Tennessee 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Tennessee's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 21, 2026-Jan 3, 2027.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 26, 2026 and closes Nov 6, 2026.
Spring Young Sportsman Wild Turkey opens Mar 27, 2027 and closes Mar 28, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Tennessee TWRA.
- firearm deer
- Nov 21, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
- archery deer
- Sep 26-Nov 6, 2026
- spring turkey
- Mar 27-28, 2027
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Key seasons by species
What changed for 2026-27
Unit rules matter more than the headline opener
Tennessee deer and turkey dates can look simple until unit rules enter the picture. Read the table below as a fast calendar, then verify unit-specific dates and bag limits before hunting.
Public land and quota hunts may have separate requirements that are not captured by a broad statewide row.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Tennessee TWRA before hunting.
Deer
17 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
August Archery
Aug 28-30, 2026
Archery only. Private lands and select Unit 1 WMAs only. No antlerless harvest. Due to removal of Unit CWD, guns and muzzleloaders no longer allowed during August season.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 26-Nov 6, 2026
Two segments: Sept. 26 - Oct. 30, 2026 and Nov. 2 - Nov. 6, 2026. Antlerless bag limit 3/day.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 26-Oct 30, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Also Nov. 2-6, 2026.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 26-Oct 30, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 4. Also Nov. 2-6, 2026.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 26-Nov 6, 2026
Two segments: Sept. 26 - Oct. 30, 2026 and Nov. 2 - Nov. 6, 2026. Antlerless bag limit 4.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Also Jan. 9-10, 2027. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 2 total for all 4 days combined. Also Jan. 9-10, 2027. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Oct 31, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Two hunt dates: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2026 and Jan. 9-10, 2027. Antlerless bag limit 2 total for 4 days combined. Youths 6-16 accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Oct 31, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Two hunt dates: Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2026 and Jan. 9-10, 2027. Antlerless bag limit 3/day. Youths 6-16 accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Nov 2-6, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Second split of archery season.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Nov 2-6, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 4. Second split of archery season.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery
Nov 7-20, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 2. Single shot straight-walled rifles legal on private lands only Nov. 14-20, 2026.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
Show 5 more deer rows
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery
Nov 7-20, 2026
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Single shot straight-walled rifles legal on private lands only Nov. 14-20, 2026.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Nov 21, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Antlerless bag limit: 2.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Nov 21, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Jan 9-10, 2027
Antlerless bag limit: 2 total combined. Second date of Young Sportsman hunt. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
Jan 9-10, 2027
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Second date of Young Sportsman hunt. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery Only
Sep 26-Oct 30, 2026
Also Nov. 2-6, 2026. During fall turkey season, hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns/rifles.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery Only
Sep 26-Nov 6, 2026
Two segments: Sept. 26 - Oct. 30, 2026 and Nov. 2 - Nov. 6, 2026.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Shotgun/Archery
Oct 17-30, 2026
Closed in Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne counties. Any turkey harvested during fall season counts toward statewide bag limit of 1.
Zone: Statewide (except closed counties)
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery Only
Nov 2-6, 2026
Second split of fall archery. During fall turkey season, hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns/rifles.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Young Sportsman
Mar 27-28, 2027
Ages 6-16. No bearded hens. Each young sportsman must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+. Youth 10+ must meet Hunter Education requirements.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Shotgun/Archery
Apr 3-May 16, 2027
No hens including bearded hens. Shooting hours 30 min before legal sunrise to sunset. All counties open with some exceptions on public land.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
54 listed rowsBlack Bear
Kettlefoot and Laurel Fork Bear Reserve Hunt - Private Lands Only
Sep 19-25, 2026
Private lands only. Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery with hounds allowed.
