Tennessee offers a wealth of opportunities for hunters seeking prime hunting grounds. Leasing land for hunting in the Volunteer State has become increasingly popular, providing exclusive access to diverse habitats and game species. Hunting leases in Tennessee give sportsmen a chance to pursue whitetail deer, elk, black bear, quail, grouse, and more on private properties across the state.

Landowners and hunters both benefit from these arrangements. Property owners can generate income from their land while maintaining control over access and usage. Hunters gain reliable spots to enjoy their sport without the crowds often found on public lands. Tennessee’s varied terrain, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River bottomlands, creates ideal conditions for a wide range of game animals.

Many organizations and websites now facilitate connections between hunters and landowners offering leases. These services allow hunters to search for properties that match their specific needs and preferences. With over a million whitetail deer in Tennessee, along with other abundant game populations, hunting leases provide an attractive option for those looking to maximize their hunting experiences in the state.

Understanding Hunting Leases in Tennessee

Hunting leases in Tennessee provide opportunities for hunters to access private land while offering landowners a way to generate income from their property. These agreements come in various forms and carry important legal and insurance considerations.

Definition and Purpose

A hunting lease is a contract between a landowner and hunters that grants permission to hunt on private property for a specified time period and fee. In Tennessee, these leases allow hunters to pursue game like deer, turkey, and waterfowl on lands they otherwise couldn’t access. Leases typically outline allowed activities, hunting seasons, and any restrictions set by the property owner.

Hunting leases serve multiple purposes:

• Provide hunters with exclusive access to prime hunting grounds
• Generate additional income for landowners
• Promote wildlife conservation and habitat management
• Control animal populations on private lands

Benefits to Hunters and Landowners

Hunters gain several advantages through leasing:

• Access to private lands with potentially higher game populations
• Reduced competition compared to public hunting areas
• Ability to scout and prepare the land before seasons open
• Opportunity to build long-term relationships with landowners

Landowners also benefit from leasing their property:

• Extra income from otherwise unused land
• Assistance with wildlife management and property maintenance
• Increased security through hunter presence
• Potential liability protection through proper lease agreements

Types of Leases

Tennessee offers various hunting lease arrangements:

1. Short-term leases: Cover a specific hunting season or weekend
2. Annual leases: Grant access for a full year, often renewable
3. Multi-year leases: Longer-term agreements, typically 3-5 years
4. Exclusive leases: Give hunters sole rights to the property
5. Non-exclusive leases: Allow multiple groups to share hunting rights

Some leases focus on specific game, like waterfowl hunting in wetland areas. Others may cover all legal game animals on the property. Prices vary based on acreage, game availability, and lease duration.

Legal Considerations and Insurance

Proper documentation is crucial for hunting leases in Tennessee. A written agreement should clearly state:

• Lease terms and duration
• Permitted activities and restrictions
• Liability waivers and indemnification clauses
• Payment details and cancellation policies

Insurance is a vital component of hunting leases. Landowners often require lessees to carry liability insurance to protect against potential accidents or injuries. Some lease arrangements include insurance coverage, while others require hunters to obtain their own policies.

Hunters and landowners should familiarize themselves with Tennessee’s hunting regulations and property laws. This ensures compliance with state requirements and helps prevent legal issues related to trespassing or game violations.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Regulations

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency oversees hunting regulations in the state. These rules cover season dates, game management practices, and license requirements for hunters.

Hunting Season Dates

TWRA sets specific dates for hunting different game species in Tennessee. Deer hunting season typically runs from late September through early January, with variations for archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons.

Turkey hunting occurs in spring and fall. The spring season usually begins in early April and lasts about 6 weeks. A shorter fall season takes place in October.

Elk hunting is limited, with a quota system in place. The season generally occurs for one week in October.

Hunters must stay informed about current dates, as they can change annually based on wildlife population assessments.

Game Management

TWRA actively manages wildlife populations to maintain ecological balance and sustainable hunting. For deer, the agency monitors population density and sets harvest limits accordingly.

Hunters are required to report their harvests, which helps TWRA track population trends. In some areas, antler restrictions are in place to protect young bucks.

Turkey management focuses on habitat improvement and population monitoring. TWRA conducts annual surveys to estimate turkey numbers and adjust regulations if needed.

The elk herd in Tennessee is closely managed, with limited hunting opportunities to ensure population growth.

License Requirements

All hunters in Tennessee must possess a valid hunting license. Various types are available, including annual, lifetime, and short-term options.

Specific game species may require additional permits. For example, turkey hunters need a supplemental turkey permit.

Big game hunters must obtain the appropriate big game license. This covers deer, bear, and elk hunting.

Hunters born after January 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license.

TWRA offers special youth hunting licenses and opportunities to encourage new generations of hunters.

Types of Game in Tennessee

Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities with its varied landscapes and abundant wildlife. Hunters can pursue big game, small game, and waterfowl across the state’s forests, fields, and wetlands.

Deer Hunting

White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Tennessee. The state’s deer population exceeds 1 million, providing ample hunting opportunities. Archery season typically starts in late September, followed by muzzleloader and gun seasons.

Tennessee is known for producing trophy bucks, especially in the western and middle regions. The state record typical buck scored 186 2/8 inches and was taken in Sumner County in 2016.

Hunters must obtain proper licenses and follow bag limits. The statewide bag limit is typically three antlered deer per season, with additional antlerless opportunities in specific counties.

Turkey Hunting

Wild turkeys thrive in Tennessee’s diverse habitats. Spring turkey season usually runs from early April to mid-May, with a fall season in select counties.

Tennessee’s turkey population is estimated at over 300,000 birds. The state record Eastern wild turkey weighed 33 pounds and was harvested in Macon County in 2015.

Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day and four per season. The use of decoys and calls is popular among turkey hunters in Tennessee.

Waterfowl and Small Game

Tennessee’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands attract various waterfowl species. Duck and goose hunting seasons typically run from November to January, with specific dates varying by zone.

Popular waterfowl hunting areas include Reelfoot Lake, Kentucky Lake, and the Tennessee River.

Small game hunting opportunities include squirrel, rabbit, quail, and dove. These seasons generally start in late summer or early fall and extend through winter.

Trapping is also permitted for some furbearers like raccoon, opossum, and beaver.

Elk Reintroduction

Elk were reintroduced to Tennessee in 2000 after being absent for over 150 years. The current population is estimated at around 400 animals, primarily in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area.

A limited elk hunt was established in 2009 through a quota system. Five elk hunting permits are typically awarded each year through a lottery drawing.

The reintroduction program has been successful, providing a unique big game hunting opportunity in the state. Elk hunting season usually occurs in October, coinciding with the rut.

Habitat Management on Leased Land

Effective habitat management is crucial for enhancing wildlife populations and improving hunting opportunities on leased land. Implementing strategic practices can create an ideal environment for game species to thrive.

Creating Food Plots

Food plots provide essential nutrition for wildlife and attract game to specific areas. Choose plants that match local soil conditions and climate. Clover, soybeans, and brassicas are popular options for deer. Establish plots in secluded areas near cover to make wildlife feel secure.

Rotate crops annually to maintain soil health and offer varied nutrition. Consider planting a mix of warm-season and cool-season plants to provide year-round food sources. Properly maintain food plots through regular mowing, fertilizing, and weed control.

Habitat Improvement Strategies

Selective timber harvesting can improve habitat diversity. Create edge habitats by thinning forest borders. This promotes understory growth, providing food and cover for wildlife. Establish travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas to facilitate animal movement.

Implement prescribed burns to rejuvenate native vegetation and control invasive species. Conduct burns in late winter or early spring before nesting season. Install nesting boxes for waterfowl and songbirds to increase species diversity.

Manage water sources by creating or enhancing ponds and wetlands. These areas attract a variety of wildlife and can improve hunting success for waterfowl and other species.

Scouting and Hunting Techniques

Effective scouting and hunting techniques are crucial for success on Tennessee hunting leases. Proper preparation, skilled use of equipment, and ethical tracking practices maximize opportunities for a rewarding hunt.

Scouting for Game

Pre-season scouting is essential for locating prime hunting spots. Look for signs of deer activity like tracks, rubs, and scrapes. Use trail cameras to monitor game movements and patterns. Pay attention to food sources such as acorn-producing oaks or agricultural fields.

Topographical maps and satellite imagery help identify potential travel corridors and bedding areas. Scout during different times of day to understand animal behavior. Note wind directions to plan approach routes that minimize human scent.

Create detailed maps marking key features and observations. This information proves invaluable when selecting stand locations or planning stalking routes during the hunt.

Archery and Firearms

Bowhunting requires stealth and precision. Practice shooting from elevated positions to simulate treestand shots. Use rangefinders to gauge distances accurately. Select broadheads suited for the game being pursued.

For firearms, sight in rifles well before the season starts. Choose appropriate calibers for the intended quarry. Shotguns with slugs are effective for deer in densely wooded areas.

Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding weapon types and ammunition. Always prioritize safety when handling and transporting firearms or archery equipment.

Tracking and Retrieving

Tracking skills are crucial for recovering game. Learn to identify different types of blood trails and understand how they indicate shot placement. Use bright-colored marking tape to flag the trail as you follow it.

Employ a grid search pattern if the trail becomes unclear. Look for disturbed vegetation or other signs of animal passage. Consider using a trained tracking dog if legal in the area.

When retrieving game, field dress promptly to preserve meat quality. Have a plan for transporting the animal out of the field. Respect the harvested animal and utilize as much of it as possible.

Finding and Securing Hunting Leases

Locating and obtaining hunting leases in Tennessee requires research, comparison, and careful consideration of costs and resources. Several platforms and methods exist to help hunters find suitable properties.

Hunting Lease Resources and Listings

Various websites and services offer hunting lease listings in Tennessee. Base Camp Leasing provides detailed property descriptions, including acreage, maximum hunter capacity, and terrain types. Their listings often feature specifics like the percentage of hardwood cover and field composition. Local real estate agents and outdoor sports stores may also have information on available leases.

Hunting forums and social media groups can be valuable sources for lease opportunities. Some hunters find success by directly contacting landowners in desired hunting areas. County tax assessor websites can help identify property owners for potential outreach.

HLRBO Online Platform

HLRBO (Hunting Lease Registry by Owner) is a specialized online platform for hunting leases. It allows users to search for properties in Tennessee and other states. The platform offers filters to narrow searches based on location, price, and lease duration.

HLRBO’s interface presents lease options with key details like property size, available game species, and pricing. Users can view photos and sometimes aerial maps of listed properties. The platform facilitates direct communication between hunters and landowners.

Comparing Lease Costs

Hunting lease prices in Tennessee vary widely based on factors such as location, property size, and game populations. Yearly leases typically range from $5 to $50 per acre. A 213-acre property in Decatur County, for example, was listed at $6,390 for up to six hunters.

Smaller, specialized leases like duck hunting spots may have different pricing structures. Some leases are priced per hunter rather than by acreage. It’s crucial to compare multiple options and consider additional costs like liability insurance or property improvements.

Short-term leases for specific seasons are often available at lower costs than year-round agreements. Hunters should factor in travel expenses when evaluating more distant properties.