Bow hunting enthusiasts in Tennessee eagerly anticipate the start of archery season each year. The state offers ample opportunities for archers to pursue deer and other game species across its diverse landscapes. Tennessee’s archery season for deer typically runs from late September through early January, providing hunters with several months to pursue their quarry.

Bow hunters in Tennessee must adhere to specific regulations, including minimum draw weights and broadhead requirements. These rules ensure ethical and effective hunting practices while promoting conservation efforts. The state’s Wildlife Resources Agency carefully manages hunting seasons and bag limits to maintain healthy wildlife populations.

Tennessee’s varied terrain, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River bottomlands, offers bow hunters a range of challenging and exciting hunting experiences. Whether pursuing whitetail deer in hardwood forests or targeting elk in designated areas, archers can test their skills and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors during bow season.

Overview of Bow Hunting Season in Tennessee

Bow hunting in Tennessee offers diverse opportunities for hunters to pursue game across multiple seasons. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) oversees hunting regulations and sets specific dates for various species.

Key Hunting Seasons and Species

Archery season for deer typically begins in late September and runs through early January, with breaks for other hunting methods. Hunters can pursue whitetail deer during this extended period. Turkey archery season occurs in the fall and spring, allowing bow hunters to target these challenging game birds.

Small game bow hunting is permitted during designated seasons for species like squirrel and rabbit. Bear archery season is available in select areas of the state, usually in October. Elk archery hunting is limited to a short period in October for those who secure a quota permit.

Regulatory Authority and Legal Framework

The TWRA establishes and enforces all hunting regulations in Tennessee. Bow hunters must obtain appropriate licenses and permits before participating in any hunting activity. Legal archery equipment includes longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows meeting specific draw weight requirements.

Hunters must adhere to bag limits, which vary by species and season. For deer, the statewide archery season bag limit is typically three antlered deer per season. Mandatory hunter education courses are required for most bow hunters born after a certain date.

TWRA regularly updates regulations, so hunters should consult the current Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for the most accurate information on seasons, zones, and specific rules for each game species.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Tennessee requires hunters to obtain appropriate licenses and permits before engaging in hunting activities. These requirements ensure proper wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Acquiring Hunting Licenses

Tennessee offers various hunting licenses to residents and non-residents. Annual licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date. Hunters can buy licenses online, at authorized retailers, or TWRA offices.

Resident hunters 65 and older, disabled veterans, and lifetime sportsman license holders have special exemptions. Tennessee residents under 13 don’t need a license to hunt.

A Social Security Number is required to purchase a hunting license in Tennessee. Fees may vary based on residency status and license type.

Special Permits and Requirements

Some hunting activities require additional permits. The Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit is now a single permit covering multiple areas.

Elk hunting requires a quota permit. The general elk season runs from October 12-18, 2024. One antlered elk is allowed per permit.

Trout fishing no longer requires a separate supplemental license. It’s now included in the base hunting and fishing combination license.

Federal Duck Stamp and Migratory Bird Permits

Waterfowl hunters need a Federal Duck Stamp and a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit. The Federal Duck Stamp is required for hunters 16 and older.

The Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit is necessary for hunting doves, ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. Some exemptions apply, including landowners hunting on their own property.

These permits support conservation efforts and habitat preservation for migratory birds. Hunters must carry both the Federal Duck Stamp and state permit while hunting.

Deer Hunting Specifics

Tennessee’s deer hunting regulations outline specific dates, bag limits, and antler requirements for hunters. These guidelines help manage the deer population and ensure sustainable hunting practices across the state.

Deer Season Dates and Bag Limits

Archery season for deer in Tennessee typically starts in late September. The 2024-2025 season opens on September 28, 2024. Muzzleloader and gun seasons follow later in the fall and winter months.

Bag limits vary by region and season. In most areas, hunters can take up to 2 antlered deer per season. Antlerless deer limits are more flexible, ranging from 1 to 3 per day in many units.

