Hunting Seasons in Tennessee
Essential Dates and Species Guide
This Article is Part of Our Hunting Seasons Guide for All 50 US States
Tennessee offers a variety of hunting seasons throughout the year, providing hunters with opportunities to pursue different game across the state. These seasons are meticulously scheduled and regulated to promote wildlife conservation and ensure sustainable populations, while also supporting the state's hunting heritage. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets the hunting and trapping seasons, which are detailed in their annually published guides.
Each season is determined by careful research and consideration of the species' habits, population status, and the ecological impact of hunting. For instance, the squirrel season typically spans from late August to mid-March, allowing hunters to engage in the pursuit during both fall and spring. Regulations such as bag limits and specific hunting dates are in place to balance the needs of hunters with those of wildlife management.
Moreover, Tennessee implements certain regulations to enhance safety and conservation, such as the wearing of fluorescent orange in specific zones and firearm restrictions during youth hunts. These measures also reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to changing conditions, including the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer populations. Hunters in Tennessee must remain compliant with these rules to participate in the state's hunting seasons, fostering a responsible and ethical hunting culture.
General Hunting Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee's hunting regulations are designed to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and promote safety. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) mandates strict compliance with all regulations, including licensure, equipment, and carcass handling.
Licensing Requirements
Every hunter in Tennessee must possess the appropriate hunting license before engaging in the sport. Licenses vary based on age, residency, and the game being hunted. Specific tags and permits may be required for certain wildlife on both private and public lands.
Legal Hunting Equipment
Hunters must adhere to the state's regulations on hunting equipment. For archery hunts, sharpened broadheads are mandatory. Firearms are allowed during gun seasons, with designated periods for muzzleloading firearms. In certain units like Unit CWD, both guns and muzzleloaders are permissible. For waterfowl, non-toxic shot size T or smaller is mandated.
Carcass Transport and Processing
Regulations are in place for the transport and processing of carcasses to prevent disease spread and ensure game is utilized responsibly. Hunters must follow TWRA guidelines from the point of harvest to the processor or home. Carcass import restrictions can apply, especially in Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affected areas.
Hunting Compliance and Enforcement
Compliance with Tennessee's hunting regulations is monitored by wildlife officers. Enforcement actions can include fines, license suspension, or other penalties for violations. The TWRA offers interactive resources and education to support hunter understanding of rules and requirements.
Big Game Seasons and Regulations
Tennessee offers diverse hunting seasons for big game, including deer, elk, and bear, with specific regulations in place to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and hunter safety.
Deer Hunting Seasons
Deer seasons in Tennessee are segmented by different lands and geographical units, with Unit CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) having unique regulations. Private lands typically allow for archery hunting, while in Unit CWD, firearms and muzzleloaders are permitted. Hunters must note that fluorescent orange is required for safety during certain seasons within these units. Youth hunters, aged 6-16, have the opportunity to participate in these seasons, and they must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.
Season Dates: Vary by unit and land designation.
Bag Limit: Specific limits are set for antlered and antlerless deer, including provisions for bonus deer under certain circumstances.
Tennessee has implemented an Earn-a-Buck program in specific counties, which requires hunters to first harvest an antlerless deer before taking an antlered one.
Elk Hunting Opportunities
Elk hunting in Tennessee is a coveted opportunity, usually managed through a quota hunt system with a limited number of permits awarded by drawing.
Season Dates & Quota Hunts: Specific dates are set annually, and hunters need to apply for a chance to be drawn for the hunt.
Bag Limit: The quota hunt has a strict limit, generally allowing only one antlered elk per hunter.
Black Bear Seasons
Black bear hunting in Tennessee is strictly regulated to maintain the bear population. Special rules are put in place, such as restrictive bear hunt zones and the prohibition of taking cubs or females with cubs. The use of dogs may be permitted during certain seasons.
Season Dates: Announced annually with differentiation between archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons.
Bag Limit: Set each year; hunters are to comply with all regulations related to bear harvests.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
WMAs across Tennessee offer additional opportunities for big game hunting. Regulations for these areas are tailored to manage wildlife populations effectively.
Hunting Opportunities: Certain WMAs provide hunting chances for big game, including deer and bear, with specific rules per area.
Hunters utilizing WMAs during overlap seasons with other big game must adhere to fluorescent orange requirements for safety.
Hunters are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations for each season and location, including any special provisions for private lands, county regulations, and available replacement buck options in specific situations.
Turkey and Small Game Hunting
In Tennessee, hunters can experience diverse opportunities when it comes to turkey and small game hunting. This includes specific seasons for turkey hunting, a variety of small game species, and designated seasons for furbearers.
