Tennessee deer hunters expected to turn out in big numbers due to COVID-19 pandemic

State wildlife officials are prepared for a busy season if deer hunters follow the lead set in the spring by turkey hunters.

Hunters headed to the woods in big numbers in the spring when businesses closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which left people out of work and looking for something to do.

The pandemic is still around and Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officials believe a similar scenario could play out when deer season opens across the state  Aug 28.

The first hunt lasts three days and is archery-only for antlered deer on private land.

“The pandemic is still going on and we imagine people still have a lot of free time on their hands,” TWRA spokesperson Barry Cross said. “If it plays out the way it has over the summer, people are looking for something to do. If they’ve ever hunted before, odds are they’ll be back. If they’ve hunted and just…