Tennessee’s rich hunting traditions are governed by specific regulations to ensure safety and conservation. Hunters must familiarize themselves with the state’s firearm rules before heading into the field. In Tennessee, firearms for hunting must comply with federal and state laws, including restrictions on magazine capacity and barrel length.

Hunters should note that certain areas and seasons have specific firearm restrictions. For instance, during deer season, some locations may only permit archery equipment. The type of game being pursued also influences allowable firearms. Migratory bird hunting, for example, follows federal regulations regarding shotgun gauges and ammunition types.

Safety is paramount in Tennessee’s hunting regulations. Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange during specific seasons and in certain areas. Additionally, firearms must be unloaded and cased while in vehicles or in transit to hunting locations. By adhering to these rules, hunters contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all outdoor enthusiasts in the Volunteer State.

Tennessee Hunting Regulations Overview

Tennessee’s hunting regulations establish clear guidelines for hunters to follow. These rules cover legal definitions, license requirements, and mandatory education programs to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices across the state.

Legal Definitions and General Rules

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets specific definitions and rules for hunting activities. Hunters must use appropriate firearms and ammunition for their target game. Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl hunting. Baiting restrictions apply, with a 10-day removal period before hunting.

Night hunting for coyotes and bobcats is allowed on private land with landowner permission. The season runs from August 1-11 in 2024, with additional dates in 2025. Hunters are limited to one bobcat per night, but there’s no limit on coyotes.

Firearm possession is prohibited while chasing coyotes, foxes, and bobcats with dogs during certain periods.

Hunting License Requirements

All hunters in Tennessee must possess a valid hunting license. Different license types are available based on residency status, age, and hunting preferences. Short-term and annual licenses can be purchased.

Some hunters may qualify for lifetime licenses. Specific permits are required for certain game species or hunting methods. Tennessee offers license reciprocity with some neighboring states, allowing hunters to use their home state license under specific conditions.

Licenses can be obtained online, through authorized vendors, or at TWRA offices. Fees vary depending on the license type and duration.

Hunter Education and Safety Courses

Tennessee requires most hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, to complete a Hunter Education Course. This course covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, hunting ethics, and relevant laws.

Courses are offered in-person and online. In-person courses typically include hands-on firearm handling instruction. The online option requires a field day for practical training.

Youth hunters under 10 can hunt without certification if accompanied by a licensed adult. Those aged 10-16 must be licensed and certified or have an apprentice license while supervised by a licensed adult.

Bowhunters may need to complete an additional Bowhunter Education Course for certain hunts or out-of-state opportunities.

Firearm Regulations

Tennessee has specific rules governing firearms for hunting. These regulations cover the types of firearms allowed, as well as restrictions on ammunition and equipment.

Firearm Types and Restrictions

Hunters in Tennessee may use shotguns, muzzleloaders, and certain rifles depending on the game and season. Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells when hunting migratory birds.

For big game, centerfire rifles and handguns are permitted. Rimfire firearms are typically restricted to small game hunting.

Muzzleloading firearms are allowed during designated seasons. These must be loaded from the muzzle and use black powder or approved substitutes.

Archery equipment, including crossbows, is permitted during archery seasons and may be used during gun seasons.

Ammunition and Equipment

Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl hunting in Tennessee. This rule aims to protect wildlife and habitats from lead contamination.

Centerfire ammunition is standard for big game hunting. It offers greater power and accuracy for larger animals.

Rimfire ammunition is commonly used for small game and varmint hunting due to its lower cost and reduced recoil.

Hunters must ensure their firearms and ammunition comply with caliber restrictions for specific game animals.

Electronic feeders and bait sites must be removed at least 10 days before hunting in that area.

Possession of firearms is prohibited while using dogs to chase coyotes, foxes, and bobcats during certain periods.

Big Game Hunting

Tennessee offers exciting opportunities for hunting deer, bear, and elk. Regulations ensure sustainable wildlife populations while providing thrilling experiences for hunters. Specific rules govern bag limits, seasons, and hunting methods for each species.

Deer Hunting Regulations

Deer hunting is popular in Tennessee. The state divides hunting areas into Deer Management Units. Each unit has its own bag limits and season dates. Hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during firearms season.

Archery season typically starts in late September. Muzzleloader and gun seasons follow in November and December. Unit CWD has special regulations to manage chronic wasting disease.

Hunters can harvest a maximum of three antlered deer per season. Antlerless deer limits vary by unit. Some areas offer quota hunt opportunities for additional deer.

Bear Hunting Rules

Bear hunting is restricted to specific zones in Tennessee. Bear Hunt Zone 5 covers the eastern part of the state. The season usually runs from late September to early January.

