Tennessee Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Wildlife Management Areas
Welcome to your complete guide for Tennessee’s 2025-2026 game calendar! Whether you’re a lifelong Volunteer State resident or planning a sportsman’s trip from out of state, this comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know about dates, species regulations, permit requirements, and management zones. We’ve organized all the essential information to help you plan successful outdoor adventures while staying compliant with state wildlife laws.
From the rolling hills of East Tennessee to the Mississippi River bottoms in the west, the state offers diverse opportunities for pursuing whitetail deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, small game, and specialty species across six distinct management units. Let’s dive into what makes Tennessee such an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
📅 Quick Highlights
Before we get into the detailed breakdowns, here are the major highlights for Tennessee’s 2025-2026 wildlife schedule:
Peak Opportunities:
- Deer Archery Season: September 27 – October 24, 2025 (All Units)
- Spring Turkey: April 11 – May 24, 2026 (Statewide)
- Waterfowl: Varies by species and zone (November through January)
- Small Game: Multiple species with overlapping dates
- Youth Opportunities: Special early dates for hunters ages 6-16
Key Changes for 2025-2026:
- New deer and turkey management units adopted
- CWD management zone restrictions in western counties
- Enhanced youth sportsman opportunities
- Updated WMA permit requirements
Big Game Overview
Tennessee’s big game opportunities center around white-tailed deer, with limited elk opportunities in specific zones. Here’s your complete breakdown:
| Species | Season Type | Units 1-3 | Units 4-6 | Weapon Methods | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery (Velvet) | Aug 22-24, 2025 | Aug 22-24, 2025 | Archery Only | 2 Antlered Max |
| Deer | Archery | Sept 27 – Oct 24, 2025 | Sept 27 – Oct 24, 2025 | Archery Only | Varies by Unit |
| Deer | Gun/Modern | Nov 22 – Dec 1, 2025 | Nov 8 – Dec 8, 2025 | Firearms/Muzzleloader | See Unit Details |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Dec 21 – Jan 5, 2026 | Dec 21 – Jan 5, 2026 | Muzzleloader Only | Unit Specific |
| Elk | Quota Hunt | Oct 4-10, 2025 | Limited Zones | Modern Gun/Archery | By Permit Only |
Important Deer Regulations:
- Antlered Deer: Must have at least one antler 3+ inches in length
- CWD Restrictions: Apply to western counties for carcass transport
- Check-in Required: All harvested deer must be reported
- Legal Equipment: Archery legal during all seasons; muzzleloader legal during gun periods
Turkey Dates
Wild turkey seasons in Tennessee offer both spring and fall opportunities with specific youth programs:
| Season Type | Dates | Weapon Methods | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Archery | Sept 27 – Oct 10, 2025 | Archery Only | 1 Male Turkey | Statewide |
| Fall Gun/Archery | Oct 11-24, 2025 | Shotgun/Archery | 1 Male Turkey | All Counties |
| Youth Spring | April 4-5, 2026 | Shotgun/Archery | 1 Male Turkey | Ages 6-16 |
| Spring General | April 11 – May 24, 2026 | Shotgun/Archery | 1 Male Turkey | Statewide |
Turkey Hunting Essentials:
- Calling restrictions apply from March 1 until spring opener
- Fanning and reaping techniques prohibited on some areas
- Youth hunters require adult supervision
- All state bag limits count toward annual totals
Furbearer Opportunities
Tennessee provides year-round and seasonal opportunities for various furbearer species:
| Species | Season Dates | Methods | Special Licenses | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Any Legal Method | Base License | No Limit |
| Raccoon | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Trapping/Hunting | Trapping Supplement | No Limit |