Zone: Kettlefoot and Laurel Fork Bear Reserve
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: Transitional Zone
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: Transitional Zone
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed. Bag limit is 1 bear of either sex per year.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Show 42 more bear rows
Black Bear
Archery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Sep 26-Oct 23, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (Hounds Allowed)
Oct 3-16, 2026
Hounds allowed. Two segments: Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-16, 2026.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (Hounds Allowed)
Oct 3-11, 2026
Hounds allowed. Two segments: Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-11, 2026.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (With Hounds)
Oct 3-5, 2026
Hounds allowed. Also Oct. 10-11, 2026.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (With Hounds)
Oct 3-18, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (With Hounds)
Oct 3-4, 2026
Hounds allowed. Also Oct. 10-16, 2026.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (Hounds Allowed)
Oct 3-18, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (With Hounds)
Oct 10-11, 2026
Hounds allowed. Second split of early season.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Early Season (With Hounds)
Oct 10-16, 2026
Hounds allowed. Second split of early season.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting) - Private Land Only
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private land only. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) - Private Land Only
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private Land Only. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) - Private Land Only
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private Land Only. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting) - Private Land Only
Oct 31-Nov 1, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private land only. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 2-6, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 2-6, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (With Hounds)
Nov 2-6, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (With Hounds)
Nov 2-6, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 9-16, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Mid-Season (With Hounds)
Nov 9-16, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting)
Nov 21-24, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (With Hounds)
Nov 30-Dec 16, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (With Hounds)
Nov 30-Dec 15, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (With Hounds)
Nov 30-Dec 13, 2026
Hounds allowed. Also Dec. 31, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 30, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Hounds allowed. Multiple segments: Nov. 30 - Dec. 13, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 30-Dec 16, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (Hounds Allowed)
Nov 30-Dec 15, 2026
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) - Private Land Only
Dec 12-13, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private Land Only.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (With Hounds) - Private Land Only
Dec 12-13, 2026
Hounds allowed. Private Land Only.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (Hounds Allowed) - Private Land Only
Dec 12-13, 2026
Hounds allowed. Private land only.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting) - Private Land Only
Dec 12-13, 2026
Still hunting only, no hounds. Private land only.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Late Season (With Hounds)
Dec 31, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Hounds allowed. Second split of late season.
Zone: BHZ 3
Elk
Elk
Archery Only
Sep 26-Oct 2, 2026
9 quota permits. Quota permit system. EHZs located on North Cumberland WMA only; all other public land closed to elk hunting.
Zone: EHZs and Counties designated open by TWRA
Elk
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Oct 3-9, 2026
9 quota permits. Quota permit system. Season for permit issued to non-profit conservation organization is Oct. 3-9, 2026 in EHZ one and private lands in counties opened by TWRA.
Zone: EHZs and Counties designated open by TWRA
Elk
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Oct 10-16, 2026
1 quota permit. Resident youths 13-16 may apply. Must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: EHZs and Counties designated open by TWRA
Waterfowl
27 listed rowsBlue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - Phase 1
Sep 1-20, 2026
Standard federal regulations apply; unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
General
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Multiple segments: Sept. 1-20, 2026; Oct. 10-22, 2026; Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027. Standard federal regulations apply - unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - Phase 2
Oct 10-22, 2026
Standard federal regulations apply; unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - Phase 3
Nov 28-29, 2026
Standard federal regulations apply; unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - Phase 4
Dec 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Standard federal regulations apply; unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Light Goose Conservation Season
Feb 15-Mar 31, 2027
Unplugged shotguns, electronic calls, shooting 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset allowed. Free Light Goose Conservation Season Permit required. No Federal or state waterfowl stamps required. Post-season survey required.
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season
Sep 1-20, 2026
Also Oct. 10-22, Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Brant
General
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Multiple segments: Sept. 1-20, 2026; Oct. 10-22, 2026; Nov. 28-29, 2026; Dec. 5, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season - Phase 2
Oct 10-22, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season - Phase 3
Nov 28-29, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season - Phase 4
Dec 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Early Season
Sep 1-20, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Show 15 more waterfowl rows
Canada Goose
General
Sep 1, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Multiple segments: Sept. 1-20, 2026 (5/day); Oct. 10-22, 2026 (3/day); Nov. 28-29, 2026 (3/day); Dec. 5, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027 (3/day).