Hunters must check harvested deer within 24 hours. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) provides online and mobile check-in options for convenience.

Special youth hunts occur on designated weekends, allowing young hunters additional opportunities. These dates often fall in October and January.

Antlered Bag Limit

Tennessee defines an antlered deer as having at least one antler 3 inches or longer. The statewide bag limit for antlered deer is 2 per season, regardless of hunting method or location.

Hunters cannot exceed this limit even if hunting in multiple units or seasons. This rule helps maintain a balanced buck population across age classes.

Some areas may have more restrictive antler requirements, such as a minimum number of points. Hunters should check local regulations for their specific hunting unit.

TWRA encourages selective harvest of mature bucks to improve herd quality. However, they also stress the importance of doe harvest for population management.

Small Game and Furbearer Hunting

Tennessee offers diverse opportunities for small game and furbearer hunting. Regulations govern seasons, bag limits, and trapping methods to ensure sustainable wildlife management.

Squirrel and Rabbit Season

Squirrel hunting season in Tennessee typically runs from late August through February. The daily bag limit for squirrels is 10 per day. Gray, fox, and red squirrels are common targets.

Rabbit season generally opens in November and extends through February. Hunters can take up to 5 rabbits per day. Both cottontail and swamp rabbits are found in Tennessee.

Hunters can use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting, except in specific Wildlife Management Areas where restrictions apply. Rimfire rifles, shotguns, and air guns .25 caliber or smaller are permitted for small game during deer seasons.

Trapping Regulations for Furbearers

Furbearer trapping in Tennessee is subject to specific regulations. Common furbearers include raccoon, opossum, and bobcat. The raccoon hunting season often aligns with trapping seasons for other furbearers.

Trappers must obtain proper licenses and follow set guidelines for trap types and placement. Bobcat pelts require Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before export. Trappers should contact regional TWRA offices for tagging instructions.

Possession limits for most furbearers are twice the daily bag limit, except on opening day. Hunters and trappers must adhere to season dates and specific area regulations outlined in the Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunting

Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities for waterfowl and migratory birds. Hunters can pursue ducks, geese, doves, and other species during designated seasons.

Duck and Goose Seasons

Duck and goose hunting seasons in Tennessee typically run from late November through January. Specific dates vary by zone and species. Hunters must possess a valid Federal Duck Stamp and Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit.

Bag limits for ducks are generally 6 per day, with restrictions on certain species. For geese, daily limits range from 3 to 5 depending on the species.

Youth waterfowl hunts are held on designated weekends. Hunters aged 16 and under can participate when accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 21 years old.

Shotguns used for waterfowl hunting must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total.

Additional Migratory Species Hunting

Tennessee also offers hunting seasons for other migratory birds. Dove season opens in early September with a daily bag limit of 15. Woodcock hunting runs from late October to early December, with a daily limit of 3 birds.

Sandhill crane hunting is permitted in specific areas with a special permit. The season typically occurs in November and December.

Coot and merganser hunting coincides with duck season. Daily bag limits are 15 for coots and 5 for mergansers.

Hunters should consult current regulations for exact dates, zones, and any special requirements for each species.

Turkey and Other Game Birds

Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities for turkey and upland game birds. Regulations and seasons vary for different species to ensure sustainable populations while providing recreational opportunities for hunters.

Turkey Season Framework

Spring turkey season in Tennessee typically runs from early April to mid-May. The bag limit is usually one bearded turkey per day, with a season limit of three or four birds. Fall turkey hunting is also available in select counties, generally in October and December.

Hunters must possess a valid hunting license and turkey permit. Legal hunting methods include shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, and archery equipment. Shooting hours are typically 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

Turkey hunters should be aware of safety regulations, including the requirement to wear fluorescent orange during certain seasons when firearms are allowed for big game.

Quail and Grouse Hunting

Quail and grouse hunting seasons in Tennessee generally run from late fall through winter. The quail season often starts in November and extends into February. Grouse season typically begins in October and ends in February.

