Living in Tennessee means you have easy access to deer and the limited elk season, but the state also attracts plenty of out-of-state hunters every year. That means to bring home the game you’re after, you need to plan carefully to gain an advantage over other hunters who could be after the same buck you have your sights set on.
To plan your hunts this season, you need information on season dates, bag limits, and more. In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt Tennessee, whether you’re after that big buck, waterfowl, or furbearers like raccoons.
After reading, we also recommend downloading the HuntWise app to find the best spots to hunt for tagging out. So, keep reading to learn what hunters need to know about Tennessee hunting this season.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Tennessee?
We mentioned that Tennessee is well-known for big bucks, and many hunters plan annual trips to the state to bring home the biggest bucks they can find. If you’re after big game, Tennessee also has a small elk population (with limited hunting) and bear.
It’s also an excellent state for hunting or trapping furbearers, like mink, muskrat, beaver, and of course, raccoon. If you love hunting waterfowl, Tennessee delivers these birds, too, with plenty of opportunities to hunt ducks and geese every year.
Where Should I Hunt?
Depending on the game you’re after, you’ll find yourself on a mountain peak or crossing plains near the Mississippi River. Tennessee hunters can also experience the hills and river valleys of the Cumberland Plateau.
The state has a generous amount of public land to hunt, and you’ll also find lots of private land options. Just be sure to get permission before entering private land.
Within those areas, you’ll need to fine-tune the locations best suited to deliver the game you’re after. E-scouting using HuntWise can help you gain an advantage over other hunters. You can explore various terrains and mark potential hunt areas to maximize your time when opening day arrives.
You can explore various terrains and mark potential hunt areas to maximize your time when opening day arrives. app delivers real-time animal behavioral information, weather forecasting, and other features to help you find the best areas to hunt.
When Can I Hunt?
We know you’re ready to get out and hunt this season, but it’s crucial to check the season dates every year and note changes from prior years.
The good news is that we’ve done much of the work for you in this guide! We’ve compiled the latest Tennessee hunting information to help you get out in the field more often this year.
However, be aware that information can always change. While this is a good guide, we also recommend checking state websites and resources for the latest details as you plan your hunts.
Deer Season
- August (Archery Only, Private land and select WMAs only): August 23 – 25
- Young Sportsman: October 26 – 27 and January 11 – 12
- Archery: September 28 – November 8
- Muzzleloader and Archery (M/A): November 9 – 22
- Gun, Muzzleloader, and Archery (G/M/A): November 23 – January 5
For more information about TN deer season, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Turkey Seasons
-
Spring (Archery and Shotgun) A/S:
- Young Sportsmans (ages 6-16): April 6 – 7
- General: April 13 – May 26
- Fall:
- Archery: September 23 – October 27 and October 30 – November 3
- Shotgun: October 14 – 27
Elk (Quota Hunts)
- Archery: September 30 – October 6
- G/M/A:
- Young Sportsman’s (Residents only, ages 13-16): October 7 – 13
- General: October 14 – 20
Black Bear
Black bear hunting seasons are managed for hunters using dogs vs. hunting without dogs.
No Dogs
- Archery (All Zones): September – October 20
- G/M/A Young Sportsman’s Ages 6-16 (Zones 1, 2, 3): October 28 – 29
- G/M/A (Zones 1, 2, 3): November 18 – 21
Dogs Allowed (G/M/A)
- Zone 1: October 7 – 9, October 14 – 15, November 6 – 13, and November 27 – December 13
- Zone 2: October 7 – 10, October 13 – 15, October 30 – November 3, and November 27 – December 21
- Zone 3: September 30 – October 1, October 7 – 13, October 30 – November 3, November 27 – December 10, and December 28 – 31
Migratory Birds
- Sandhill Crane (Quota):
- Statewide: December 2 – January 30
- Southeast Zone: December 2 – January 11 and January 15 – 30
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – 28, October 14 – November 5, and December 8 – January 15
- Woodcock: November 11 – December 3 and January 10 – 31
- Canada Goose: September 1 – 17
- Teal/Wood Duck: September 9 – 13
- Teal Only: September 14 – 17
- Ducks, Coots, Mergansers (Statewide): November 15 & 26 and December 5 – January 31
Grouse
October 14 – February 29
Quail
November 4 – February 29
Small Game
- Spring Squirrel: May 11 – June 9
- Rabbit: November 4 – February 29
Furbearers
- Mink, Fox, Otter, Muskrat, Weasel, Spotted Skunk: November 17 – February 29
- Bobcat:
- Statewide: November 17 – February 29
- Private Land: September 23 – November 16
- Beaver, Coyote, Groundhog: Year-round
- Raccoon:
- Private Land: Sunset July 1 – Sunrise September 15
- Statewide: Sunset September 15 – Sunrise March 15
For more details about other species, bag limits, and season dates, reference the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Hunt Planner Summary.
What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?
Whether hunting as a resident or non-resident in Tennessee, you need a hunting license. However, there are some exceptions to this. License pricing ranges from $9.00 for junior licenses to $305 for a non-resident annual hunting license.
Hunters can purchase in person at official retailers or online.
What Are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Tennessee?
How many raccoons, deer, or turkeys can you bring home this season? To comply with Tennessee hunting regulations, make sure you follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
Tennessee does not require hunters to take a hunter education course, but taking one can be a good idea anyway. You’ll also want to pay close attention to the rules on hunting hours and different hunting methods and regulations to make sure you hunt legally.
Of course, as you plan your hunts, you need the right gear to comply with regulations and increase your chances of success in the field. As a HuntWise subscriber, you gain access to discounts on gear from our partners with the potential to save hundreds on gear like hunting knives, binoculars, calls, clothing, scopes, and more.
Use HuntWise to Tag Out This Tennessee Hunting Season
We hope this information helps you plan a successful year of hunting in Tennessee!
You’ll also want to utilize the best tool for hunting any species this season. With HuntWise, you gain an advantage over other hunters and improve your chances of tagging out. Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in Tennessee, including season dates and regulations.
The app gives you access to real-time animal behavior predictors, hundreds of map layers, private landowner boundaries and contact information, wind and weather forecasting (including the ability to set your ideal wind), and more.
Download the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week. You’ll be several steps ahead of other hunters this season!
