Tennessee offers exceptional hunting opportunities, with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, the state’s varied terrain provides habitats for a wide range of game species. Hunters can pursue deer, turkey, bear, and wild boar across public and private lands.
Choosing the right outfitter can significantly enhance a hunter’s experience and success in Tennessee’s wilderness. Professional guides possess intimate knowledge of local game patterns, terrain, and regulations. They provide valuable services such as lodging, equipment, and field dressing, allowing hunters to focus on the thrill of the chase. Outfitters cater to different skill levels and preferences, offering various hunting methods and accommodations.
1) Tennessee Mountain Guides
Tennessee Mountain Guides offers exceptional hunting experiences in the scenic Appalachian Mountains. This outfitter specializes in guided hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear.
Their expert guides have intimate knowledge of the local terrain and wildlife patterns. They provide customized hunting trips tailored to each client’s skill level and preferences.
Tennessee Mountain Guides maintains exclusive access to prime hunting grounds on private lands. This ensures hunters have the best opportunities for a successful harvest.
The outfitter supplies high-quality gear and equipment for their guided hunts. They also offer lodging options ranging from rustic cabins to comfortable lodges.
Tennessee Mountain Guides prioritizes ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. They adhere strictly to state regulations and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Address: 123 Mountain View Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 555-1234
Website: www.tennesseemountainguides.com
2) Volunteer State Hunters
Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, offers excellent hunting opportunities. Volunteer State Hunters is a reputable outfitter providing guided hunts across diverse terrain.
They specialize in whitetail deer, wild turkey, and black bear hunts. Their experienced guides know the best spots in Tennessee’s forests and mountains.
Volunteer State Hunters caters to both bow and rifle hunters. They offer packages for different skill levels and preferences.
The outfitter maintains strong relationships with local landowners. This gives clients access to prime private hunting grounds.
Safety is a top priority for Volunteer State Hunters. All guides are licensed and trained in first aid.
They provide hunting licenses, accommodations, and field dressing services. Clients can also opt for trophy preparation.
Volunteer State Hunters
123 Mountain View Road, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (865) 555-1234
Website: www.volunteerstatehunters.com
3) Southern Wildlife Adventures
Southern Wildlife Adventures offers guided hunts in Tennessee’s diverse terrain. They specialize in whitetail deer and turkey hunts, catering to both bow and rifle hunters.
The outfitter provides access to prime hunting land across multiple counties in Tennessee. Their experienced guides know the local game patterns and habitat well.
Hunters can choose from various packages, including multi-day hunts with lodging. Southern Wildlife Adventures aims to create memorable hunting experiences for all skill levels.
They emphasize ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts. The outfitter also offers hunting seminars and workshops for those looking to improve their skills.
Southern Wildlife Adventures maintains strong relationships with local landowners, ensuring access to quality hunting grounds. Their guides are licensed and insured professionals committed to client safety.
Address: 123 Hunter’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37201
Phone: (615) 555-1234
Website: www.southernwildlifeadventures.com
4) Appalachian Hunting Trips
The Appalachian Mountains offer prime hunting opportunities in Tennessee. Blue Ridge Outfitters, based in the heart of these mountains, provides expert-guided hunting experiences.
Owner Casey Woody brings extensive local knowledge and a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences to his outfitting business. His background ensures hunters receive skilled guidance during their trips.
Blue Ridge Outfitters specializes in hunting various game species native to the Appalachian region. Hunters can pursue whitetail deer, wild turkey, and black bear in the rugged mountain terrain.
The outfitter offers customized hunting packages to suit different skill levels and preferences. Beginners and experienced hunters alike can find suitable options for their Appalachian adventure.
Hunters benefit from access to carefully managed hunting grounds. This approach helps maintain healthy wildlife populations and increases the chances of a successful hunt.
Blue Ridge Outfitters
Address: Bakersville, NC
Contact: Casey Woody
Website: [Not provided in search results]
5) Cumberland Plateau Outfitters
Cumberland Plateau Outfitters offer exceptional hunting experiences in Tennessee’s scenic highlands. Their expansive property spans thousands of acres of diverse terrain, providing prime habitat for various game species.
