There are several Tennessee hunting seasons throughout the year. Some of these seasons include the early teal season, the fall turkey season, the muzzleloader season, and the late deer season. Each of these seasons has its own specific dates and regulations that must be followed in order to avoid penalties.
Hunting in one of the nation’s most traditional states may be an unforgettable experience. The deer hunting season in Tennessee is one of the longest in the country.
Antlered bucks have a two-per-season and one-per-day bag restriction in Tennessee. Antlers on a legal buck in Tennessee must be at least three inches long; those with antlers shorter than that are termed antlerless. In Tennessee, it is illegal to hunt or capture albino deer.
Other than deer, Tennessee provides a vast selection of small game and turkey hunting, as well as many year-round opportunities.
Many small game animals have trapping seasons in Tennessee in addition to hunting seasons. You may find out more about getting a license online or via any of the state’s authorized retailers.
Tennessee Deer Seasons
Hunting units in Tennessee oversee deer seasons. Your region may have different dates for the start of the season.
Tennessee Elk Seasons
Tennessee elk hunts are quota hunts that require particular licenses, and only a limited number of permits are issued.
Tennessee Turkey Seasons
Tennessee’s fall turkey hunting may be restricted to specific counties depending on the season. Spring seasons may have lower bag limits or shorter seasons than summer seasons.
Rules of Conduct: Prohibitions
Disorderly Act
- There is a ban on disruptive, obnoxious, or loud conduct while hunting, as well as acts that disrupt the orderly process of hunting. Those who break the rules will be expelled and/or prosecuted.
Alcoholic Beverages
- Prohibition of the possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting in the management area includes narcotics and barbiturates. While in a management area, no one may be under the influence of any of these drugs.
- On these places year-round, the use of any alcoholic beverage is forbidden unless it is specifically permitted in designated camping areas (e.g. Pea Ridge and Prentice Cooper).
Bag Limits
- Unless a particular exception is granted, all state-wide bag and possession limits apply.
Baiting
- Wildlife management areas (WMAs) restrict the placement or depositing of any form of food to feed or attract wildlife.
Dog Training
- Unless otherwise stated, dog training is prohibited all year-round.
Firearms
- Throughout the year, on TWRA refuges, public hunting areas, state wildlife management areas, and private land managed by the state under federal authority, people may carry handguns along with their lawful hunting weapons.
- Hunters who are interested in federally maintained land should contact the facility or site where the property is located. Anyone who violates any wildlife laws, rules, or regulations in any way is prohibited from hunting with a handgun under the terms of this paragraph.
Wanton Waste
- If at all feasible, hunters are expected to recover any crippled or dead animal from WMAs, and they are forbidden from dumping deceased wildlife on WMAs.
Safe Zones
- Hunting is illegal in safety zones, with the exception of areas that have been designated.
Why Are There Different Tennessee Hunting Seasons?
The different seasons for hunting are in place to help manage the population of various game species. For example, the early teal season is open specifically for teal ducks. This season helps to control the population of teal ducks so that there are not too many of them in any one area.
Is It Legal To Hunt Over A Food Plot In Tennessee?
Hunters can go after deer in feeding plots although putting corn surrounding stands is banned. Baiting can be defined as the act of adding food to an environment in order to supplement naturally occurring food sources.
There is no baiting in food plots that are made up of plants that are planted every year or are a permanent part of the landscape.
Baiting has a second aspect that is often ignored. Animals’ behavior can change if they are fed artificially. There is a reduction in human caution, and the animals congregate around feeding areas, increasing their risk of exposure to diseases, particularly in the Middle Tennessee region with its recurring outbreaks of hemorrhagic sickness.
Animals that have been artificially fed may become overcrowded in the feeding area, causing serious damage to their habitats.
There are about 1 million deer in Tennessee, and it appears that the majority of them live in Montgomery County and the neighboring areas. Baiting a hunting location is unnecessary. Enjoy the hunt and the surrounding beauties at your own pace.
What Can You Hunt Year Round In Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there are some animals that can be hunted at any time of the year. These animals include feral hogs, coyotes, groundhogs, crows, and English sparrows.
Where To Get Hunting License In Tennessee
In order to hunt in Tennessee, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a license online at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or from a license agent.
There are different licenses available depending on what type of hunting you will be doing. For example, there is a separate license for deer hunting and turkey hunting.
The different seasons for hunting help to ensure that Tennessee’s game populations are managed in a sustainable way. By following the rules and regulations for each season, hunters can help to keep these populations healthy while enjoying the sport of hunting.
Where Can I Get Hunting Gears In Tennessee?
There are a number of places where you can purchase hunting gear in Tennessee. Some of the most popular places include sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and outdoor retailers. You can also purchase hunting gear online.
When purchasing hunting gear, be sure to get quality equipment that will suit your needs. It is also important to buy gear from a reputable retailer to ensure you are getting a quality product.
Tips When Hunting In Tennessee
When hunting in Tennessee, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Always obey the rules and regulations for the season in which you are hunting.
- Be familiar with the wildlife management areas (WMAs) where you will be hunting and know what is allowed and prohibited.
- Make sure you are properly equipped for the type of hunting you will be doing.
- Always wear hunter orange when hunting in open areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay safe.