Turkey Seasons
Spring Season: The primary season for turkey hunting in Tennessee is the statewide spring turkey gun season, where hunters may use a pre-charged pneumatic gun (Airbow) that shoots an arrow. During this period, the focus is on the harvest of bearded turkeys which includes mature males, often called gobblers, and occasionally female turkeys known as hens that exhibit beards.
Legal Equipment: Use of sighting devices including scopes is permitted; however, night vision, infrared, and artificial light are prohibited.
Small Game Species
Hunting small game species is a popular activity throughout the state with various animals classified as small game:
Squirrel: Private land season is open from sunset July 1 through sunrise September 15, 2023, with a bag limit of 2 per person per night.
Quail: While specific dates were not provided, traditionally, the quail hunting season takes place in the fall and winter months, with specific bag limits dictated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Grouse: Seasons and bag limits vary by region and are generally more restrictive to conserve the population.
Furbearer Seasons
Furbearer seasons in Tennessee allow for the hunting and trapping of certain species. Not all furbearer species have open seasons, and bag limits vary:
Bobcat and Raccoon: Specific seasons typically include nighttime hunting periods and are detailed in the state regulations. Bag limits may apply per person per night and may vary by region.
It is critical for hunters to refer to the current Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for the most accurate and up-to-date regulations regarding hunting seasons, bag limits, and legal equipment.
Migratory Bird Hunting
Tennessee offers a variety of seasons for hunters interested in pursuing migratory birds. These seasons are tailored to specific species, ensuring the conservation of populations while providing hunting opportunities.
Waterfowl Seasons
For avid waterfowl hunters, Tennessee designates specific periods for hunting ducks, coots, and mergansers. Wood ducks and teal are popular among waterfowl species with special attention to the teal-only season occurring in early fall.
Ducks: The general waterfowl season includes multiple splits, allowing hunters to target ducks during peak migration times.
Coots and Mergansers: These species have a season that typically coincides with the general duck season dates, and the same bag limits apply.
Canada Goose: Hunting seasons for Canada goose are classified into different zones with staggered dates to maximize hunting opportunities across the state.
Dove and Other Migratory Bird Seasons
Beyond waterfowl, Tennessee provides seasons for other migratory bird species such as doves, sandhill cranes, woodcock, snipe, and crows.
Doves: Hunting for doves starts on September 1st and is usually divided into multiple phases to accommodate the birds' migration patterns.
Sandhill Crane: The state has a limited quota sandhill crane hunt, and hunters must apply for a permit.
Woodcock, Snipe, and Crows: These species each have designated seasons, with crows being an exception as there is no bag limit, and hunters may pursue them without a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit.
In all cases, hunters are required to carry a valid Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit in addition to other necessary licenses, except when hunting crows. For all migratory game bird hunting, except for crows, shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells.
Special Hunts and Programs
Tennessee offers specific hunting seasons to honor and provide opportunities for young sportsmen and military personnel. These specialized hunts are designed to encourage participation in wildlife conservation and to offer distinct experiences outside the regular hunting seasons.
Young Sportsman Hunts
Young Sportsman Hunts are exclusive opportunities for individuals aged 6 through 16. Tennessee designates particular weekends for these hunters to pursue deer before the opening of the general season. Private lands and select Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) facilitate these events, and a non-hunting adult must accompany the young sportsperson to ensure safety and adherence to regulations. In certain deer hunting units, restrictions such as unit antlerless bag limits may apply, so participants are advised to consult current season regulations.
Veterans and Active Military Special Seasons
The state of Tennessee expresses gratitude to its veterans and active military service members by providing special deer hunting seasons. These seasons often occur on weekends and are exclusive to private lands. Participants must present proof of their military status, and they are subject to the same wildlife management and bag limits as regular seasons. Regulations are often specific to the deer hunting unit, and during these special seasons, hunters have the chance to contribute to the management of the state's deer population while enjoying a pastime reserved for their honor.
Hunting Units and Season Dates
Tennessee's hunting seasons are structured around specific units, each with their own regulations that ensure both the sustainability of game populations and opportunities for hunters. Important changes to season dates are also crucial for hunters to stay informed on.
Unit-Specific Regulations
Hunting units in Tennessee are designated as Unit A, Unit B, Unit C, Unit D, and Unit L. Notably, Unit A covers a large area including counties like Bradley and Knox and offers a varied bag limit depending on the species targeted. For instance, Unit L allows three antlerless deer per day, a generous offer in contrast to the rest of the state.
In Unit B, hunters are typically allowed one antlerless deer per season, a regulation that helps manage the deer population carefully. Region I Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) may have additional regulations and opportunities for hunters, including specific dates where archery or firearms are permitted.
For example:
North Cumberland WMA adheres to the overarching regulations but may have specific allowances or restrictions to align with local wildlife management goals.
Unit D has a more restrictive framework, allowing one antlerless deer per season but only within a tight timeframe, usually at the start of the season.