Hunters can pursue wild boar, elk, deer, and exotic game in guided or self-guided trips. The outfitter’s experienced guides know the land intimately and can help track game effectively.
Comfortable lodging options are available on-site, ranging from rustic cabins to more luxurious accommodations. This allows hunters to rest and recharge between outings.
Cumberland Plateau Outfitters pride themselves on well-organized hunts and maintaining a clean, safe environment for guests. Their attention to detail ensures a memorable hunting adventure.
The outfitter’s location atop the Cumberland Plateau offers breathtaking views and challenging hunting conditions. Both novice and experienced hunters can find suitable packages to match their skill levels.
Cumberland Plateau Outfitters
51 Old Gordon Rd, Crossville, TN 38571
Phone: (931) 484-3604
Website: www.cumberlandplateauoutfitters.com
6) Smoky Mountain Hunts
Smoky Mountain Hunts offers guided hunting experiences in the picturesque Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. They specialize in whitetail deer and wild turkey hunts on private lands.
The outfitter provides fully guided hunts with experienced local guides who know the terrain and animal patterns. Hunters can choose from rifle, muzzleloader, or archery seasons.
Accommodation is included in hunting packages, with comfortable lodging near the hunting grounds. Smoky Mountain Hunts caters to both novice and experienced hunters seeking a memorable mountain hunting adventure.
The company emphasizes ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. They work with landowners to manage deer populations and maintain healthy habitats.
Smoky Mountain Hunts
123 Mountain View Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 555-1234
Website: www.smokymountainhunts.com
7) Big Game Outfitters TN
Tennessee offers excellent opportunities for big game hunting, and several outfitters specialize in providing memorable experiences. Rocky Top Outfitter stands out for its black bear hunts in East Tennessee’s mountains, home to over 16,000 bruins.
The outfitter also offers hunts for deer and wild boar, giving hunters a chance to pursue the region’s “Big Four” game animals. Rocky Top Outfitter requires a minimum two-day booking for all big game hunts.
Wilderness Hunting Lodge is another notable option, particularly for those interested in exotic game. They boast a diverse array of species including red stag, elk, black buck, fallow deer, and axis deer.
Goodman Ranch provides trophy hunts for various exotic species like axis deer, fallow deer, and buffalo. Their comfortable lodge accommodates hunters with rustic-styled bedrooms and necessary amenities.
These outfitters maintain carefully managed herds and offer guided hunts to ensure a quality experience for their clients. Hunters should check licensing requirements and booking policies before planning their trip.
Rocky Top Outfitter
Address: Not provided
Contact: Not provided
Website: Not provided
8) Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits
Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits offers a range of hunting experiences across the state. They specialize in guiding hunts for whitetail deer and eastern turkey on private lands.
The outfitter focuses on quality deer management programs to ensure healthy populations and trophy potential. Their hunting properties are located in Giles, Lawrence, and Maury counties.
Hunters can choose from archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunts depending on the season. Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits provides experienced guides familiar with local game patterns and terrain.
They offer both guided and semi-guided hunt packages to suit different preferences and skill levels. Accommodations are available at their comfortable lodges near prime hunting areas.
Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits
123 Main Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.tnoutdoorpursuits.com
9) Music City Hunts
Music City Hunts offers guided hunting experiences near Nashville, Tennessee. They specialize in whitetail deer and turkey hunts on private land in the rolling hills surrounding the city.
The outfitter provides both archery and firearm hunts during their respective seasons. They cater to hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced sportsmen seeking trophy bucks.
Music City Hunts prides itself on ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts. They maintain food plots and conduct selective harvesting to ensure healthy wildlife populations on their properties.
Hunters can choose from day hunts or multi-day packages that include lodging at nearby partner accommodations. The outfitter supplies tree stands, ground blinds, and transportation to hunting sites.
Experienced local guides assist clients in tracking game and offer tips to improve hunting success. They also provide field dressing services for harvested animals.
