Tennessee Hunting Seasons 2026-2027 – Dates, Licenses & Wildlife Management Areas
If you are putting together a fall deer trip, planning a spring gobbler weekend, or just trying to figure out what TWRA license setup makes sense before you spend money, this guide is built to save you time. It covers the latest 2026-2027 dates published by Tennessee wildlife authorities, plus permit basics, major species windows, youth opportunities, big game zones, public-land tools, and the details that usually get missed until the last minute.
Whether you live in the state or you are traveling in, do yourself a favor and review the calendar before making plans. Tennessee has a lot of opportunity, but the rules can shift by weapon type, hunt zone, public land status, and species-specific permit requirements.
Quick Reference Points
Here is the fast version if you just need the headline dates before diving deeper.
| Species / Group | Main 2026-2027 Dates | Legal Methods | Youth Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Aug. 28-30, 2026; Sept. 26, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 depending on segment | Archery, muzzleloader, modern gun; straight-wall rifles on private land during approved window | Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2026 and Jan. 9-10, 2027 |
| Turkey | Fall: Sept. 26-Oct. 30, 2026 and Nov. 2-6, 2026; Spring: April 3-May 16, 2027 | Archery, shotgun, muzzleloader, approved rifles where allowed | March 27-28, 2027 |
| Bear | Sept. 19, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 depending on zone and method | Archery, muzzleloader, gun; some hunts with hounds, some still-hunt only | Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2026 |
| Elk | Sept. 26-Oct. 16, 2026 by quota segments | Archery, muzzleloader, gun | Oct. 10-16, 2026 youth quota |
| Squirrel / Rabbit / Quail | Aug. 22, 2026-March 15, 2027 depending on species | Small-game firearms, archery, legal methods by rule | Youths can hunt under general rules |
| Waterfowl | Sept. 1, 2026-March 31, 2027 depending on species | Shotgun and migratory-bird legal methods | Feb. 6 and 13, 2027 |
| Furbearers | Many are open year-round or long fall-winter windows | Firearms, night methods, trapping where legal | No special statewide youth season |
Big Game Overview
Tennessee’s big game calendar is busy, but it is pretty manageable once you separate it by species and method.
Deer
The deer framework is split by archery, youth, muzzleloader, and gun periods. Antlered harvest is statewide, while antlerless opportunity changes by Deer Management Unit and sometimes by county or WMA.
| Segment | 2026-2027 Dates | Method | Permit / Tag Notes | Zone Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Velvet Hunt | Aug. 28-30, 2026 | Archery only | Big game archery privileges required unless covered by Sportsman-type license | Private land and select qualifying areas; verify area rules |
| Early Archery | Sept. 26-Oct. 30, 2026 | Archery | Big game archery privileges | Statewide framework, but bag structure varies by DMU |
| Young Sportsman | Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Youth license rules apply; adult supervision rules matter | Good early option before regular gun pressure |
| Archery Reopens | Nov. 2-6, 2026 | Archery | Same as above | Short bridge window before muzzleloader focus |
| Muzzleloader Period | Nov. 7-20, 2026 | Muzzleloader; archery still legal | Big game muzzleloader privileges | Straight-wall rifle use was approved on private land during Nov. 14-20 under muzzleloader bag-limit rules |
| General Gun Period | Nov. 21, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 | Modern gun, muzzleloader, archery | Big game gun privileges | Main statewide firearm window |
| Late Young Sportsman | Jan. 9-10, 2027 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Youth rules apply | Good late-season chance |
What matters most:
Statewide antlered harvest is two deer for the license year, one per day, unless a special bonus situation applies on certain areas. Antlerless harvest changes by unit, so do not assume the county next door has the same allowance. Also pay attention to the Chronic Wasting Disease transport rules in the western CWD management counties. Whole carcass movement is restricted there.