Changes to Hunting Seasons
Changes to the hunting seasons are often implemented to respond to wildlife population studies or environmental factors that could impact sustainable hunting practices. For the 2023-2024 seasons, changes have been noted in particular units:
Unit C now limits antlerless deer hunting to a specific period from November 18 to December 3.
Deer hunting regulations overall might be adjusted, with new bag limits or date changes reflective of ongoing conservation efforts.
It is always recommended for hunters to review the current season's regulations and any announced changes closely before planning their hunting trips.
Harvest Reporting and Limits
In Tennessee, the deer hunting season comes with specific regulations set forth by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to ensure sustainable wildlife management and conservation.
Bag Limits:
Antlered Deer: Hunters are limited to harvesting male or female deer with a minimum of one antler measuring at least 3 inches.
Antlerless Deer: This includes male or female deer with no antlers or with antlers less than 3 inches in length.
Daily Bag: Defined according to the unit and the specific season, hunters need to check the latest regulations for precise limits.
Quota Hunts: These are hunts with a limited number of available spots to control the harvest in certain areas. Dates and bag limits for these hunts are predetermined and must be adhered to strictly.
Check-in Procedures:
Harvests must be checked in prior to moving the game. Hunters can report their harvest without cell service, immediately receiving a confirmation number. This process can be completed through specific apps available on mobile platforms, which allow electronic tagging/check-in in the field.
TWRA personnel: They may be present in certain locations to assist with the check-in process and ensure compliance with the regulations.
Antlerless Bag Limit:
The limit on antlerless deer varies by unit. Hunters are encouraged to consult TWRA resources to determine the exact antlerless bag limit for the area they plan to hunt in. It is crucial that hunters respect these limits to maintain deer populations at manageable levels and ensure future hunting opportunities.
Conservation and Resource Management
Tennessee's hunting seasons are carefully regulated to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and the conservation of natural resources. The state's approach balances the enjoyment of hunters with the imperative of preserving the ecosystem for future generations.
Wildlife conservation initiatives are at the heart of these regulations. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is responsible for monitoring animal populations, including the rare albino deer. Their management efforts help maintain the ecological balance and support the diversity of wildlife species. In Tennessee, albino deer are protected, reflecting the state's commitment to conserving unique genetic variants within species.
Resource management, particularly in hunting, involves setting specific seasons and bag limits to prevent overharvesting. Here's how the TWRA manages resource sustainability through hunting regulations:
Deer Seasons and Bag Limits: Hunting periods and quotas are established based on scientific data, aiming for a stable deer population that supports ecosystem health.
Habitat Preservation: The agency also ensures that habitats are not over-stressed by human activity, which could lead to resource depletion.
Additionally, ethical hunting practices are promoted, including:
Use of sharpened broadheads for hunting arrows and bolts.
Requirement of fluorescent orange in certain units for visibility and safety.
Furthermore, non-toxic shot regulations for waterfowl hunting aid in protecting both the land and water resources from contamination, safeguarding the environment for wildlife.
The collaborative relationship between hunters, the TWRA, and the community is pivotal. Together they contribute to the long-term conservation and resource management goals that Tennessee upholds.
Additional Information and Resources
In this section, readers can find crucial guidelines and tools for a successful and responsible hunting season in Tennessee. From safe practices to understanding land permissions and modern check-in systems, these resources ensure hunters are well-equipped for their outdoor adventures.
Safety Tips and Hunter Etiquette
Personal Preparation: Hunters should complete a Hunter Education course to become familiar with safe firearm handling and ethical hunting practices. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) offers comprehensive education for new hunters.
Respect for Wildlife: It is incumbent upon hunters to adhere to the bag limits and legal hunting hours established by the TWRA and to hunt in a manner that is respectful to wildlife.
Safe Gear Use: Wearing blaze orange is a requirement during certain seasons to increase visibility to other hunters.
Public Land and Private Land Distinctions
Access Laws: Private land requires explicit permission from landowners while public lands are typically more accessible and governed by specific state regulations.
TWRA Management: Public lands in Tennessee are managed by the TWRA, providing habitat conservation and regulated hunting opportunities.
Land Type Permissions Required Management By Private Yes (written or verbal) Landowner Public No (follow TWRA rules) TWRA
Interactive Maps and Check-In Procedures
TWRA Resources: Interactive maps are provided by the TWRA on their official website, aiding hunters in locating Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other public hunting lands.
Check-In Systems: Hunters must check in their game using the official TWRA mobile app or website, which ensures that game harvests are recorded and managed appropriately.
Understanding the distinctions between public and private lands, following proper check-in procedures, and adhering to safety tips are critical for a lawful and enjoyable hunting experience in Tennessee. These resources provided by the TWRA are invaluable for both novice and seasoned hunters.