| Opossum | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | Trapping/Hunting | Trapping Supplement | No Limit |
| Bobcat | Nov 1 – Feb 15, 2026 | Trapping/Hunting | Trapping Supplement | Check Regulations |
| Beaver | Year-round | Trapping Only | Trapping Supplement | Landowner Permission |
Furbearer Notes:
- Trapping supplemental license required ($33 for residents)
- Some species require landowner permission
- Check local regulations for specific area restrictions
Small Game Section
Small game provides excellent opportunities for hunters of all experience levels:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Weapon Methods | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Aug 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 10 | Any Legal Method | Base License |
| Rabbit | Nov 15 – Feb 15, 2026 | 5 | Any Legal Method | Base License |
| Quail | Nov 15 – Feb 15, 2026 | 6 | Shotgun/Archery | Base License |
| Dove | Sept 1-15, 2025 & Nov 1-30 | 15 | Shotgun Only | HIP Permit |
| Crow | Aug 15 – Mar 15, 2026 | No Limit | Any Legal Method | Base License |
Small Game Highlights:
- Extended seasons provide ample opportunities
- Great introduction for youth hunters
- Dogs permitted for squirrel and rabbit in most areas
- Some WMAs have special regulations
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl hunting requires coordination between federal and state regulations:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Special Requirements | Zone Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov 23-24, 2025 & Dec 2 – Jan 31, 2026 | Varies by Species | Federal Duck Stamp + HIP | Split Season |
| Canada Geese | Nov 23 – Feb 15, 2026 | 2 | Federal Duck Stamp + HIP | Statewide |
| Teal | Sept 14-29, 2025 | 6 | Federal Duck Stamp + HIP | Early Season |
| Woodcock | Dec 14 – Jan 27, 2026 | 3 | HIP Permit | Statewide |
| Snipe | Nov 9 – Feb 23, 2026 | 8 | HIP Permit | Statewide |
Waterfowl Essentials:
- Federal Duck Stamp required ($30.50) for ages 16+
- Tennessee HIP Permit mandatory ($1.00)
- Non-toxic shot required
- Alabama hunters often visit Tennessee’s waterfowl areas
Other Available Game
Tennessee offers opportunities for several specialty species:
| Species | Season Dates | Methods | Licenses Required | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear | Oct 4-6, Nov 10-17, Dec 1-17, 2025 | Gun/Bow/Muzzle | Big Game License | Check Zone Limits |
| Frog | Sunset to Sunrise, May-Aug | Gig/Net/Hook | Fishing License | 25 |
| Groundhog | Year-round Daylight | Any Legal Method | Base License | No Limit |
| Sandhill Crane | Dec 16 – Jan 31, 2026 | Shotgun Only | HIP + Crane Permit | 3 Daily |
Specialty Game Notes:
- Bear hunting limited to specific zones with quota restrictions
- Crane hunting requires special permit application
- Frog seasons coincide with fishing regulations
- Some species have unique method restrictions
Hunting Zones
Tennessee divides into six distinct deer and turkey management units:
Unit 1 (West): Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, Weakley
Unit 2 (Middle-West): Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner, Wayne, Williamson
Unit 3 (Middle): Bedford, Cannon, Clay, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Macon, Moore, Overton, Putnam, Rutherford, Smith, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, Wilson
Unit 4 (Cumberland Plateau): Anderson, Bledsoe, Campbell, Claiborne, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Grundy, Hancock, Morgan, Pickett, Scott, Sequatchie, Union
Unit 5 (East-Central): Bradley, Hamilton, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, Roane
Unit 6 (East): Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Monroe, Polk, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington
CWD Management Zone: Includes most western counties with special carcass transport restrictions and wildlife feeding prohibitions.
