Tennessee’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes make it a prime destination for hunters. The state offers opportunities to pursue various game species, from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys and small game. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets specific seasons, bag limits, and regulations to ensure sustainable hunting practices and conservation of wildlife populations.

Hunters in Tennessee must familiarize themselves with the current hunting guide, which outlines important dates, licensing requirements, and special regulations. For the 2024-2025 season, new night hunting opportunities for coyotes and bobcats have been introduced on private lands with landowner permission. These seasons run from August 1-11, 2024, and January 18-March 9, 2025, with additional dates in summer 2025.

Tennessee’s hunting regulations are designed to balance recreational opportunities with wildlife management goals. Hunters are required to obtain appropriate licenses and follow ethical hunting practices. The state also implements special rules for certain game species, such as restrictions on hunting albino deer, to protect unique wildlife populations.

Understanding Tennessee Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Tennessee’s Wildlife Management Areas provide vital habitats for diverse species and offer unique opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. These protected lands play a crucial role in conservation efforts while allowing regulated hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Overview of WMAs

Wildlife Management Areas in Tennessee are protected lands set aside for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) manages over 100 WMAs across the state. These areas range from small parcels to expansive tracts of land, encompassing various ecosystems.

WMAs serve multiple purposes:

• Wildlife habitat preservation
• Species conservation
• Controlled hunting and fishing
• Wildlife observation and photography
• Research and education

Many WMAs allow hunting during statewide seasons, while others have specific regulations. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography year-round on most WMAs.

Specific WMA Profiles

Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA spans over 10,000 acres in Van Buren County. This area features diverse habitats, including hardwood forests, pine stands, and rocky bluffs. It offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game.

Catoosa Ridge Refuge, located in Cumberland County, covers approximately 3,000 acres. This WMA provides critical habitat for various wildlife species and allows limited hunting during specific seasons.

TWRA also manages smaller WMA properties throughout the state, each with unique features and regulations. These areas often focus on specific conservation goals or provide habitat for particular species.

WMA Regulations

WMA visitors must follow specific rules to ensure wildlife protection and public safety:

• A valid WMA permit is required for most activities
• Hunting seasons, bag limits, and equipment restrictions vary by area
• Placement of salt, minerals, or other consumable products is prohibited
• Dogs must be restrained except when hunting or training
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on WMAs

Firearms regulations:

• Handguns may be carried year-round in accordance with state and federal laws
• Other firearms are permitted only during designated hunting seasons

Visitors should always check the current TWRA regulations and specific WMA rules before planning their trip. These guidelines help maintain the balance between conservation efforts and recreational opportunities on Tennessee’s valuable wildlife lands.

Tennessee Hunting Licenses and Permits

Tennessee offers various hunting licenses and permits to regulate hunting activities and conserve wildlife. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency oversees the licensing system and enforces hunting regulations across the state.

Types of Licenses

Tennessee provides several hunting license options to suit different needs. The Annual Hunting and Fishing Combination license, priced at $33 for ages 16-64, allows hunting small game on private property statewide.

For more comprehensive coverage, the Annual Sportsman license ($49) includes hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges without additional state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits.

Specialized packages are available for specific hunting interests. The Waterfowl Package includes all necessary licenses for waterfowl hunting across Tennessee. A separate Reelfoot Waterfowl Package is designed for hunting on Reelfoot Lake.

Permit Procedures

Hunters must obtain appropriate permits in addition to their licenses for certain hunts. Quota hunt permits require an application process and involve fees.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages the distribution of “leftover” permits after the initial quota allocation. These permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hunters can apply for permits and purchase licenses through the Go Outdoors Tennessee online platform or authorized license agents. The system streamlines the process, allowing hunters to easily access and manage their hunting credentials.

Hunter Education Requirements

Tennessee law mandates hunter education for certain age groups and hunting activities. The state offers hunter education courses to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices.

These courses cover essential topics such as firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting ethics. Successful completion of a hunter education course is often a prerequisite for obtaining hunting licenses and permits.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides both in-person and online options for completing hunter education requirements. This flexibility allows aspiring hunters to fulfill their obligations conveniently.

Big Game Hunting in Tennessee

Tennessee offers diverse opportunities for big game hunters. The state’s rich woodlands and mountains provide habitats for white-tailed deer and black bears, attracting sportsmen from across the country.

Deer Hunting Specifics

Deer hunting seasons in Tennessee typically run from September to January. Specific dates vary by hunting method and region. Archery season opens first, followed by muzzleloader and gun seasons.

Bag limits differ by unit. Hunters can take up to three antlered deer per season. Antlerless deer limits vary based on location and wildlife management goals.