Elk
Elk is not a casual over-the-counter opportunity in Tennessee. It is a quota draw hunt, and landowners are not exempt.
| Segment | 2026 Dates | Method | Permit / Tag Notes | Zone Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery-Only Quota | Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2026 | Archery | Drawn quota permit required | Valid in assigned Elk Hunt Zone |
| Gun / Muzzleloader / Archery Quota | Oct. 3-9, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Drawn quota permit required | Assigned EHZ on North Cumberland WMA or approved private lands |
| Young Sportsman Quota | Oct. 10-16, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | 1 youth quota permit | Resident youth eligibility rules apply |
There are 10 Elk Hunt Zones. Public-land elk access is limited to North Cumberland WMA; other public land is closed to elk take. Private-land opportunity exists only in designated counties and only if the hunter holds the correct drawn permit.
Bear
Bear rules are much more zone-specific than deer or turkey, and that is where hunters get tripped up.
| Hunt Type | 2026-2027 Dates | Method | Permit / Tag Notes | Zone Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Still Hunt Only | Sept. 26-Oct. 23, 2026 | Archery only | Big game archery privileges | All bear hunt zones |
| Youth Still Hunt | Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Youth + big game privileges | BHZ 1-5 |
| Still Hunt General | Nov. 21-24, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Big game privileges | BHZ 1-3 |
| Still Hunt General | Dec. 12-13, 2026 | Gun, muzzleloader, archery | Big game privileges | BHZ 5 private land only |
| Hound Hunts by Zone | Oct. 3-Dec. 16, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 depending on BHZ | Gun, muzzleloader, archery with hounds where allowed | Big game privileges | BHZ 1-5 vary a lot |
| Kettlefoot / Laurel Fork Reserve | Sept. 19-25, 2026 | Private-land bear hunt | Zone-specific | Private lands only |
Bag limit is one bear per license year. Cubs and females with cubs are off limits, and every harvested bear requires a tooth submission to TWRA by the deadline.
Turkey Dates
Turkey rules are easier to read than deer, but you still need to split fall and spring in your head.
| Period | Dates | Methods | Bag Limit / Notes | Restricted-Area Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Archery | Sept. 26-Oct. 30, 2026 | Archery only | One male turkey | County and WMA exceptions can apply |
| Fall Firearms Window | Nov. 2-6, 2026 | Archery, shotgun, muzzleloader, approved rifles where legal | Fall total remains one male turkey for all fall segments combined | Check local public-land rules |
| Young Sportsman Spring | March 27-28, 2027 | Legal spring methods | Youth-only spring chance | Adult supervision and hunter-ed rules apply |
| General Spring | April 3-May 16, 2027 | Shotgun, archery, muzzleloader, approved legal methods | Follow statewide spring gobbler limit and legal bird rules | All counties are open, but area-specific public-land restrictions still matter |
A practical tip: spring turkey hunters should always double-check WMA quota requirements and check-in rules. Statewide dates do not automatically mean statewide access on every public parcel.
Furbearer Opportunities
For predator and furbearer hunters, Tennessee offers a pretty broad spread, especially on private ground.
| Species | 2026-2027 Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | No limit | Night season also available in approved windows |
| Coyote Night | Sunset June 6-Aug. 9, 2026; sunset Jan. 16-March 14, 2027; sunset June 5-Aug. 8, 2027 | No limit | Night-only rules apply |
| Bobcat Private Land | Sept. 26-Nov. 19, 2026 | 1 | Private lands only during early segment |
| Bobcat Statewide | Nov. 20, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | 1 | General open period |
| Bobcat Night Private Land | Same night windows as coyote | 1 | Private lands only |
| Raccoon Private Land | Year-round | 4 | Private land only year-round |
| Raccoon Taking Season | Sunset Sept. 18, 2026-sunrise March 15, 2027 | 4 | Broader legal taking window |
| Opossum Private Land | Year-round | 4 | Private land only |
| Opossum Taking Season | Sunset Sept. 18, 2026-sunrise March 15, 2027 | 4 | Same general pattern as raccoon |
| Fox | Nov. 20, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | No limit listed | Follow legal-device rules |
| Beaver | Year-round | None | Often used as a landowner nuisance-control target |
| Muskrat / Mink / Least Weasel | Nov. 20, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | None | Fur-season style window |
| Otter | Nov. 20, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | None listed | Harvested otters require CITES tagging |
| Striped Skunk / Groundhog / Armadillo | Year-round | None | Straightforward opportunity |
If you trap, the licensing side matters. Resident combo-license hunters add trapping privileges separately unless they hold an all-inclusive Sportsman-type credential.
