail, Rabbit, Sandhill Crane, Special Opportunity Areas, Squirrel, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Florida: Alligator, Deer, Dove, Quail, Turkey, Waterfowl, and Wild Hog.
- Georgia – Alligator, Bear, Deer, Dove, Feral Hog, Quail, Rabbit, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Kentucky – Deer, Dove, Elk, Pheasant, Sandhill Crane, and Waterfowl.
- Louisiana – Alligator, Deer, Dove, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Mississippi – Deer, Dove, Rabbit, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- North Carolina – Bear, Deer, Dove, Furbearer Trapping, Small Game, Tundra Swan, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- South Carolina – Alligator, Deer, Quail, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Tennessee – Bear, Deer, Elk, Sandhill Crane, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Texas: Alligator, Deer, Dove, Exotics, Feral Hog, Javelina, Pheasant, Pronghorn, Quail, Squirrel, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- Virginia: Deer, Dove, Elk, Multi-Species, Quail, Rabbit, Turkey, and Waterfowl.
- West Virginia: Deer and Waterfowl.
