Embark on a thrilling adventure this 2023 Deer hunting season in Tennessee as the state opens its gates to the highly anticipated deer and elk hunt! Get ready to take aim and test your hunting prowess amidst the stunning landscapes of the Volunteer State. With an abundance of public and private lands open to hunting and regulations set by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, sportsmen have the opportunity to bag that trophy buck or majestic elk they’ve been dreaming of. But before you embark on your hunting expedition, ensure to familiarize yourself with the regulations, permit requirements, and application deadlines to ensure a successful and safe hunt. So, in this page you have all the information to get ready for latest deer season in Tennessee.
Tennessee Deer Season
The Tennessee Wildlife and Resource Agency regulates the harvest of both deer and elk, ensuring sustainable populations for future generations. With designated Elk Hunt Zones (EHZs) on North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area and on private lands in select counties, hunters are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as they venture into the untamed wilderness in search of their quarry. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice just starting out, the Tennessee deer and elk season is not to be missed!
Here is a list of Complete TN deer season unit wise along with locations for your perusal:
Unit-A Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-A) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Archery (A} | Oct. 31 | 4-Nov |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (M/A) | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 19-Nov | 8-Jan |
Unit A Hunting Locations
| Bradley | Knox | Rhea |
| Carter | Loudon | Roane |
| Hamilton | Marion | Sullivan counties |
| Hawkins | McMinn | |
| Johnson | Meigs |
Unit-B Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-B) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Archery (A} | Oct. 31 | 4-Nov |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (M/A) | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 19-Nov | 8-Jan |
Unit B Hunting Locations
| Anderson | Fentress | Putnam |
| Bledsoe | Grundy | Scott |
| Campbell | Hancock | Sequatchie |
| Claiborne | Jackson | Van Buren |
| Clay | Morgan | Warren |
| Cumberland | Overton | White counties |
| DeKalb | Pickett |
Unit-C Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-C) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Archery (A} | Oct. 31 | 4-Nov |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (M/A) | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 19-Nov | 8-Jan |
Unit C Hunting Locations
| Cocke | Jefferson |
| Grainger | Unicoi |
| Greene | Union |
| Hamblen | Washington counties |
Unit-D Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-D) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Archery (A} | Oct. 31 | 4-Nov |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (MlAJ | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 19-Nov | 8-Jan |
Unit D Hunting Locations
| Blount |
| Monroe |
| Polk |
| Sevier counties |
Unit-L Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-L) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Archery (A} | Oct. 31 | 4-Nov |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (M/A) | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 19-Nov | 8-Jan |
| Private Lands Only (G/M/A} Antlerless deer only | 9-Jan | 13-Jan |
Unit L Hunting Locations
| Bedford | Henry | Obion |
| Benton | Hickman | Perry |
| Cannon | Houston | Robertson |
| Carroll | Humphreys | Rutherford |
| Cheatham | Lake | Smith |
| Coffee | Lawrence | Stewart |
| Davidson | Lewis | Sumner |
| Decatur | Lincoln | Trousdale |
| Dickson | Macon | Wayne |
| Dyer | Marshall | Weakley |
| Franklin | Maury | Williamson |
| Giles | Montgomery | Wilson counties |
| Hardin | Moore |
Unit-CWD Deer Season
| Tennessee Deer Season (Unit-CWD) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| August | 26-Aug | 28-Aug |
| Archery (A} | Sept. 24 | 28-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 29-Oct | 30-Oct |
| Young Sportsman (G/M/A} | 14-Jan | 15-Jan |
| Muzzleloader/Arcliery (M/A) | 5-Nov | 18-Nov |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A} | 31-Oct | 13-Jan |
| Gun/Muzzleloader//Archery (G/M/A} | 16-Jan | 31-Jan |
Unit CWD Hunting Locations
| Chester | Henderson |
| Crockett | Lauderdale |
| Fayette | Madison |
| Gibson | McNairy |
| Hardeman | Shelby |
| Haywood | Tipton counties |
Download Printable Schedules with Bag Limit
TN Deer Hunting Regulations
Transport Your Carcass with Care: Know the Tennessee Rules: Only the most approved parts of deer, elk, moose, and caribou (deboned meat, clean skulls, skull plates and teeth, antlers, finished taxidermy, hides, and tanned products) may enter TN.
Crucial Carcass Transport Guidelines in CWD Affected Counties: While approved parts may travel within Tennessee without restriction, be aware of limitations on unapproved parts (whole or undressed carcasses) between counties, determined by the county’s CWD status. Learn more at “CWD Affected Counties – Carcass Transportations Restrictions.”
Check-In to Win: Know the New Tag Before You Drag Requirements: Don’t forget to check in your harvested deer. Get up-to-date on the Big Game Check-In Procedures for 2023.
Antlered Deer: From Male to Female, with Antlers Measuring Three Inches or More. In Units A, B, C, D, L, bag limit is set at two antlered deer (one per day, not to exceed two for the season). The limit may be exceeded with bonus deer. In Unit CWD, the limit is three antlered deer (one per day, not to exceed three for the season), and may be exceeded with Earn-A-Buck Program in Unit CWD, or with Replacement Buck.
Antlerless Deer: Your Chance to Bag the Antlerless. Male or female deer without antlers or with antlers under three inches may be hunted to the unit antlerless bag limit. Moving between counties in the same deer hunting unit does not increase the limit.
Protect the Rare: Hunting, Trapping, and Possession of Albino Deer Prohibited. In accordance with TCA 70-4-130, hunting, trapping, or possession of albino deer is illegal. An albino deer is characterized by a lack or significant deficiency of skin and hair pigment and pink eyes.
TN ELK Hunting Season
| TN Elk Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery-Only Season | Saturday, September 30, 2023 | Friday, October 06, 2023 | A bag limit of 1 antlered elk per permit. Hunt Area-EHZ's and Counties designated open by TWRA. A Permit of 7 |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | Saturday, October 14, 2023 | Friday, October 20, 2023 | A bag limit of 1 antlered elk per permit. Hunt Area-EHZ's and Counties designated open by TWRA. A Permit of 7 |
| Young Sportsman (Gun/ Muzzleloader/Archery) | Saturday, October 07, 2023 | Friday, October 13, 2023 | A bag limit of 1 antlered elk per permit. Hunt Area-EHZ's and Counties designated open by TWRA. A Permit of 1 |
TN Elk Regulations
- Elk hunting season for non-profit conservation organizations is Oct 14-20, 2023 in EHZs and counties designated as open by TWRA and Oct 21-27, 2023 in all EHZs and counties designated open by TWRA.
- Resident youths 13-16 may apply for a quota permit, and must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older.
- EHZs are located on North Cumberland WMA only, and hunting on private lands within the counties of Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan and Scott is allowed with landowner permission.
- Out-of-state hunters should be aware of carcass importation restrictions.
- Elk harvest is regulated by a quota permit system, with 15 permits to be issued, including one to a non-profit conservation organization and one to a resident Young Sportsman.
- Elk permits are valid for designated Elk Hunt Zones (EHZs) on North Cumberland WMA and on private lands in designated counties, with the responsibility on permit holders to obtain permission to hunt on private lands.
- Application period for Elk and Youth Elk quota hunt is Feb 1-22, 2023 and can be submitted via internet, TWRA Licensed Agent locations, TWRA Regional Offices, or TWRA Mobile App.
- Upon harvesting an elk, the hunter must immediately attach the elk harvest tag and check out the harvested elk at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area Office on the day of harvest.
- Harvest location must be marked, and use of electronic tracking equipment is prohibited.
- Bugling or calling of elk is prohibited within the EHZs during elk hunts, except by permitted hunters and their assistants.
- A legal deer hunter may harvest an elk incidental to deer hunting, with one elk per year allowed and must be reported to TWRA on the day of harvest.
Licenses
Regulations
- Licenses and permits valid for 365 days from purchase date, unless otherwise noted
- Migratory Bird Permits have fixed expiration dates
- Existing customers can log in using Customer Date of Birth & Last 4 of SSN or other options
- New customers must create a TWRA customer account and provide a Social Security Number
- Residency must be verified with a valid Tennessee Driver’s License or State of TN issued Photo ID
- Juveniles under 16 can create a TWRA account
- Log in assistance available at 1-888-891-8972
- Electronic copy of license is a true and legal copy, can be reprinted from account
- TWRA provides helpful links for fishing and hunting licenses
Resident Licenses
| Residents License Categores | Types | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting and Fishing Combination | (Type-001) | $33.00 |
| Annual Big Game Gun | (Type 009) | $33.00 |
| Annual Big Game Archery | (Type 010) | $33.00 |
| Annual Big Game Muzzleloader | (Type 011) | $33.00 |
| Trapping | (Type 019) | $33.00 |
| Annual Sportsman | (Type 004) | $165.00 |
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | (Type 002) | $9.00 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | (Type 166) | $49.00 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | (Type 164) | $4.00 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman Permit | (Type 167) | $49.00 |
| Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 | (Type 168) | $5.00 |
| Permanent Resident Hunting & Fishing Intellectually Disabled | (Type 169) | $10.00 |
| Permanent Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing | (Type 189) | $10.00 |
| Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing | (Type 198) | $10.00 |
| It is necessary to obtain additional licenses (Types 005, 009, 010, 011, or 019) in addition to the primary Type 001 license. | ||
Nonresident Licenses
| NonResidents License Categores | Types | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish | (Type 070) | $10.00 |
| Junior ALL Game Annual Required for nonresidents ages 13–15 (086 is required to hunt big game.) | (Type 086) | $41.00 |
| 7-Day Hunt-Small Game/Waterfowl | (Type 072) | $61.00 |
| Annual Hunt-Small Game/Waterfowl | (Type 071) | $110.00 |
| 7-Day All Game | (Type 074) | $214.00 |
| Annual All Game | (Type 073) | $305.00 |
| Annual Trapping | (Type 120) | $200.00 |
| Nonresident Elk License | (Type 075) | $301.00 |
Other Licenses
| Other Licenses Categores | Types | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Hunting License | (Type 012) | $11.00 |
| Resident Guide License | (Type 450) | $151.00 |
| Nonresident Guide License | (Type 455) | $650.00 |
| Hunter Education Replacement Card | $8.00 |
FAQs related to TN Deer Season
What is the hunting season for deer in Tennessee?
The deer hunting season in Tennessee is regulated by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation and typically runs from October to January, with varying dates depending on the region and hunting method.
Who can participate in deer hunting in Tennessee?
Anyone who is legally authorized to hunt in Tennessee, including both residents and non-residents, may participate in deer hunting as long as they possess the necessary licenses and permits, follow all applicable rules and regulations, and comply with the hunting season dates and designated zones.
What are the license requirements for deer hunting in Tennessee?
In order to hunt deer in Tennessee, you must possess a valid hunting license Type 001 and additional deer licenses as per the method used. You must also comply with any other license requirements for non-residents and any special restrictions for hunting on public lands.
What hunting methods are allowed for deer in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows a variety of hunting methods for deer, including firearms, archery, and crossbows, subject to specific rules and regulations, such as restrictions on hunting hours, use of electronic devices, and compliance with fluorescent orange regulations.
What restrictions are in place for deer hunting in Tennessee?
Restrictions for deer hunting in Tennessee include compliance with hunting season dates and designated zones, permit requirements, license restrictions for non-residents, rules for hunting on public and private lands, and restrictions on hunting methods and devices, such as electronic devices and hunting hours. Additionally, hunters must comply with fluorescent orange regulations and restrictions on the importation of carcasses from other states.
Dates & Regulations Source: Tennessee TWRA
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