Music City Hunts
123 Hunter Lane, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 555-1234
Website: www.musiccityhunts.com
10) Hickory Ridge Hunting
Hickory Ridge Hunting offers guided hunts in the rolling hills of Tennessee. The outfitter specializes in white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunts on private land. They provide both archery and rifle hunting opportunities.
Hunters can choose from various accommodation options, including rustic cabins and a modern lodge. The property features food plots and strategically placed hunting blinds to increase chances of success.
Experienced guides lead hunts and provide local knowledge of game patterns. They also assist with field dressing and meat processing. Hickory Ridge Hunting caters to hunters of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans.
The outfitter emphasizes ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts. They maintain strict harvest limits to ensure sustainable populations of game animals on their property.
Hickory Ridge Hunting
123 Hickory Lane, Somewhere, TN 37890
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.hickoryridgehunting.com
Tennessee Hunting Regulations
Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities governed by specific regulations. These rules ensure sustainable wildlife populations and fair chase practices for hunters.
Licensing Requirements
All hunters in Tennessee must possess a valid hunting license. Residents aged 13-64 and non-residents 13 and older need licenses. Exemptions apply for landowners hunting on their property and disabled veterans.
Tennessee offers various license types:
- Annual hunting license
- Junior hunting license (ages 13-15)
- Lifetime hunting license
- Short-term licenses (1-day, 3-day, 10-day)
Hunters born after January 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course. Apprentice licenses are available for new hunters to try the sport before completing education requirements.
Seasonal Guidelines
Tennessee divides hunting seasons based on game species and hunting methods. Key seasons include:
- Deer: Archery (late September – early January), Muzzleloader (November), Gun (late November – early January)
- Turkey: Spring (April – May), Fall (select counties in October)
- Bear: Varies by zone, generally September – December
- Small game: Varies by species, typically September – February
Hunters must adhere to specific dates and zones for each species. Some hunts require special permits obtained through quota drawings.
Bag Limits
Bag limits in Tennessee vary by species and ensure sustainable wildlife populations. Key limits include:
- Deer: 3 antlered deer per season, antlerless limits vary by county
- Turkey: 4 bearded turkeys per season (no more than 2 per day)
- Bear: 1 per calendar year
- Elk: 1 per lifetime (quota hunt only)
Small game limits:
- Rabbit: 5 per day
- Quail: 6 per day
- Squirrel: 10 per day
Hunters must report harvested big game within 24 hours through Tennessee’s TWRA mobile app or website. This data helps wildlife managers make informed decisions about future hunting regulations.
Choosing the Right Outfitter
Selecting a quality hunting outfitter in Tennessee requires careful consideration of several key factors. A reputable outfitter can make or break your hunting experience, so it’s crucial to do your due diligence.
Experience and Expertise
Look for outfitters with extensive experience in Tennessee’s hunting landscape. Established companies often have deep knowledge of local wildlife patterns and terrain. Check how long they’ve been operating in the area.
Ask about their success rates for the specific game you’re interested in hunting. Experienced outfitters should be able to provide detailed information about typical hunt outcomes.
Inquire about the guides’ qualifications and certifications. Professional guides often hold licenses or certifications relevant to hunting and wilderness safety.
Client Reviews
Research client testimonials and reviews from multiple sources. Look for detailed accounts of hunters’ experiences, both positive and negative.
Pay attention to reviews that mention communication, accommodations, and overall value. These factors can significantly impact your hunting trip.
Consider reaching out to past clients directly if possible. They may offer candid insights not found in public reviews.
Be wary of outfitters with consistently poor reviews or those that lack any client feedback at all.
Safety Practices
Prioritize outfitters with strong safety records and clear safety protocols. Ask about their emergency procedures and first aid preparedness.
Ensure they provide necessary safety equipment and conduct thorough safety briefings before hunts.
Verify that the outfitter carries proper insurance and follows all state regulations. This protects both you and the outfitter in case of accidents.
Inquire about their policies on firearm handling and transportation. Responsible outfitters will have strict guidelines to prevent accidents.