State game warden Ollie Thompson trapped 133 deer in the Blue Ridge mountains and stocked them into the Uwharries in 1944. Five years later, the season re-opened and 136 bucks were taken. Thanks to Ollie and modern wildlife management techniques, deer populations have made a remarkable comeback here and elsewhere in North Carolina. Now it is estimated that 50 whitetail deer per square mile roam this public hunting preserve in the middle of the Piedmont. Dog hunting is not allowed.
Every hunt begins with pre-season scouting.
Maps are available at the Ranger's station in Troy and at country stores in the area. Pick up a game lands map with your permit. For more terrain detail, order the appropriate USGS topographical maps. For hunters that like staying close to their vehicles, the Uwharrie Hunt Camp off Highway 109 offers ready access to 185 miles of Forest Service roads and jeep trails. This popular hunting ground between Badin Lake and the Uwharrie River always draws the biggest crowd on opening day.