Evansville Wildlife Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Evansville Wildlife Area is a 4,764-acre wildlife reserve located in the state of Tennessee.


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Summary

The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and small game such as fox and raccoon.

There are several reasons to visit Evansville Wildlife Area, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The area is open to the public for hunting during specific seasons, and there are several ponds and streams where visitors can fish.

One of the main points of interest in the area is the Duck River, which runs through the reserve and is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. The area also features several hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Duck River Trail and the 3.5-mile Wilderness Trail.

Interesting facts about Evansville Wildlife Area include its history as a former U.S. Army ammunition plant during World War II. Today, the area is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and is used for conservation, research, and outdoor recreation.

The best time of year to visit Evansville Wildlife Area depends on the specific activity. Hunting season typically runs from September to January, while fishing is best in the spring and fall. Hiking and wildlife observation can be enjoyed year-round, but the fall season is particularly popular for its colorful foliage.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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