Tennessee Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you're a Tennessee resident who enjoys hunting, it's important to familiarize yourself with the state's hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the hunting seasons and licensing process in Tennessee. We will also provide information on what types of licenses are available, how much they cost, and the eligibility requirements for each license type.

Hunting In Tennessee

Hunting in Tennessee is a great experience. The state is home to a variety of game, including deer, turkey, quail, and dove. There are also many hunting opportunities on public lands managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

If you're looking for a challenging hunt, try hunting in the mountains of East Tennessee. These areas are home to a variety of game, including deer, bear, and turkey. You can also find hunting opportunities on public lands managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

For a more relaxed hunting experience, try hunting in Middle Tennessee. This region is known for its abundance of deer and turkey. You'll also find quail and doves in this area.

No matter where you hunt in Tennessee, you're sure to have a great time. The state is full of hunting opportunities for all kinds of hunters. So get out there and start exploring!

Tennessee Deer Seasons

August Season	Aug. 27-29
Archery	Sept. 25-Oct. 29 and Nov. 1-5
Young Sportsman	Oct. 30-31
Muzzleloader/Archery	Nov. 6-19
General Season	Nov. 20-Jan. 2
Private Lands Only	Jan. 3-7

Tennessee deer seasons are managed by hunting units. Specific season dates may vary by your particular region. For more information, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Tennessee Elk Seasons

Archery	Sept. 25-Oct. 1
Young Sportsman	Oct. 2-8
General Season	Oct. 9-15

Tennessee elk hunts are quota hunts requiring specific permits, with limited permits awarded. For more information on obtaining an elk hunt permit, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Tennessee Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	Sept. 25-Oct. 29 and Nov. 1-5
Fall Shotgun Season	Oct. 16-29
Spring Young Sportsman	March 26-27
Spring General Season	Apr. 2-May 15

Fall turkey hunting may be limited to specific counties in Tennessee. Spring seasons may have reduced bag limits or shortened seasons. To see if your part of the state is available for legal hunts, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Tennessee Small Game Seasons

Squirrel	Aug. 28-Feb. 28 and May 8-June 13
Rabbit	Nov. 6-Feb. 28
Bullfrog	Open season
Raccoon	Sept. 17-Feb. 28
Grouse	Oct. 9-Feb. 28
Quail	Nov. 6-Feb. 28
Coyote	Open Season
Groundhog	Open Season
Striped Skunk	Open Season

How To Get A Hunting License In Tennessee?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Tennessee hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or a Tennessee–approved agent.

Tennessee License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from the date of purchase until the last day of February of the next year. Tennessee residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Tennessee Hunting License

Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
Access the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency On the Go mobile app.
Call 1-888-814-8972.
Visit a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency office, a county clerk office, or an approved license agent.

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Tennessee hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.