Some Tennessee big game hunters, especially those pursuing deer this time of year, are being encouraged by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to check in their harvested animals either on a mobile device or a personal computer.
While there are still many brick-and-mortar businesses that provide traditional check station service, an estimated quarter of those establishments have discontinued this service in recent years.
“We want to make hunters aware that there are still many places where you can physically have your deer checked in, but in some areas of the state you may be looking at a longer drive than you previously had,” noted Mark Gudlin, the chief of TWRA’s wildlife and forestry division.
The alternative to a long drive is using a cell phone or other mobile device to check in big game through TWRA’s “On The Go” app. Or, checking in an animal using TWRA’s website on any personal computer.
“If you aren’t comfortable with computers, try getting a friend to help you,” noted Gudlin. “You can check in deer on someone else’s mobile app or computer as long as you identify yourself using the ID number printed on your personal hunting license.”
If hunters want to check in deer the traditional way, and need to locate a business, the TWRA has listed them on its website in an interactive map.
The agency’s website address is www.tnwildlife.org. A map icon is posted on the site’s homepage.
However, this is the direct link: http://twra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=6246f7bec0774094ac2375ba4221c686