Bag limits for quail are usually around 6 birds per day. Grouse limits are typically 3 per day. Hunters should check current regulations for specific dates and limits, as they may change annually.

Both quail and grouse can be hunted with shotguns or archery equipment. Dogs are often used to locate and flush these birds. Public hunting areas are available, but hunters should scout locations in advance for the best chances of success.

Hunting Units and Hours

Tennessee divides its hunting areas into distinct units for effective wildlife management. These units help regulate hunting activities and maintain healthy animal populations across the state.

Hunters must be aware of the specific unit they are in and follow the regulations for that area. Each unit may have different bag limits, seasons, and restrictions.

Hunting hours in Tennessee generally begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end 30 minutes after sunset. This applies to most big and small game species.

There are exceptions to these standard hours. For example, nighttime hunting is permitted for certain animals like raccoons, opossums, and foxes.

Bow hunters should pay close attention to unit boundaries and hours. Some units may have special archery-only seasons or different regulations for bow hunting.

It’s crucial for hunters to check the current Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for the most up-to-date information on units and hunting hours. Regulations can change from year to year, so staying informed is essential for a legal and successful hunt.

Hunting Methods and Ethics

Bow hunting in Tennessee requires specialized techniques and adherence to ethical practices. Proper equipment selection, shot placement, and responsible hunting behaviors are essential for a successful and ethical hunt.

Ethical Bow Hunting Practices

Ethical bow hunting starts with proficiency in archery skills. Hunters should practice regularly to ensure accurate shots and quick, humane kills. Proper shot placement is crucial – aiming for vital organs like the heart and lungs.

Hunters must respect legal hunting hours and seasons. Using appropriate broadheads and arrow weights is necessary for ethical hunting. Tracking wounded game is a hunter’s responsibility.

Respecting property boundaries and obtaining landowner permission is essential. Hunters should avoid overcrowding hunting areas and maintain a safe distance from other hunters.

Proper field dressing and meat handling techniques reduce waste. Hunters are encouraged to participate in conservation efforts and report any illegal activities they witness.

Wildlife Conservation and Management

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) implements various programs to maintain ecological balance and preserve wildlife habitats. These efforts aim to sustain healthy animal populations while allowing for regulated hunting activities.

Role of Hunters in Conservation

Hunters play a crucial part in wildlife conservation efforts in Tennessee. Through the purchase of licenses and permits, they provide significant funding for habitat restoration projects and wildlife management programs. The TWRA uses these funds to conduct research, monitor animal populations, and implement conservation strategies.

Controlled hunting helps maintain balanced ecosystems by preventing overpopulation of certain species. This management approach ensures adequate food sources for wildlife and reduces human-wildlife conflicts.

Hunters also contribute valuable data to the TWRA through harvest reporting. This information helps biologists make informed decisions about hunting regulations and wildlife management strategies.

Many hunters actively participate in conservation organizations, volunteering their time for habitat improvement projects. These activities include planting food plots, creating wildlife openings, and removing invasive plant species.

By following regulations and ethical hunting practices, hunters help ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations in Tennessee.

Resources and Further Information

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) provides essential information and services for bow hunters in Tennessee. Accessing their resources ensures hunters stay informed about regulations, obtain proper licenses, and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

TWRA Website and Contact Information

The TWRA website (tn.gov/twra) is the primary source for up-to-date hunting information in Tennessee. It offers detailed guides on hunting seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements. Hunters can find specific dates for bow hunting seasons and any changes to bag limits or restrictions.

The site allows online purchase of hunting licenses and permits. This convenient system enables hunters to acquire necessary documentation quickly and easily. For those preferring in-person assistance, the TWRA provides contact information for regional offices across the state.

Hunters can also access educational resources on the TWRA website. These include safety courses, wildlife identification guides, and conservation program details. The agency’s social media accounts offer real-time updates on hunting conditions and important announcements.