Small Game Section
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Aug. 22, 2026-March 15, 2027 | 10 | Long, beginner-friendly season |
| Spring Squirrel | May 8-June 13, 2027 | 10 | Separate spring option |
| Rabbit | Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | 5 | Solid late-fall and winter choice |
| Grouse | Oct. 10, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | 3 | Localized habitat matters |
| Quail | Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | 6 | Many WMAs close earlier on Jan. 15, 2027 |
| Dove | Sept. 1-28, 2026; Oct. 10-Nov. 1, 2026; Dec. 8, 2026-Jan. 15, 2027 | 15 | Migratory-bird permit required |
| Woodcock | Nov. 14-Dec. 6, 2026; Jan. 10-31, 2027 | 3 | Migratory-bird permit required |
| Snipe | Nov. 14, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | 8 | Migratory-bird permit required |
Small game is where Tennessee really shines for flexible weekend trips. You do not need a giant budget, and you can find opportunity across both private farms and many public tracts.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl rules stack state requirements on top of federal ones, so pay attention here.
| Species / Group | 2026-2027 Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Permit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Duck & Teal | Sept. 12-16, 2026 | 6 ducks total, including no more than 2 wood ducks | State migratory-bird permit required; duck stamp age 16+ |
| Ducks, Coot & Mergansers | Nov. 28-29, 2026 and Dec. 5, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027 | Ducks 6; Coot 15; Mergansers 5, only 2 hooded | Species sub-limits apply |
| Canada Goose | Sept. 1-20, 2026; Oct. 10-22, 2026; Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026-Feb. 14, 2027 | 5 early, then 3 in later segments | Permit set required |
| White-fronted Goose | Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026-Feb. 14, 2027 | 3 | Standard migratory requirements |
| Brant | Sept. 1-20, 2026; Oct. 10-22, 2026; Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026-Feb. 14, 2027 | 1 | Rare but listed |
| Light Geese | Sept. 1-20, 2026; Oct. 10-22, 2026; Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026-Feb. 14, 2027 | 20 | No possession limit beyond opening-rule exceptions |
| Light Goose Conservation Season | Feb. 15-March 31, 2027 | No limit | Free conservation-season permit required |
| Youth Waterfowl | Feb. 6 and 13, 2027 | Same as regular season | Ages 6-16 only |
| Veterans / Active Military Waterfowl | Feb. 7 and 14, 2027 | Same as regular season | Separate eligibility rules |
Waterfowl permit stack, in plain English:
Most hunters need a valid hunting license, Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit, and for waterfowl hunters age 16 and older, a Federal Duck Stamp. Resident combo-license holders typically also need the waterfowl supplemental unless they already hold an all-inclusive Sportsman option.
Other Available Game
| Species | Dates | Bag Limit | Useful Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | June 12-July 12, 2026; Sept. 1-7, 2026; Sept. 11-Dec. 20, 2026; Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2027; June 11-July 11, 2027 | No limit | Friday-Sunday only on long segments |
| Rails (Virginia and Sora) | Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2026 | 25 | Migratory-bird permit required |
| Gallinule / Moorhen | Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2026 | 15 | Migratory-bird permit required |
| Sandhill Crane | Dec. 3, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027 | Tag-based | Southeast Crane Zone has a short closure during the run |
| Bullfrog | Year-round | 20 | On TWRA-managed lakes, season is June 1-30 and firearms are prohibited |
This is the section that helps if you like oddball opportunities or want to extend the calendar after the more crowded big game windows fade out.