Hunters must obtain a bear permit in addition to their hunting license. The annual bag limit is one bear per hunter. Bears cannot be hunted with dogs in most areas.

Baiting is prohibited for bear hunting. Hunters must wear blaze orange during gun season. All harvested bears must be checked in and tagged within 24 hours.

Elk Management and Hunting

Elk hunting in Tennessee is a limited opportunity. The state holds an annual drawing for a small number of elk tags. Hunters can apply for either an archery or gun hunt.

The elk season typically occurs in October. Successful applicants must attend a mandatory orientation before their hunt. The bag limit is one elk per tag.

Elk hunting is restricted to designated zones within the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. Hunters must use appropriate firearms or archery equipment as specified in the regulations.

Small Game and Furbearer Regulations

Tennessee has specific regulations for hunting small game and furbearers. These cover season dates, bag limits, and allowed methods for taking various species.

Small Game Seasons and Bag Limits

Small game hunting in Tennessee includes species like rabbit, squirrel, quail, and grouse. Seasons vary by species but generally run from late summer through winter. The daily bag limit for rabbits is 5, while squirrels have a limit of 10 per day.

Quail hunting is restricted to quota hunts on certain wildlife management areas. These require special permits obtained through a draw system. Regular quail season runs from November to February with a daily bag limit of 6 birds.

Crow hunting has an extended season from July to February. There is no daily bag limit for crows.

Furbearer Hunting and Trapping

Furbearers in Tennessee include raccoon, opossum, bobcat, and fox. Hunting seasons for these animals typically run from mid-November through February. Trapping seasons may differ slightly from hunting seasons.

There are no bag limits for most furbearer species. However, bobcats have a season limit of 1 per person.

Nighttime raccoon hunting with dogs is allowed during open seasons. Fox chasing with hounds is permitted year-round, both day and night.

Trapping regulations require the use of steel traps. Trappers must check their traps daily and possess a valid trapping license.

Bird Hunting Regulations

Tennessee has specific rules for hunting various bird species. These regulations cover season dates, bag limits, and required permits for migratory birds, waterfowl, and turkeys.

Migratory Birds and Waterfowl

Hunters must obtain a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit to hunt migratory game birds. Hunting is allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. The daily bag limit for doves is 15, with no limit on Eurasian collared doves.

For waterfowl, the scaup daily bag limit varies by date. From November 30 to December 1, 2024, and December 5 to 17, 2024, hunters may take 1 scaup per day. From December 18, 2024, to January 31, 2025, the limit increases to 2 scaup daily.

Mergansers have a daily bag limit of 5, with only 2 hooded mergansers allowed. Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunting Season is scheduled for February 1 and 8, 2025, with the same daily bag limits as the regular season.

Turkey Hunting Rules

Turkey hunting in Tennessee is divided into spring and fall seasons. The state uses Turkey Management Units to regulate hunting in specific areas.

Spring turkey season has a bag limit of one bearded turkey per day, not to exceed three per season. Hunting bearded hens is prohibited. Hunters must follow federal regulations outlined in 50 CFR Ch. 1 for additional restrictions.

Fall turkey hunting is more limited, with specific dates and bag limits set for each management unit. Hunters should check current regulations for their area before hunting.

Hunters must use appropriate firearms and ammunition for turkey hunting. Shotguns with No. 4 shot or smaller are typically required.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Wildlife Management Areas in Tennessee provide diverse hunting opportunities while maintaining specific regulations to protect wildlife populations and habitats. These areas offer unique experiences for hunters across the state.

WMA Specific Hunting Regulations

Alcohol possession and consumption are prohibited on Tennessee WMAs starting April 15, 2024, except in designated campgrounds and public waters. Baiting wildlife is not allowed unless removed at least 10 days before hunting.

Hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during big game muzzleloader and gun hunts on many WMAs. Some areas have specific seasons for certain game species. For example, quail hunting on some WMAs runs from November 2 to January 15.

Firearm regulations vary by WMA. Holders of valid handgun carry permits may possess handguns year-round on WMA premises. However, other firearms may have restrictions during certain periods or hunts.

Public Land Hunting Opportunities

Tennessee WMAs offer diverse hunting experiences across the state. Many WMAs participate in quota hunts, which require special permits obtained through a drawing system. These hunts help manage wildlife populations and provide fair access to popular hunting areas.

Catoosa Ridge Refuge and other TWRA refuges have specific hunting seasons and regulations. For instance, some areas close to all hunting from March 1 through August 22, except during turkey season.

