Beech River Wildlife Area bolsters Decatur County outdoor recreation

The Beech River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) covers roughly 450 acres of bottomland hardwoods, marsh wetlands and parts of the Beech River and its original meander south of Darden, touching both Henderson and Decatur counties. Managed for public access and wildlife conservation, the property is open year-round and provides local residents with hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing opportunities close to home.

Access to the WMA is available from Darden Road and a series of local pull-offs along the river corridor, making it a convenient destination for Decatur County hunters and anglers. The combination of marsh and riverine habitat supports waterfowl and warmwater fisheries as well as deer and small game in the hardwood flats, creating seasonal opportunities for a range of outdoor pursuits that feed into the local recreation economy.

Hunters should consult the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for season dates, bag limits and chronic wasting disease-related rules before heading out. Special regulations apply for certain hunts on WMAs, and the agency provides directions and Region 1 contact information for residents needing clarifications on permitted activities, access points or disease precautions. Observing these rules helps protect local herds and preserves long-term hunting opportunities for Decatur County families.

The presence of a publicly managed WMA in the Beech River corridor has broader implications for the county. Public access supplements shrinking private hunting acreage in the region, preserving affordable recreation options for youth hunters and older residents who rely on nearby public land. Local businesses that serve outdoor customers—bait and tackle shops, feed stores, convenience stores and guide services—see more consistent patronage when WMAs remain available and well-managed. From a conservation perspective, the WMA's wetlands and floodplain hardwoods provide flood buffering and habitat connectivity that benefit water quality and downstream communities.

Policy choices at the agency level will shape how the WMA is used in coming years. Rules addressing disease monitoring, harvest methods and special hunts balance recreational demand with biological safeguards. For Decatur County, those decisions influence both immediate access and the durability of local hunting traditions.

For residents planning trips to Beech River WMA, check season dates, bag limits and any chronic wasting disease advisories before you go, and use designated pull-offs to minimize road impacts. The WMA keeps a slice of Beech River habitat open to the public—supporting recreation, local commerce and wetland conservation for the community.