Hunting Zones and Wildlife Areas
| Topic | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Deer Management Units | Tennessee uses DMUs 1-6, and antlerless harvest can change by unit and county |
| Bear Hunt Zones | BHZ 1-5 each have their own timing and method differences |
| Elk Hunt Zones | Tennessee’s elk opportunity is limited to assigned EHZs under the quota system |
| Public Lands | WMAs, PHAs, refuges, state forests, and huntable state lands may all run under different access rules |
| Official Map | Use the TWRA public hunting lands map before you go |
Do not assume public land works like private permission ground. Some tracts are open under statewide dates, some need quota approval, some need a WMA permit, and some federal refuges require their own add-on access permit even if you already have a lifetime or sportsman license.
Permits, Tags & Licenses
License Details Table
| License Type | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | $33 | Basic resident starting point for small game |
| Resident Annual Sportsman | $165 | Best all-in-one option for active hunters |
| Resident Senior Sportsman | $49 | Broad access for age 65+ |
| Resident Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 | Budget option for qualifying seniors |
| Resident Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $49 | One-time senior option |
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap (13-15) | $9 | Resident youth |
| Nonresident 7-Day Small Game / Waterfowl | $61 | Short trip without big game |
| Nonresident 7-Day All Game | $214 | Short visit including big game |
| Nonresident Annual Small Game / Waterfowl | $110 | Frequent visiting small-game hunter |
| Nonresident Annual All Game | $305 | Full-year visiting hunter |
| Nonresident Annual Trapping | $200 | Nonresident trapper |
Common Add-Ons
- Resident supplemental waterfowl: $37
- Resident supplemental big game gun: $33
- Resident supplemental big game archery: $33
- Resident supplemental big game muzzleloader: $33
- Resident supplemental trapping: $33
- Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit: $1
- Federal Duck Stamp: $30.50
- WMA Small Game / Waterfowl Permit: $61
- WMA Big Game Non-Quota Permit: $24
- Tennessee / Cross Creeks NWR federal refuge permit: $14
Important License Notes
- Hunters under 12 are generally license exempt.
- Active-duty military stationed in Tennessee, plus resident children under 16 living with them, can qualify for resident pricing.
- Military on leave may be exempt if carrying leave orders.
- Disabled veterans do not need the Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit.
- Sportsman-type licenses usually cover the state supplemental layer, which is why they are often the cleanest value for frequent hunters.
If you want a simple companion piece on license basics, this Tennessee hunting license guide is a useful extra read before checkout.
Tennessee Hunting Quick FAQ
Do nonresidents need a separate big game setup?
Yes. If you want deer, bear, elk, or turkey opportunity, buy the correct nonresident all-game option rather than a small-game-only license.
Is a WMA permit always required on public land?
Not always, but often. Some PHAs follow statewide rules without a WMA permit, while many WMAs and quota hunts do require one.
Do duck hunters need both state and federal paperwork?
Usually yes. Most need a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit plus a Federal Duck Stamp if they are 16 or older.
Can I hunt elk on public land anywhere in the state?
No. Public elk access is limited to North Cumberland WMA under the quota system.
Are bear rules basically statewide?
Not even close. Bear rules are heavily zone-based, and the hound/still-hunt split matters.
Can I move a whole deer carcass out of western Tennessee freely?
Not from the CWD management area. Carcass transport restrictions apply there.
What is the easiest beginner path in Tennessee?
Squirrel, rabbit, or dove on legal accessible ground is usually the simplest starting point, both for cost and logistics.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s 2026-2027 game calendar offers a lot: long deer opportunity, a strong spring turkey window, tightly managed elk access, several bear options, solid small-game stretches, and a full migratory-bird lineup. The big takeaway is simple: dates are only half the story. The other half is matching your species, weapon, permit stack, and hunt area correctly.
Before you go, double-check the current dates, buy permits early, and make sure your public-land rules match your exact destination. Plan it right, hunt responsibly, and bookmark this page so you can revisit the schedule when the next set of dates rolls around.