WMA properties often have unique rules. Hunters should check area-specific regulations before planning their trips. Some WMAs allow night hunting for coyotes and bobcats on private land with landowner permission during designated seasons.

Hunting Practices and Ethics

Ethical hunting practices and adherence to regulations are fundamental aspects of responsible hunting in Tennessee. Hunters must respect legal hours, seasonal restrictions, and fair chase principles to ensure sustainable wildlife management and maintain the integrity of the sport.

Legal Hunting Hours and Seasonal Restrictions

Hunting hours in Tennessee typically start 30 minutes before sunrise and end 30 minutes after sunset. These times vary throughout the year, so hunters should consult official TWRA publications for exact times. Night hunting is prohibited for most game species to prevent overharvesting and ensure fair chase.

Seasonal restrictions apply to different game animals. For example, deer hunting seasons are divided into archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons. Spring turkey season usually runs from late March to early May. A new spring bear dog training season has been introduced for private lands in specific zones.

Baiting regulations differ by species and area. Generally, baiting is not allowed on public lands. On private property, baiting deer is permitted outside of harvesting hours, but all bait must be removed before hunting.

Hunter Conduct and Fair Chase

Fair chase principles form the cornerstone of ethical hunting. This concept ensures animals have a reasonable chance to evade hunters. Hunters must not pursue game from motorized vehicles or aircraft. Using artificial lights to locate game is also prohibited.

Hunters are required to make reasonable efforts to retrieve downed game and avoid wanton waste. This means utilizing as much of the harvested animal as possible. Leaving edible portions in the field is both unethical and illegal.

Hunting with dogs is allowed for certain species, but regulations vary. For bear hunting, new zones and seasons have been established. Hunters must ensure their dogs do not trespass on private property without permission.

Respecting private property rights is crucial. Always obtain landowner permission before hunting on private land. When hunting public land, be aware of boundaries and any specific area regulations.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Tennessee hunting regulations prioritize safety and respect for property rights. Hunters must adhere to specific rules regarding firearm possession and use, as well as obtain proper permissions when accessing private or public lands.

Firearm Possession and Use

Hunters in Tennessee must use firearms appropriate for their target game. Regulations restrict ammunition types and sizes based on species. For waterfowl hunting, non-toxic shot is mandatory. During deer season, firearms and ammunition are subject to specific caliber requirements.

Possession of firearms is prohibited while chasing coyotes, foxes, and bobcats with dogs from the first Saturday in November through the end of deer season. This rule aims to prevent conflicts between different hunting activities.

Pre-charged pneumatic guns that shoot arrows are legal for all hunters during modern gun seasons for deer, bear, elk, and turkey. However, hunting devices and ammunition are not allowed during night-time coyote and bobcat seasons.

Hunting on Private and Public Lands

Tennessee law requires hunters to obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property. Written permission is strongly advised for hunting and mandatory for trapping activities.

The “Hunting By Written Permission” law, enacted in 1990, emphasizes the importance of respecting property rights. Hunters should familiarize themselves with property boundaries and adhere to any specific rules set by landowners.

On both private and public lands, hunters must be aware of designated hunting zones and any area-specific regulations. Federal regulations may apply on certain public lands, adding another layer of compliance for hunters to consider.

Baiting regulations apply across all land types. No person shall use bait to hunt wildlife unless the bait has been removed and any electronic feeder disabled at least 10 days prior to hunting.

Special Regulations and Programs

Tennessee offers accommodations for disabled hunters and youth hunting programs to promote inclusivity and education in hunting. These initiatives aim to ensure all residents can participate safely and legally in hunting activities.

Accessibility for Disabled Hunters

Tennessee provides special accommodations for disabled hunters to ensure equal access to hunting opportunities. Disabled veterans and hunters with mobility impairments may qualify for special permits allowing the use of all-terrain vehicles on designated Wildlife Management Areas.

The state also offers modified regulations for hunters with certain disabilities. These may include extended seasons, relaxed weapon restrictions, or permission to hunt from a stationary vehicle.

Lifetime License Holders with disabilities can often access additional privileges, such as priority in certain managed hunts.

Youth Hunting and Mentorship

Tennessee’s youth hunting programs aim to introduce young people to hunting traditions and conservation ethics. The state designates specific youth-only hunting days for various game species, allowing young hunters to gain experience in a less competitive environment.

Mentorship programs pair experienced hunters with youth to teach safe hunting practices and wildlife management principles. These programs often include hands-on training in firearm safety, wildlife identification, and ethical hunting practices.

Young hunters must complete a Hunter Education course before obtaining a license, with exceptions for those participating in the Apprentice Hunting License program. This program allows new hunters to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult before completing the full education requirements.