Tennessee Hunting Seasons 2023 [Updated Schedule!]

Do you want to prepare for the 2023 Tennessee hunting season? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Tennessee is one of the most traditional states, yet its hunting seasons are among the most exciting in the nation. The deer-hunting season in Tennessee is among the longest in the United States. All the details you need to know about Tennessee’s hunting seasons in 2023 may be found in this post. We’ve compiled this guide to the state’s hunting seasons, along with important dates and regulations. You may discover something helpful here whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced hunter.

Tennessee Hunting Season
Tennessee Hunting Season

Tennessee Hunting Seasons

In addition to deer hunting, Tennessee provides a diverse range of small game and turkey hunting opportunities throughout the year.

Tennessee features a trapping season for numerous small game species in addition to hunting. Information about licenses is available online or from any authorized vendor in the state.

Seasons for Deer Hunting in Tennessee.

Tennessee Deer SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Deer (August Hunt)Friday, August 26, 2022Sunday, August 28, 2022Except in Unit CWD, where firearms and muzzleloaders are permitted and certain public areas are added available for hunting, hunting is solely permitted on private grounds and only with an arrow. For further information, see the rules.
Deer (Archery-1)Saturday, September 24, 2022Friday, October 28, 2022For further information, see the rules.
Deer (Young Sportsman-1)Saturday, October 29, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Children aged 6 to 16 are eligible to join. Youth participants may utilize G/M/A (gun, muzzleloader, and archery) equipment. For further information, see the rules.
Deer (Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery)Monday, October 31, 2022Friday, January 13, 2023Object CWD. With the exception of landowners hunting under the landowner exemption (as outlined in T.C.A. 70-2-204) and owners of Sportsman Licenses, a Type 094 permit is necessary to shoot antlerless deer during this season.
Deer (Archery-2)Monday, October 31, 2022Friday, November 04, 2022For further information, see the rules.
Deer (Muzzleloader and Archery)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022For further information, see the rules.
Deer (Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery)Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, January 08, 2023Units (A, B, C, D, & L). With the exception of landowners hunting under the landowner exemption (as outlined in T.C.A. 70-2-204) and owners of Sportsman Licenses, a Type 094 permit is necessary to shoot antlerless deer during this season.
Deer (Private Lands Only)Monday, January 09, 2023Friday, January 13, 2023All privately held areas in Unit L and Unit CWD are open to hunting (including leased land and lands owned by individuals). All hunters are required to have verbal or written authorization before hunting on privately owned property.
Deer (Young Sportsman-2)Saturday, January 14, 2023Sunday, January 15, 2023Children aged 6 to 16 are eligible to join. Youth participants may utilize G/M/A (gun, muzzleloader, and archery) equipment. For further information, see the rules.

Tennessee has a statewide bag restriction of two antlered bucks every hunting season, with a daily limit of one. Under Tennessee law, a buck must have at least three inches of antler growth before it may be legally hunted. It is illegal to hunt or capture albino deer in Tennessee.

For a comprehensive overview of the state’s deer season, including the dates and hunting areas, check out our article Tennessee deer hunting season on our website.

Elk hunting Season

Tennessee Elk SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Elk (Archery)Saturday, September 24, 2022Friday, September 30, 2022Per permit, there is a 1 antlered elk bag limit.
Elk (Youth)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, October 07, 2022Per permit, there is a 1 antlered elk bag limit.
Elk (Any Weapon)Saturday, October 08, 2022Friday, October 14, 2022Per permit, there is a 1 antlered elk bag limit.

Note: Elk hunts in Tennessee are quota hunts, meaning there is a limit on the number of hunters and the kind of permits they may use. For more details on how to get an elk hunt permit in Tennessee, please check out the TWRA website.

Bear Season

Tennessee Bear SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Bear (Archery)Saturday, September 24, 2022Friday, October 21, 2022Zone 1, 2, 3, 4. No dogs permitted.
Bear (Segment-1 E)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-3
Bear (Segment-1 A)Saturday, October 01, 2022Monday, October 03, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-1
Bear (Segment-1 F)Saturday, October 08, 2022Friday, October 14, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-3
Bear (Segment-1 C)Saturday, October 08, 2022Tuesday, October 11, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-2
Bear (Segment-1 B)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, October 09, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-1
Bear (Segment-1 D)Friday, October 14, 2022Sunday, October 16, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-2
Bear (Youth)Saturday, October 29, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Zone 1, 2, 3 (No dogs permitted.)
Bear (Segment-2 B)Monday, October 31, 2022Friday, November 04, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-2 and 3.
Bear (Segment-2 A)Monday, November 07, 2022Monday, November 14, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-1
Bear (Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery)Saturday, November 19, 2022Tuesday, November 22, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-2 (No dogs permittted)
Bear (Segment-3 B)Monday, November 28, 2022Thursday, December 22, 2022
Bear (Segment-3 C)Monday, November 28, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-3
Bear (Segment-3 A)Monday, November 28, 2022Wednesday, December 14, 2022Bear Hunt Zone-1
Bear (Segment-4)Thursday, December 29, 2022Sunday, January 01, 2023Bear Hunt Zone-3

Bobcat Season

Tennessee Bobcat SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
BobcatFriday, November 18, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Bag limit 1 per day. (Pelts need to be tagged.)

Coyote Season

Tennessee Coyote SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
CoyoteSaturday, January 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022There is no closed season and no limit.

Rabbit Season

Tennessee Rabbit SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Rabbit and HareSaturday, November 05, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Limit of 5 bags per day.

Crane Season

Tennessee Crane SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Sandhill Crane-1 (Statewide)Saturday, December 03, 2022Thursday, January 12, 2023The number of tags given to the hunter is the bag limit.
Sandhill Crane-– (Southeast Crane )ZoneSaturday, December 03, 2022Thursday, January 12, 2023The number of tags given to the hunter is the bag limit.
Sandhill Crane-– (Southeast Crane Zone 2)Monday, January 16, 2023Tuesday, January 31, 2023The number of tags given to the hunter is the bag limit.

Dove Season

Tennessee Dove SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Dove (Part-1)Thursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, September 28, 2022Bag limit 15 per day.
Dove (Part-2)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022Bag limit 15 per day.
Dove (Part-3)Thursday, December 08, 2022Sunday, January 15, 2023Bag limit 15 per day.

Duck & Teal Season

Tennessee Duck & Teal SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Duck (Wood Duck & Teal)Saturday, September 10, 2022Wednesday, September 14, 2022Both statewide and in the Reelfoot Duck Zone.( Limit of 6 bags per day.)
Duck (Teal Only)Thursday, September 15, 2022Sunday, September 18, 2022Both statewide and in the Reelfoot Duck Zone.(Limit of 6 bags per day.)
Duck (All Part-1)Saturday, November 26, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Reelfoot Duck Zone.( Limit of 6 bags per day.)
Duck (All Part-2)Monday, December 05, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022Duck Zone statewide. ( Limit of 6 bags per day.)
Duck (Youth Waterfowl-1)Saturday, February 04, 2023Saturday, February 04, 2023Both statewide and in the Reelfoot Duck Zone.(Limit of 6 bags per day.)
Duck (Youth Waterfowl-2)Saturday, February 11, 2023Saturday, February 11, 2023Both statewide and in the Reelfoot Duck Zone.(Limit of 6 bags per day.)

Goose Season

Tennessee Goose-SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Goose-1Thursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, September 18, 2022(Canada, Brant, and Light Geese.) Statewide and Reelfoot Zone.
Goose-2Saturday, October 08, 2022Tuesday, October 18, 2022(Statewide and Reelfoot Zone. Canada, Brant, and Light Geese.)
Goose-4Saturday, November 26, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022(Canada, Brant, and Light Geese.) Statewide and Reelfoot Zone.
Goose-3Saturday, November 26, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Statewide Zone. Canada, Brant, and Light Geese.
Goose-5Monday, December 05, 2022Sunday, February 12, 2023Statewide and Reelfoot Zone. Canada, Brant, and Light Geese.
Goose (Youth Waterfowl-1)Saturday, February 04, 2023Saturday, February 04, 2023All Geese
Goose (Youth Waterfowl-2)Saturday, February 11, 2023Saturday, February 11, 2023All Geese
Goose (Light Goose-Conservation)Monday, February 13, 2023Monday, March 20, 2023Blue, Snow, and Ross Geese

Grouse Season

Tennessee Grouse SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
GrouseSaturday, October 08, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 20233 bags maximum per day. West of I-65, closed.

Quail Season

Tennessee Quail SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Bobwhite QuailSaturday, November 05, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Limit of 6 bags per day.

Turkey Season

Tennessee Turkey SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Turkey (Fall Archery-1)Saturday, September 24, 2022Friday, October 28, 2022Bag limit: 1 turkey (either sex).
Some countiesare closed.
Turkey (Fall Shotgun)Saturday, October 15, 2022Friday, October 28, 2022Bag limit: 1 turkey (either sex).
Some countiesare closed.
Turkey (Fall Archery-2)Monday, October 31, 2022Friday, November 04, 2022Bag limit: 1 turkey (either sex).
Some countiesare closed.
Turkey (Spring Youth)Saturday, April 08, 2023Sunday, April 09, 2023
Turkey (Spring General)Saturday, April 15, 2023Sunday, May 28, 2023Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Wayne Counties with the MAV Unit.
For further information, see the rules.

Fall turkey hunting in Tennessee may be restricted to a few counties. In the spring, bag limitations may be changed, and seasons may be shortened. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website to determine if your area is open to lawful hunting.

Hunting Seasons for Small Game in Tennessee.

Tennessee Small Game Hunting SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
SquirrelSunday, August 27, 2023Wednesday, March 15, 202310
Spring Squirrel 2023Saturday, May 13, 2023Sunday, June 11, 202310
RabbitSunday, November 05, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 20235
GrouseSunday, October 08, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 20233
QuailSunday, November 05, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 20236
BeaverThroughout the yearNone
CoyoteThroughout the yearNone
GroundhogThroughout the yearNone
Striped SkunkThroughout the yearNone
ArmadilloThroughout the yearNone
FoxSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
MinkSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
MuskratSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
OtterSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
Spotted SkunkSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
WeaselSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023None
Raccoon Private Lands OnlyJuly 1 SunsetSeptember 16 Sunrise2
Raccoon Taking SeasonSeptember 16 SunsetWednesday, March 15, 20234
Opossum Private Lands OnlyJuly 1 SunsetSept 16 Sunrise2
Opossum Taking SeasonSeptember 16 SunsetWednesday, March 15, 20234
BobcatPrivate Lands Only4Sunday, September 24, 2023Friday, November 17, 20231
BobcatSaturday, November 18, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 20231
Bullfrogyear-roundExcept state lakes320

TN Migratory Bird Season

Tennessee Migratory Bird SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote
Dove (Opens at noon on Sept 1)Friday, September 01, 2023Thursday, September 28, 2023A bag limit of 15.There is no daily bag or possession restriction on Eurasian collared doves, however any birds that cannot be positively identified as Eurasian collared doves will be counted as mourning doves. It is necessary to get a Migratory Bird Permit in the State of Tennessee (license type 006 or 007).
Sunday, October 08, 2023Monday, October 30, 2023A bag limit of 15.There is no daily bag or possession restriction on Eurasian collared doves, however any birds that cannot be positively identified as Eurasian collared doves will be counted as mourning doves. It is necessary to get a Migratory Bird Permit in the State of Tennessee (license type 006 or 007).
Friday, December 08, 2023Sunday, January 15, 2023A bag limit of 15.There is no daily bag or possession restriction on Eurasian collared doves, however any birds that cannot be positively identified as Eurasian collared doves will be counted as mourning doves. It is necessary to get a Migratory Bird Permit in the State of Tennessee (license type 006 or 007).
WoodcockSunday, November 12, 2023Monday, December 04, 2023A bag limit of 3. It is necessary to get a Migratory Bird Permit in the State of Tennessee (license type 006 or 007).
Tuesday, January 10, 2023Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Gallinule and MoorhenFriday, September 01, 2023Thursday, November 09, 2023A bag limit of 15. It is necessary to get a Migratory Bird Permit in the State of Tennessee (license type 006 or 007).
CrowSunday, June 11, 2023Wednesday, July 12, 2023no limit, (Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.)
Friday, September 01, 2023Tuesday, September 05, 2023no limit
Sunday, September 10, 2023Wednesday, December 20, 2023no limit, (Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.)
Sunday, January 01, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023no limit
Rails (Virginia and Sora)Friday, September 01, 2023Thursday, November 09, 2023A bag limit of 25
SnipeTuesday, November 14, 2023Tuesday, February 28, 2023A bag limit of 8

Hunting Regulations

  • Important changes have been made for the 2021–2022 hunting and trapping seasons.
  • First, there will be a lot of changes in how waterfowl hunting is permitted on public lands. This document contains the general guidelines for Wildlife Management Areas.
  • Two, crow hunting could be better the first week of dove season.
  • Third, have a look at the seasons and bag limits for migratory birds.
  • Four, there is a brand-new, permanent permit available to adoptive families. Pricing for Licenses is Listed Here.
  • Fifth, we have the CWD Incentive Program. CWD should be investigated in the Volunteer State.
  • The jurisdiction of Unit CWD has been extended to encompass all of Henderson County. You should check for CWD in Tennessee.
  • Unit 7 Substitute Dollars CWD only live during one season. Check for CWD in Tennessee.
  • To number eight, all WMAs now allow veteran and current military waterfowl hunts during state waterfowl seasons. This document contains the general regulations for wildlife management areas.
  • At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park & Natural Area (located in Region I) and Eagle Lake Refuge Bomprezzi Area, antlerless deer are now legal to hunt with a firearm during the state’s firearm season (see Region I).

Hunting License in Tennessee

Annual - (License)(Resident)(Nonresident)
(Sportsman)USD 165Not Applicable
(Big Game)USD 33Not Applicable
(Muzzleloader)Not Applicable
(All Game)Not ApplicableUSD 305
(Big Game Gun)USD 33Not Applicable
(Big Game Archery)USD 33Not Applicable

Go to page https://gooutdoorstennessee.com/ to get your Tennessee license.

TN Fishing and Hunting Licenses can be purchased online.

Purchase TN Fishing and Hunting Licenses Online
Purchase TN Fishing and Hunting Licenses Online

Unless otherwise stated, annual licenses and permits are only good for a full year after they are purchased. If you purchase an annual license on February 1st, for example, it will be valid for a full 12 months, ending on February 1st of the following year. A migratory bird permit, for instance, has a set expiry date that does not change regardless of when it was received. Before you check out, be sure to verify the licenses’ start and end dates.

Patrons already in our possession:

Login credentials consist of a user’s date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number, and are valid both inside and outside of the country. (Choose “Use Different Info to Sign In” underneath the submit button for further sign-in options.)

Target Audience Members:

Customers, whether local or from out of town, must sign up for a TWRA account before they may begin the purchasing process. The state of Tennessee requires a Social Security number in order to get a hunting or fishing license.

Customers must have a valid Tennessee Driver’s License or other State of Tennessee issued Photo ID in order to be deemed a Resident for fishing and hunting licenses. The state of Tennessee’s Department of Safety uses an online database to check residence.

Juveniles:

Children and teenagers under the age of sixteen may use the following steps to locate or create a TWRA account.

Information about how to contact them:

  • Call 1-888-891-8972 for help with logging in.
  • TWRA Resources: Fishing and Hunting Licenses

Licenses that are issued electronically.

When you get a digital copy of your driver’s license through email, be assured that it is an authentic and legitimate copy of your original license. A second license email will be sent to you when you log in and click the “reprint my license” button.

The online harvest reporting system is accessible anytime, day or night.

Before the end of the harvest day, customers must check the quality of the game. If you want to report a harvest, all you have to do is sign in and click the link.

Regulations for hunting in Tennessee.

Except for turkey hunting or using a bow and arrow, hunters of large game must wear at least 500 square inches of orange.

Resources that are beneficial.

https://license.gooutdoorstennessee.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx is the official state website.

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