For detailed maps and WMA locations, visit the official TWRA website. Public land opportunities are abundant across all units, with over 1 million acres available through the Wildlife Management Area system.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Tennessee’s licensing structure accommodates residents, non-residents, youth, and senior hunters:
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Coverage | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination Hunt/Fish | $33.00 | Base hunting/fishing | Ages 16-64 |
| Annual Sportsman | $165.00 | All species/methods | Ages 16-64 |
| Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4.00 | All privileges | Age 65+ |
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $9.00 | All privileges | Ages 13-15 |
Required Supplements (with base license)
| Supplement | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Gun | $33.00 | Deer/Bear with firearms |
| Big Game Archery | $33.00 | Deer/Bear with bow |
| Big Game Muzzleloader | $33.00 | Deer/Bear with muzzleloader |
| Waterfowl | $37.00 | All waterfowl species |
| Trapping | $33.00 | Furbearer trapping |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Annual All Game | $305.00 | All species/methods |
| 7-Day All Game | $214.00 | All species/methods |
| Annual Small Game | $110.00 | Small game/waterfowl only |
| Annual Fishing | $98.00 | All fish species |
Special Permits
- Federal Duck Stamp: $30.50 (required for waterfowl hunters 16+)
- HIP Permit: $1.00 (required for migratory bird hunters)
- WMA Permits: $61.00 (required for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas)
- Native Tennessean: Resident rates for non-residents born in Tennessee
Lifetime Options Available: Tennessee offers lifetime sportsman licenses ranging from $320 (infants) to $1,976 (adults 13-50).
Tennessee Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need hunter education to hunt in Tennessee?
A: Yes, all hunters born after January 1, 1969, must complete hunter education. Apprentice permits available for up to three years while completing the requirement.
Q: Can I transport deer from other states into Tennessee?
A: Only approved parts (deboned meat, clean skulls, antlers, finished taxidermy) are allowed due to CWD restrictions. Whole carcasses from outside Tennessee are prohibited.
Q: What’s required for waterfowl hunting?
A: Base hunting license, waterfowl supplement ($37), federal duck stamp ($30.50), HIP permit ($1), and non-toxic shot only.
Q: Are there special youth opportunities?
A: Yes! Youth hunters (ages 6-16) get early deer dates (October 25-26) and spring turkey dates (April 4-5), plus reduced license fees.
Q: Can I hunt on private land without additional permits?
A: With landowner permission and proper licenses, yes. WMA permits only required for public Wildlife Management Areas.
Q: What happens if I harvest over my bag limit?
A: Exceeding bag limits is a serious violation. Tennessee offers “Earn-A-Buck” and replacement buck programs that can provide additional opportunities when properly enrolled.
Q: How do I check in harvested game?
A: Use the TWRA mobile app, online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, or call the automated system. All big game must be checked within 48 hours.
Related Resources & External Links
Official Tennessee Sources:
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Main Site
- GoOutdoorsTennessee.com (License Sales & Game Check-in)
- TWRA Mobile App (Available iOS/Android)
- Hunter Education Course Information
- WMA Maps and Regulations
Federal Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp Sales (USFWS)
- Migratory Bird Regulations
- CWD Information and Updates
Neighboring State Guides:
For hunters planning multi-state trips, check out hunting opportunities in Georgia for additional southeastern options.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers exceptional variety for outdoor enthusiasts, from the August velvet archery opportunities through late-winter waterfowl and trapping seasons. The state’s six management units provide diverse habitats and experiences, whether you’re pursuing trophy whitetails in the hardwood forests of East Tennessee or chasing waterfowl in the flooded timber of the western counties.
Remember to purchase licenses early, especially for quota hunts and WMA permits. The new management unit structure provides better population management while maintaining abundant opportunities across all regions. CWD restrictions in western counties require attention to carcass transport rules, but these measures help protect Tennessee’s deer herd for future generations.
Plan ahead, respect the resource, and make 2025-2026 your most successful year afield. Tennessee’s rich wildlife heritage and diverse landscapes await your outdoor adventures. Stay updated with regulation changes throughout the year, as seasons and bag limits can be adjusted based on population surveys and wildlife management needs.
Bookmark this guide for regular reference – regulations and dates are subject to change, and staying current ensures legal, ethical, and successful outdoor experiences.