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season - Phase 1
Oct 10-22, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season - Phase 2
Nov 28-29, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season - Phase 3
Dec 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Regular
Nov 28, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Two segments: Nov. 28-29, 2026 and Dec. 5, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027. Scaup limit varies: 1 scaup Nov. 28-30 & Dec. 5-17, 2026; 2 scaup Dec. 18, 2026 - Jan. 31, 2027. Mallard: 4 (no more than 2 female); 3 wood ducks; 2 canvasbacks; 2 redheads; 2 black ducks; 3 pintails; 1 mottled duck.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Regular Season - Phase 1
Nov 28-29, 2026
Scaup limit: 1 scaup Nov. 28-30 & Dec. 5-17, then 2 scaup Dec. 18 - Jan. 31, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Regular Season - Phase 2
Dec 5, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Scaup limit: 1 scaup through Dec. 17, then 2 scaup Dec. 18 - Jan. 31, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Youth Sportsman Waterfowl
Feb 6-13, 2027
Hunt days are Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, 2027. Only youth hunters ages 6-16 may harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese. Non-hunting adult 21+ must accompany youth.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Veterans and Active Military Personnel
Feb 7-14, 2027
Hunt days: Feb. 7 and 14, 2027. Veterans and active military personnel only may hunt.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl
Feb 7-14, 2027
Hunt days are Feb. 7 and Feb. 14, 2027. Only veterans and active military may hunt.
Zone: Statewide
White-Fronted Goose
General
Nov 28, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Two segments: Nov. 28-29, 2026 and Dec. 5, 2026 - Feb. 14, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
White-Fronted Goose
Regular Season - Phase 1
Nov 28-29, 2026
Zone: Statewide
White-Fronted Goose
Regular Season - Phase 2
Dec 5, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Wood Duck and Teal
Early Teal
Sep 12-16, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Wood Duck and Teal
Early Season
Sep 12-16, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Dove
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - Phase 1
Sep 1-28, 2026
Opens at noon on Sept. 1. No limit on Eurasian collared doves; any dove not readily identifiable as Eurasian collared dove counts toward mourning dove daily bag. Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
General
Sep 1, 2026-Jan 15, 2027
Three segments: Sept. 1 (opens at noon) - Sept. 28, 2026; Oct. 10 - Nov. 1, 2026; Dec. 8, 2026 - Jan. 15, 2027. Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required. No limit on Eurasian collared doves.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - Phase 2
Oct 10-Nov 1, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - Phase 3
Dec 8, 2026-Jan 15, 2027
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Quail
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Quail season is November 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 on WMAs unless otherwise noted.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
General
Nov 7, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Quail season is November 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 on wildlife management areas unless otherwise noted.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Regular Season
Oct 10, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Ruffed Grouse
General
Oct 10, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Nov 7, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Regular Season
Nov 7, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrel
Spring Season 2026
May 7-Jun 14, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
General
Aug 22, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Regular Season
Aug 22, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Spring Season 2027
May 8-Jun 13, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
19 listed rowsBobcat
Night Season (Private Lands Only)
Jun 6, 2026-Aug 8, 2027
Multiple segments: Sunset Jun. 6 - Sunrise Aug. 9, 2026; Sunset Jan. 16 - Sunrise March 14, 2027; Sunset June 5 - Sunrise August 8, 2027.
Zone: Private Lands Only
Bobcat
Night Season - Private Lands Only
Jun 6-Aug 9, 2026
Also Sunset Jan 16, 2027 - Sunrise March 14, 2027 and Sunset June 5, 2027 - Sunrise August 8, 2027.
Zone: Private Lands Only
Bobcat
Regular Season - Private Lands Only
Sep 26-Nov 19, 2026
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U.S.
Zone: Private Lands Only
Bobcat
Private Lands Only (Early)
Sep 26-Nov 19, 2026
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before export.
Zone: Private Lands Only
Bobcat
Regular Season - Statewide
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U.S.
