Tennessee 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Tennessee's 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 14-20, 2026 (Private Lands Only).
Archery deer season opens September 26, 2026 in every zone and runs in split segments through November 6, 2026; the dates for each zone are in the table below.
Fall turkey season runs Sep 26-Oct 30, 2026, and Nov 2-6, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Tennessee TWRA.
- firearm deer
- Nov 14-20, 2026
- archery deer
- opens Sep 26, 2026; split dates by zone
- fall turkey
- Sep 26-Oct 30, 2026 and Nov 2-6, 2026
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Key seasons by species
How to read Tennessee's seasons
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
20 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless bag limit: 4. Second split of archery season.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Second split of archery season.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery
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
Muzzleloader/Archery
Antlerless bag limit: 2. Single shot straight-walled rifles legal on private lands only Nov. 14-20, 2026.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)
Single Shot, Straight-walled Cartridge Rifles on Private Lands Only Nov. 14-20, 2026. Harvested deer count toward the muzzleloader season bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Single Shot, Straight-walled Cartridge Rifles
Single shot rifles using straight-walled cartridge ammunition (.35 caliber or larger) not capable of containing multiple rounds. Harvested deer count toward the Muzzleloader/Archery season bag limit.
Zone: Private Lands Only
White-tailed Deer
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Antlerless bag limit: 3/day.
Zone: Units 1, 2, & 3
White-tailed Deer
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A)
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
Antlerless bag limit: 2.
Zone: Units 4, 5 & 6
White-tailed Deer
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)
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)
Youths 6–16 years of age may participate using G/M/A. Must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21+.
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerAugust Archery · StatewideArchery 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. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Units 1, 2, & 3Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Also Nov. 2-6, 2026. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Units 4, 5 & 6Antlerless bag limit: 4. Also Nov. 2-6, 2026. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Statewide | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYoung Sportsman (G/M/A) · Units 4, 5 & 6Antlerless 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+. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYoung Sportsman (G/M/A) · Units 1, 2, & 3Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Also Jan. 9-10, 2027. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYoung Sportsman (G/M/A) · StatewideYouths 6–16 years of age may participate using G/M/A. Must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21+. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerYoung Sportsman (G/M/A) · Units 1, 2, & 3Antlerless bag limit: 3/day. Second date of Young Sportsman hunt. Youths 6-16, must be accompanied by non-hunting adult 21+. | Upcoming |
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery Only
During the fall turkey season, a turkey hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns and/or rifles. Any turkey harvested during the fall season counts toward the statewide fall season bag limit of one (1).
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Young Sportsman
Ages 6-16. Each young sportsman must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21+. Youth 10+ must meet Hunter Education requirements.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General Season
All counties open, with some exceptions on public land. Shooting hours 30 minutes before legal sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery Only
During the fall turkey season, a turkey hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns and/or rifles. Any turkey harvested during the fall season counts toward the statewide fall season bag limit of one (1).
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Shotgun/Archery
Open in all counties, except closed in Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne counties. A turkey hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns and/or rifles.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
29 listed rowsBlack Bear
Mid-Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Mid-Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Mid-Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Still hunting only, no hounds.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Still hunting only, no hounds.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Still hunting only, no hounds.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Late Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 2
Black Bear
Late Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 1
Black Bear
Late Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
Black Bear
Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds)
Private Land Only. Still hunting only, no hounds.
Zone: BHZ 5
Black Bear
Late Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed. Private Land Only.
Zone: BHZ 4
Black Bear
Late Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds)
Hounds allowed.
Zone: BHZ 3
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Black BearKettlefoot and Laurel Fork Bear Reserve Hunt · Kettlefoot and Laurel Fork Bear ReservePrivate Lands Only. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 1Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · Transitional ZoneStill hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 5Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 4Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 2Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearArchery Only (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 3Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearEarly Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds) · BHZ 1Hounds allowed. | Closed | |
| Black BearEarly Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds) · BHZ 2Hounds allowed. | Closed | |
| Black BearEarly Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds) · BHZ 3Hounds allowed. | Closed | |
| Black BearEarly Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds) · BHZ 1Hounds allowed. | Closed | |
| Black BearEarly Season Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (with Hounds) · BHZ 3Hounds allowed. | Closed | |
| Black BearYoung Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 3Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult. Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearYoung Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 1Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult. Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearYoung Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 5Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult. Private Land Only. Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearYoung Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 2Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult. Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed | |
| Black BearYoung Sportsman Gun/Muzz/Archery (Still Hunting, No Hounds) · BHZ 4Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by non-hunting adult. Private Land Only. Still hunting only, no hounds. | Closed |
Elk
Elk
Archery Only Season
9 Quota Permits. EHZs located on North Cumberland WMA only; all other public land is CLOSED to elk hunting. Private lands allowed in Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan and Scott counties with landowner permission.
Zone: EHZs and Counties designated open by TWRA
Elk
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Season
9 Quota Permits. Season for non-profit conservation organization permit 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 Season
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
22 listed rowsBlue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - November Portion
Standard federal regulations apply (unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed). No possession limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x daily bag).
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season - November Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season - November Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Regular Season - November Portion
Possession limit 3x daily bag limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
White-Fronted Goose
Regular Season - November Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)
Regular Season - December/February Portion
Standard federal regulations apply (unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed). No possession limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x daily bag).
Zone: Statewide
Brant
Regular Season - December/February Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
Regular Season - December/February Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Regular Season - December/January Portion
Possession limit 3x daily bag limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
White-Fronted Goose
Regular Season - December/February Portion
Possession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Youth Sportsman Waterfowl
Only youth hunters ages 6-16 may harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese. Youth aged 16 must possess Federal Duck Stamp. Non-hunting adults 21+ must accompany youth. Adults not accompanied by youths 6-16 may still harvest geese.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coot & Mergansers
Veterans and Active Military Personnel
Veterans and members of Armed Forces on active duty may participate. During this season, only veterans or active military persons may hunt. When other migratory gamebird seasons are open, any properly licensed youth or adult not accompanied by veterans or active military may harvest legal game.
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)Early Season · StatewideStandard federal regulations apply (unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed). No possession limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x daily bag). | Closed | |
| Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)Regular Season - October Portion · StatewideStandard federal regulations apply (unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed). No possession limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x daily bag). | Closed | |
| Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)Light Goose Conservation Season · StatewideUnplugged shotguns, electronic calls allowed. Shooting 30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset. Free Light Goose Conservation Season Permit required. No Federal or state waterfowl stamps required. Valid hunting license from any state required. Post-season survey required. | Upcoming | |
| BrantEarly Season · StatewidePossession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x). | Closed | |
| BrantRegular Season - October Portion · StatewidePossession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x). | Closed | |
| Canada GooseEarly Season · StatewidePossession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x). | Closed | |
| Canada GooseRegular Season - October Portion · StatewidePossession limit is 3x daily bag limit, except opening day (1x) and second day (2x). | Closed | |
| Ducks, Coot & MergansersYouth Sportsman Waterfowl · StatewideOnly youth hunters ages 6-16 may harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese. Youth aged 16 must possess Federal Duck Stamp. Non-hunting adults 21+ must accompany youth. Adults not accompanied by youths 6-16 may still harvest geese. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks, Coot & MergansersVeterans and Active Military Personnel · StatewideVeterans and members of Armed Forces on active duty may participate. During this season, only veterans or active military persons may hunt. When other migratory gamebird seasons are open, any properly licensed youth or adult not accompanied by veterans or active military may harvest legal game. | Upcoming | |
| Wood Duck & TealEarly Season · StatewidePossession limit 3x daily bag limit except opening day (1x) and second day (2x). | Closed |
Dove
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - December/January Portion
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required. No limit on Eurasian collared doves; any doves not readily identifiable as Eurasian collared doves count toward mourning dove daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - September Portion
Opens at noon on September 1. Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required. No limit on Eurasian collared doves; any doves not readily identifiable as Eurasian collared doves count toward mourning dove daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Regular Season - October Portion
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required. No limit on Eurasian collared doves; any doves not readily identifiable as Eurasian collared doves count toward mourning dove daily bag.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Quail
Regular Season
Quail season is November 1, 2026 – January 15, 2027 on wildlife management areas unless otherwise noted.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Rabbit
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrel
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Spring Squirrel
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Spring Squirrel
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
26 listed rowsBobcat
Private Lands Season
Bobcats may be harvested with firearms, muzzleloader, or archery during deer season including during the young sportsman deer hunts. Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U.S.
Zone: Private Lands Only
Opossum
Taking Season
Season opens at sunset and closes at sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Taking Season
Season opens at sunset and closes at sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat
Statewide Season
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U.S.
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat (Trapping)
Trapping Season
Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U.S.
Zone: Statewide
Fox
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Fox (Trapping)
Trapping Season
Zone: Statewide
Least Weasel
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Least Weasel (Trapping)
Trapping Season
Zone: Statewide
Mink
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
Mink (Trapping)
Trapping Season
Zone: Statewide
Muskrat
Regular Season
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ArmadilloRegular Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
| BeaverRegular Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
| BobcatNight Season Private Lands - Summer/Fall Portion · Private Lands OnlyNight season hours: sunset to sunrise. Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags. | Closed | |
| BobcatNight Season Private Lands - Winter/Spring Portion · Private Lands OnlyNight season hours: sunset to sunrise. Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags. | Upcoming | |
| BobcatNight Season Private Lands - 2027 Summer/Fall Portion · Private Lands OnlyNight season hours: sunset to sunrise. Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags. | Upcoming | |
| GroundhogRegular Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
| Muskrat (Trapping)Trapping Season · Statewide | Upcoming | |
| OpossumPrivate Lands Season · Private Lands Only | dates not listed | Closed |
| Opossum (Trapping)Trapping Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
| OtterRegular Season · StatewideAll river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags. | Upcoming | |
| Otter (Trapping)Trapping Season · StatewideAll river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags. | Upcoming | |
| RaccoonPrivate Lands Season · Private Lands Only | dates not listed | Closed |
| Raccoon (Trapping)Trapping Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
| Striped SkunkRegular Season · Statewide | dates not listed | Closed |
Migratory Birds
13 listed rowsCrow
Regular Season - September/December Portion
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinule and Moorhen
Regular Season
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Rails (Virginia and Sora)
Regular Season
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
Regular Season
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular Season - November/December Portion
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Southeast Crane Zone December/January Portion
Each harvested crane must have completed kill tag and be checked in by end of calendar day.
Zone: Southeast Crane Zone (South of Interstate 40 and East of Highway 56)
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Statewide
Each harvested crane must have completed kill tag and be checked in by end of calendar day. Hunters issued tags MUST return post-season survey before Feb. 10.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - January/February Portion
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular Season - January Portion
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.
Zone: Statewide
Sandhill Crane
Regular Season - Southeast Crane Zone January Portion
Each harvested crane must have completed kill tag and be checked in by end of calendar day.
Zone: Southeast Crane Zone (South of Interstate 40 and East of Highway 56)
Crow
Regular Season - 2027 June/July Portion
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - June/July Portion
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CrowRegular Season - September Portion · Statewide | