Tennessee Game Season Breakdown 2025 – Wildlife & Dates
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to hunting in the Volunteer State! Whether you’re a seasoned Tennessee hunter or planning your first expedition through our beautiful forests and fields, this guide provides everything you need to know about hunting seasons, regulations, licenses, and wildlife management zones for 2025. We’ve compiled the official dates, bag limits, and essential information directly from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to help you plan a successful and legal hunting adventure.
Tennessee Hunting Season Overview
Tennessee offers diverse hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes, from the misty mountains of East Tennessee to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee and the western lowlands. The state manages different wildlife units to ensure sustainable populations of deer, turkey, bear, and small game. This guide covers the major hunting seasons, license requirements, and regulations to help you navigate the 2025 hunting calendar.
2025 Key Hunting Season Dates Summary
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery (Private) | Aug. 23, 2025 | Aug. 25, 2025 | 2 antlered (1/day) |
| Deer | Archery | Sept. 28, 2025 | Nov. 8, 2025 | Varies by unit |
| Deer | Muzzleloader/Archery | Nov. 9, 2025 | Nov. 22, 2025 | Varies by unit |
| Deer | Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | Nov. 23, 2025 | Jan. 5, 2026 | Varies by unit |
| Turkey (Spring) | Young Sportsman | April 5, 2025 | April 6, 2025 | 1 per day (2 total) |
| Turkey (Spring) | General | April 12, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | 2 bearded (1/day) |
| Turkey (Fall) | Archery | Sept. 28, 2025 | Oct. 25, 2025 | 1 bearded |
| Turkey (Fall) | Shotgun/Archery | Oct. 12, 2025 | Oct. 25, 2025 | 1 bearded |
| Bear | Various methods | See zone-specific dates | See zone-specific dates | 1 per season |
| Small Game | Various | See specific species | See specific species | Varies |
🦌 Big Game Hunting in Tennessee
Tennessee’s big game hunting offers some of the most exciting opportunities in the Southeast. The state is divided into six deer management units, each with specific regulations to maintain healthy populations.
Deer Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Tennessee’s deer hunting is managed through six units with different bag limits and regulations:
Deer Season Dates 2025
Archery-Only Season (Private Lands & Select WMAs)
- Dates: August 23-25, 2025
- Bag Limit: Antlered deer only
- Note: Private lands and select WMAs only
Regular Archery Season
- Dates: September 28 – November 8, 2025
- Antlerless Bag Limits:
- Units 1, 2, 3: 3 per day
- Units 4, 5, 6: 4 total
- Note: Closed during October Youth Hunt (Oct. 26-27)
Young Sportsman Hunt (Ages 6-16)
- Dates: October 26-27, 2025; January 11-12, 2026
- Antlerless Bag Limits:
- Units 1, 2, 3: 3 per day
- Units 4, 5, 6: 2 total (not to exceed 2 for the four days combined)
Muzzleloader/Archery Season
- Dates: November 9-22, 2025
- Antlerless Bag Limits:
- Units 1, 2, 3: 3 per day
- Units 4, 5, 6: 2 total
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Season
- Dates: November 23, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Antlerless Bag Limits:
- Units 1, 2, 3: 3 per day
- Units 4, 5, 6: 2 total
Statewide Antlered Bag Limit: 2 deer (No more than 1 per day)
Deer Management Units
Tennessee divides its deer management into six units:
- Unit 1: Includes Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lauderdale, Lake, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley counties.
- Unit 2: Includes Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties.
- Unit 3: Includes Bedford, Cannon, Clay, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Macon, Moore, Overton, Putnam, Rutherford, Smith, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, and Wilson counties.
- Unit 4: Includes Anderson, Bledsoe, Campbell, Claiborne, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Grundy, Hancock, Morgan, Pickett, Scott, Sequatchie, and Union counties.
- Unit 5: Includes Bradley, Hamilton, Loudon, Knox, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, and Roane counties.
- Unit 6: Includes Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Monroe, Polk, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
Bear Hunting
Bear hunting in Tennessee requires special attention to management zones and regulations. The state is divided into Bear Hunt Zones (BHZ) with different season dates.
Bear Season Dates 2025
Bear Hunt Zones (Hunting with Dogs Allowed)
- BHZ 1: October 5-7, 12-13; November 11-18; December 2-18, 2025
- BHZ 2: October 12-15, 18-20; October 28-November 1; December 2-26, 2025
- BHZ 3: October 5-6, 12-18; October 28-November 1; December 2-15, 26-29, 2025
- BHZ 4: December 14-15, 2025 (private land only)
No Dogs (All BHZs)
- Archery: September 28 – October 25, 2025
- Young Sportsman: October 26-27, 2025 (BHZ 1-5)
- Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery: November 23-26, 2025 (BHZ 1, 2 & 3)
- Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery: December 14-15, 2025 (BHZ 5)
Restricted Bear Reserve Hunt
- Dates: September 21-27, 2025 (Private lands within Kettlefoot/Laurel Fork Reserves)
Bag Limit: 1 per season (cubs under 75 lbs. prohibited)
🦃 Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting in Tennessee offers excellent opportunities for both spring and fall seasons, with specific regulations to maintain healthy populations.
Spring Turkey Season 2025
Young Sportsman (ages 6-16)
- Dates: April 5-6, 2025
- Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day (counts toward spring season bag of 2, only one can be a jake)
General Season
- Dates: April 12 – May 25, 2025
- Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (only one can be a jake; no more than 1 per day)
Fall Turkey Season 2024-25
- Archery: September 28 – October 25, October 28 – November 8, 2025
- Shotgun/Archery: October 12-25, 2025
- Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey statewide
- Closed Counties: Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne
Important Note: All hens (including bearded hens) are illegal to harvest.
🐺 Furbearers and Small Game
Tennessee offers abundant small game and furbearer hunting opportunities throughout the year, with varied seasons for different species.
Small Game Hunting Seasons 2024-25
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Aug. 24, 2024 | March 15, 2025 | 10 |
| Spring Squirrel | May 10, 2025 | June 8, 2025 | 10 |
| Rabbit | Nov. 2, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | 5 |
| Grouse | Oct. 12, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | 3 |
| Quail | Nov. 2, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | 6 |
Furbearer Seasons 2024-25
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox, Mink, Muskrat, Otter, Least Weasel | Nov. 22, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | None |
| Bobcat | Nov. 22, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 | 1 |
| Bobcat (Private Land) | Sept. 28, 2024 | Nov. 21, 2024 | 1 |
| Raccoon (Private Land) | Sunset July 1, 2024 | Sunrise Sept. 20, 2024 | 2 |
| Raccoon | Sunset Sept. 20, 2024 | Sunrise March 15, 2025 | 4 |
| Opossum | Same as raccoon | Same as raccoon | Same as raccoon |
Year-Round Hunting (No Limit): Armadillo, Beaver, Coyote, Groundhog, Striped Skunk
NEW! Coyote and Bobcat Night Season
- 2024 Dates: August 1 – August 11, 2024
- 2025 Dates: January 18 – March 9, 2025 and June 7 – August 10, 2025
- Bag Limits: Coyote – No limit; Bobcat – 1 per night
🦆 Waterfowl Hunting
Tennessee provides excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities with seasons aligned with migratory patterns.
Migratory Bird Seasons 2024-25
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1-28, Oct. 12-Nov. 3, Dec. 8-Jan. 15 | 15 |
| Woodcock | Nov. 9-Dec. 1, Jan. 10-Jan. 31 | 3 |
| Canada Goose | Sept. 1-22, Oct. 12-22, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-Feb. 9 | 5 (early), 3 (regular) |
| Wood Duck/Teal | Sep. 14-18 | 6 (max 2 wood ducks) |
| Teal-only | Sept. 19-22 | 6 |
| Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers | Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-Jan. 31 | 6 (with restrictions) |
| Young Sportsman Waterfowl | Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, 2025 | Same as regular season |
| Veteran/Active Military Waterfowl | Feb. 2 and Feb. 9, 2025 | Same as regular season |
🗺️ Tennessee Hunting Zones Map
Tennessee is divided into multiple wildlife management zones to facilitate proper game management. The state has 6 deer management units and multiple bear hunting zones (BHZ). These divisions help TWRA manage wildlife populations according to habitat differences and population densities.
For detailed zone maps and boundaries, visit the TWRA Wildlife Management Areas page.
🎟️ License Information
To hunt legally in Tennessee, you’ll need the appropriate licenses and permits. Here’s what you need to know:
Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Hunting and Fishing Combination (ages 16-64) | $33.00 |
| Annual Sportsman (ages 16-64) | $165.00 |
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap (Ages 13-15) | $9.00 |
| Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $4.00 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $49.00 |
| Supplemental Big Game Gun License | $33.00 |
| Supplemental Big Game Archery License | $33.00 |
| Supplemental Big Game Muzzleloader License | $33.00 |
| Supplemental Waterfowl License | $37.00 |
Wildlife Management Area Permits
| Permit Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| WMA Small Game / Waterfowl | $61.00 |
| WMA Small Game / Waterfowl 1-Day | $12.00 |
| WMA Small Game Only | $20.00 |
| WMA Big Game (Non-quota) | $24.00 |
License Requirements
- Tennessee residents must possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license or have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the intent of making Tennessee their permanent home.
- A Social Security Number is required by federal law to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
- Processing fees apply to all license purchases, ranging from $.50 to $5.00.
License Exemptions
- Residents or nonresidents under 13 years of age
- Landowners, their spouses, children, and children’s spouses who hunt on their own farmland
- Resident grandchildren and great-grandchildren (under 16) who hunt on farmland owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents
- Military personnel on leave (must carry leave orders)
- Residents born before March 1, 1926
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special tags for deer hunting in Tennessee?
A: Tennessee doesn’t use a traditional tag system. Instead, hunters must report their harvest through the TWRA mobile app, online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, or by calling 1-800-TAG-TWRA within 24 hours of the harvest.
Q: Can I hunt on public land in Tennessee?
A: Yes, Tennessee offers numerous Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for public hunting. Most require a WMA permit in addition to your hunting license, except for Lifetime or Annual Sportsman License holders.
Q: Are there night hunting opportunities in Tennessee?
A: Limited night hunting is allowed for certain species. For 2025, there’s a special night season for coyotes and bobcats from January 18 – March 9 and June 7 – August 10 on private lands only.
Q: What are the CWD regulations in Tennessee?
A: Tennessee has specific regulations for areas affected by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Hunters should be aware of carcass transportation restrictions from these areas. Visit CWDinTennessee.com for current information.
Q: Do youth hunters need a license?
A: Hunters under 13 years of age do not need a license. Those 13-15 need a Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license. Youth under 16 hunting small game and waterfowl on WMAs don’t need a WMA permit but must be accompanied by an adult with a valid permit.
Related Pages
- Complete Hunting Seasons Guide
- Deer Hunting Information
- Turkey Hunting Guide
- Kentucky Hunting Seasons
- Georgia Hunting Seasons
- Alabama Hunting Seasons
- North Carolina Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts for Tennessee Hunters
As you prepare for your hunting adventures in Tennessee, remember that regulations can change, and it’s always best to verify current rules before heading out. The Volunteer State offers incredible hunting opportunities across diverse landscapes, from the mountainous eastern region to the western flatlands.
Always practice ethical hunting, respect private property, and follow all safety guidelines. Make sure to properly identify your target before taking a shot, and report your harvest according to TWRA requirements. By following regulations and practicing conservation principles, you help ensure that Tennessee’s rich hunting traditions continue for generations to come.
Good luck, be safe, and enjoy Tennessee’s beautiful outdoors! 🏹 🦌 🦃