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat
Statewide
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before export.
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat
Night Season - Private Lands Only Phase 2
Jan 16-Mar 14, 2027
Zone: Private Lands Only
Fox
General
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Fox
Regular Season
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Least Weasel
General
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Least Weasel
Regular Season
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Mink
Regular Season
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Show 7 more furbearer rows
Mink
General
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Muskrat
Regular Season
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Muskrat
General
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Opossum
Taking Season
Sep 18, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Year-round on private lands only with bag limit of 4.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Taking Season
Sep 18, 2026-Mar 15, 2027
Year-round on private lands only with bag limit of 4.
Zone: Statewide
River Otter
Regular Season
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
All river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags.
Zone: Statewide
River Otter
General
Nov 20, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
All river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
13 listed rowsGallinule and Moorhen
Regular Season
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinule and Moorhen
General
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Rails (Virginia and Sora)
General
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Rails (Virginia and Sora)
Regular Season
Sep 1-Nov 9, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane
General
Dec 3, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Statewide tags valid statewide including Southeast Crane Zone except 3-day closure Jan. 15-17, 2027. Southeast Crane Zone (south of I-40 and east of Hwy 56): Dec. 3, 2026 - Jan. 14, 2027 and Jan. 18-31, 2027. Each harvested crane must be tagged and checked in by end of calendar day. Post-season survey required by Feb. 10.
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Statewide
Dec 3, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Statewide tags valid statewide including Southeast Crane Zone except 3-day closure Jan. 15-17, 2027. Quota permit/tag system. Post-season survey required before Feb. 10.
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Southeast Crane Zone
Dec 3, 2026-Jan 14, 2027
Zone closed Jan. 15-17, 2027. Season resumes Jan. 18-31, 2027.
Zone: Southeast Crane Zone (South of I-40 and East of Hwy 56)
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Southeast Crane Zone (Late)
Jan 18-31, 2027
Resumes after 3-day closure Jan. 15-17, 2027.
Zone: Southeast Crane Zone (South of I-40 and East of Hwy 56)
Snipe
Regular Season
Nov 14, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General
Nov 14, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
General
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Two segments: Nov. 14 - Dec. 6, 2026 and Jan. 10 - Jan. 31, 2027. Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular Season - Phase 1
Nov 14-Dec 6, 2026
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Show 1 more migratory birds rows
Woodcock
Regular Season - Phase 2
Jan 10-31, 2027
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round season.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round. Night season segments: Sunset Jun. 6 - Sunrise Aug. 9, 2026; Sunset Jan. 16 - Sunrise March 14, 2027; Sunset June 5 - Sunrise August 8, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Night Season - Phase 1
Jun 6-Aug 9, 2026
Night hunting season.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Night Season - Phase 2
Jan 16-Mar 14, 2027
Night hunting season.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Night Season - Phase 3
Jun 5-Aug 8, 2027
Night hunting season.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Armadillo
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Bullfrog
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round except state lakes.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 1
Jun 12-Jul 12, 2026
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
General
Jun 12, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Multiple segments: June 12 - July 12, 2026 (Fri/Sat/Sun only); Sept. 1-7, 2026; Sept. 11 - Dec. 20, 2026 (Fri/Sat/Sun only); Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 2
Sep 1-7, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 3
Sep 11-Dec 20, 2026
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 4
Jan 1-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Groundhog
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Striped Skunk
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round.
Zone: Statewide
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Tennessee Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Tennessee?
September 26, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Tennessee; it is archery white-tailed deer Sep 26-Nov 6, 2026.
When is Tennessee's firearm deer season?
Nov 21, 2026-Jan 3, 2027 is the listed firearm deer window for Tennessee. Check zone and permit details with Tennessee TWRA before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Tennessee?
March 27, 2027 is the first listed spring turkey opener for Tennessee; the listed window is Mar 27-28, 2027.
Do I need a license to hunt in Tennessee?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Tennessee hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Tennessee TWRA.
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