Youth hunters ages 6-16 have special opportunities, including dedicated youth hunts. They can use guns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment during these events.

Bear Hunting Overview

Black bear hunting is popular in Tennessee’s eastern regions. The state offers both still hunting and dog hunting seasons.

Bear dog training season allows hunters to prepare their dogs without harvesting bears. This typically occurs in late summer and early fall.

Quota hunt opportunities exist for certain areas. These limit the number of hunters to manage bear populations effectively.

Fall seasons may close in specific zones if harvest goals are met. Hunters must check regulations regularly for updates.

Regulations for Big Game Hunting

All big game hunters must possess valid hunting licenses and big game permits. Additional tags may be required for specific species or hunts.

Hunters must wear fluorescent orange during gun and muzzleloader seasons for deer and bear. This requirement applies to both public and private lands.

Baiting regulations vary by species and location. It’s generally prohibited for deer but allowed in some areas for bear hunting.

Harvest reporting is mandatory for all big game animals. Hunters must check in their kills within 24 hours using the state’s mobile app or website.

Small Game and Bird Hunting

Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities for small game and birds. Hunters can pursue a variety of species throughout the year, with specific seasons and regulations in place to ensure sustainable populations.

Small Game Season Highlights

Squirrel season runs from August 24 to March 15, with a daily bag limit of 10. Rabbit hunting is permitted from November 2 to February 29, with a daily limit of 5.

Quail hunters can enjoy the season from November 2 to February 29, with a daily bag limit of 6. Quail quota hunts are available on select Wildlife Management Areas for additional opportunities.

Grouse season spans from October 12 to February 29, with a daily limit of 3. Hunters should check specific WMA regulations for any local restrictions or closures.

Migratory Bird Hunting

Dove season typically opens on September 1, with a daily bag limit of 15. Three separate seasons allow for extended hunting opportunities throughout the fall and winter.

Duck hunting seasons vary by zone but generally run from late November to late January. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with specific limits for certain species.

Goose seasons also vary by species and zone. Canada goose hunting is permitted in most areas from September through January, with a daily limit of 3 during the regular season.

Hunters must possess a valid Tennessee hunting license and Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl. It’s crucial to report banded birds to aid in conservation efforts.

Turkey Hunting Essentials

Spring turkey season typically runs from early April to mid-May, with a bag limit of one bearded turkey per day, not to exceed three per season.

Fall turkey hunting is allowed in select counties from October to early January. Hunters should consult the current regulations for specific dates and bag limits.

Turkey hunters must use shotguns or archery equipment. The use of electronic calls is prohibited. Hunting hours are restricted from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Pre-season scouting is essential for turkey hunting success. Hunters should practice their calling techniques and familiarize themselves with turkey behavior and habitat preferences.

Hunting Practices and Techniques

Tennessee’s hunting practices and techniques are governed by specific regulations designed to promote safety, conservation, and ethical hunting. Hunters must adhere to guidelines on equipment use, hunting hours, and land access while employing various methods to pursue game.

Use of Firearms and Archery

Firearms and archery equipment are primary tools for Tennessee hunters. Shotguns are required for certain game, such as the new night hunting season for bobcats and coyotes on private land. Hunters must obtain written permission from landowners for these hunts.

Archery-only seasons provide opportunities for bow hunters to pursue deer and other game. Crossbows are permitted during archery seasons, expanding options for hunters.

Fluorescent orange clothing is mandatory during specific hunting periods to enhance safety. Hunters must wear a minimum amount of this highly visible material to prevent accidents in the field.

Night Hunting and Technology

Tennessee has introduced a night hunting season for bobcats and coyotes on private land. This season runs from August 1-11 in 2024 and has expanded dates in 2025. Hunters are limited to one bobcat per night but face no limit on coyotes.

The use of dogs is prohibited during night hunts. Thermal imaging devices and other advanced technologies are regulated to maintain fair chase principles.

Hunting hours vary by species and season. Hunters must check current regulations to ensure compliance with legal hunting times, which often span from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Ethical Hunting and Conservation

Ethical hunting practices are crucial for wildlife conservation in Tennessee. Hunters are expected to follow the principle of fair chase and avoid practices like baiting, which is illegal in many circumstances.

Wanton waste laws require hunters to make reasonable efforts to retrieve and utilize harvested game. This practice ensures respect for wildlife and promotes responsible resource use.

Hunters play a vital role in conservation efforts. By adhering to bag limits and reporting harvests, they contribute to wildlife management and habitat preservation. Education programs, such as hunter safety courses, reinforce these ethical standards and conservation principles.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Hunters in Tennessee must adhere to specific regulations and ethical standards. These guidelines ensure sustainable wildlife populations and promote responsible hunting practices.

Understanding Bag Limits and Seasons

Bag limits in Tennessee vary by species and hunting zones. For deer, the antlered bag limit is 2 per season, while antlerless limits depend on the deer management unit. Spring turkey season has a bag limit of 3 bearded turkeys.

Hunters must follow strict season dates:

• Archery: Late September to early January
• Muzzleloader: Early November and late December/early January
• Gun: Late November to early January

Tagging requirements apply for big game. Hunters must immediately tag harvested animals and report their kill within 24 hours.

Respecting Wildlife and Habitat

Ethical hunters prioritize fair chase and animal welfare. This includes using appropriate firearms and avoiding the taking of albino deer, which is illegal in Tennessee.

Hunters should:

• Practice shooting skills before the season
• Make clean, ethical shots
• Properly field dress and utilize harvested game
• Minimize habitat disturbance

Wearing fluorescent orange is mandatory during gun seasons for big game. This safety measure reduces hunting accidents.

Compliance with Federal Regulations

Federal laws apply in addition to state regulations. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act governs waterfowl hunting, setting possession limits and equipment restrictions.

National Wildlife Refuges in Tennessee have specific rules:

• Special permits may be required
• Certain areas may be off-limits
• Weapon restrictions may differ from state regulations

Violating both state and federal laws can result in dual violations, leading to harsher penalties. Hunters should familiarize themselves with all applicable regulations before heading afield.

Special Regulations and Restrictions

Tennessee has specific hunting regulations to protect wildlife and ensure ethical practices. These rules cover landowner rights, species-specific limitations, and state-wide hunting guidelines.

Rights of Landowners

Hunters must obtain landowner permission before hunting on private property. Written, text, or email permission is required for night hunting of coyotes and bobcats on private land. Landowners have the right to control access to their property and may set additional rules beyond state regulations.

Some wildlife management areas require hunt-by-written-permission. Tumbleweed WMA is one such area where hunters need specific authorization to access the land for hunting activities.

Species-Specific Restrictions

Tennessee enforces strict regulations on certain species. Bobcats have a limit of one per night during designated seasons. Coyote hunting has no bag limit but follows specific season dates.

Endangered species are fully protected. Hunting of cougars and alligators is prohibited in Tennessee. Furbearers have separate regulations and seasons.

Baiting restrictions apply. Hunters must remove bait and disable electronic feeders at least 10 days before hunting an area.

Tennessee Specific Hunting Rules

Hunting is generally restricted to daylight hours, with exceptions for specific night hunting seasons. Quota hunts are implemented for certain game and areas to manage wildlife populations effectively.

Firearms possession is prohibited while chasing coyotes, foxes, and bobcats with dogs from the first Saturday in November through the end of deer season.

Tennessee sets a statewide antlered deer bag limit of two, with a daily limit of one. Special programs like Earn-A-Buck in CWD-positive counties may allow exceptions to these limits.

Supplementary Hunting Information

Tennessee’s hunting regulations aim to balance wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) plays a crucial role in managing these activities, while safety and ecological considerations remain paramount.

The Role of the TWRA

The TWRA oversees hunting and trapping seasons in Tennessee. They establish regulations, issue licenses, and enforce wildlife laws. The agency sets field possession limits and determines open and closed seasons for various game species.

TWRA officers conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance with hunting regulations. They also manage wildlife habitats and monitor population levels of game animals.

The agency provides educational programs for hunters, focusing on safety and conservation ethics. TWRA’s efforts help maintain healthy wildlife populations while allowing sustainable hunting practices.

Safety Measures and Best Practices

Hunter safety is a top priority in Tennessee. All hunters born after January 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a license.

Hunters must wear fluorescent orange during specific seasons to increase visibility. The use of unplugged shotguns is prohibited for most game hunting to limit shot capacity.

Best practices include:

• Always treat firearms as if they’re loaded
• Identify your target and what’s beyond it
• Wear appropriate safety gear
• Inform someone of your hunting location and return time

Electronic calls are restricted for certain game species to maintain fair chase principles.

Impact on Local Ecosystems

Hunting plays a significant role in Tennessee’s ecosystem management. Controlled hunting helps maintain balanced wildlife populations, preventing overpopulation and associated habitat damage.

Hunters contribute to conservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes on equipment. These funds support habitat restoration and wildlife management programs.

Specific regulations protect non-game species, including songbirds, which are illegal to hunt. Bag limits and seasonal restrictions help prevent overharvesting of game species.

The TWRA monitors the impact of hunting on local ecosystems, adjusting regulations as needed to ensure long-term sustainability of wildlife populations and their habitats.