If world-record deer is what you’re after, you could very well find it in Tennessee. With a herd of an estimated one million or more, Tennessee deer hunting 2024 could be your best year yet.
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.
Updated February 24, 2025
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.
Note: some season dates have been updated for 2025. As the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides updates for future seasons, we'll update this guide, too.
Tennessee Deer Hunting Season
August (Archery Only, Private land and select WMAs only): August 23 – 25
Archery: September 28 – November 8
Muzzleloader and Archery (M/A): November 9 – 22
Gun, Muzzleloader, and Archery (G/M/A): November 23 – January 5
Young Sportsman: October 26 – 27 and January 11 – 12
Archery: September 28 – October 25 and October 28 – November 8
Shotgun: October 12 – 25
Elk (Quota Hunts)
Archery: September 28 – October 4
G/M/A:
Young Sportsman’s (Residents only, ages 13-16): October 12 – 18
General: October 5 – 11
Black Bear
Black bear hunting seasons are managed for hunters using dogs vs. hunting without dogs.
No Dogs
Archery (All Zones): September 28 – October 25
G/M/A Young Sportsman’s Ages 6-16 (Zones 1-5): October 26 – 27
G/M/A (Zones 1, 2, 3, & 5): November 23 – 26
Dogs Allowed (G/M/A)
Zone 1: October 5 – 7, October 12 – 13, November 11 – 18, and December 2 – 18
Zone 2: October 12 – 15, October 18 – 20, October 28 – November 1, and December 2 – 26
Zone 3: October 5 – 6, October 12 – 18, October 28 – November 1, December 2 – 15, and December 26 – 29
Zone 4 (Private Land Only): December 14 – 15
Small Game and Furbearers
Grouse: October 12 – February 28
Quail: November 2 – February 28
Spring Squirrel 2025: May 10 – June 8, 2025
Rabbit: November 2 – February 28
Coyote:
Day-time: Year-round
Night Only: August 1 – 11, January 18 – March 9, 2025, and June 7 – August 10, 2025
Groundhog: Year-round
Bobcat:
Day time: November 22 – February 28
Private Lands Only: September 28 – November 21
Night Hunts Only: August 1 – 11, January 18 – March 9, 2025, and June 7 – August 10, 2025
Raccoon:
Private Land: Sunset July 1 – Sunrise September 20
Statewide: Sunset September 20 – Sunrise March 15
Mink, Fox, Otter, Muskrat, Weasel: November 17 – February 29
Migratory Birds
Sandhill Crane (Quota):
Statewide: December 3 – January 31
Southeast Zone: December 3 – January 16 and January 20 – 31
Mourning Dove: September 1 – 28, October 12 – November 3, and December 8 – January 15
Woodcock: November 9 – December 1 and January 10 – 31
Gallinule & Moorhen: September 1 – November 9
Canada Goose: September 1 – 22, October 12 – 22, November 30 – December 1, and December 5 – February 9
White-fronted Goose: November 30 – December 1 and December 5 – February 9
Brant: September 1 – 22, October 12 – 22, November 30 – December 1, and December 5 – February 9
Light Geese: September 1 – 22, October 12 – 22, November 30 – December 1, and December 5 – February 9
Teal & Wood Duck: September 14 – 18
Teal Only: September 19 – 22
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers (Statewide): November 30 – December 1 and December 5 – January 31
Young Sportsman Waterfowl Season: February 1 & 8
Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt: February 2 & 9
For more details about other species, bag limits, and season dates, reference the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Hunting and Trapping Guide.
What Do I Need to Know About Tennessee Hunting Regulations and 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.
Deer
2 antlered (statewide)
3 per day (antlerless, Units 1, 2, & 3)
2 (antlerless, Units 4, 5, & 6)
4 (antlerless, Archery Units 4, 5, & 6)
Duck
6 per day (3x daily in possession)
Elk
1 antlered per permit
Teal
6 per day (3x daily in possession)
Turkey
1 male per day (2 max per season), no bearded hens
1 male turkey, no bearded hens
Sandhill Crane
Quota based
Bear
1 either-sex per year
Canada Goose
5 per day (September), 3 per day (all other phases), 3x daily in possession
Grouse
3 per day
White-fronted Goose
3 per day (3x daily in possession)
Quail
6 per day
Brant
1 per day (3x daily in possession)
Dove
15 per day
Light Geese
20 per day (3x daily in possession)
Woodcock
3 per day
Light Geese Conservation Season
No limits
Rabbit
5 per day
Gallinule & Moorhen
15 per ady
Squirrel
10 per day
Rails (Virginia & Sora)
25 per day
Bobcat
1 per day or 1 per night
Snipe
8 per day
Mink, Fox, Otter, Muskrat, Weasel, Groundhog
No limit
Merganser
5 per day (3x daily in possession)
Beaver and Coyote
No limit
Coot
15 per day (3x daily in possession)
Raccoon
4 per day (Taking Season), 2 per day (Private Lands)
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 (like a good deer call) 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 During the Tennessee Hunting Seasons
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!
Content and season dates reviewed and updated February 24, 2025.
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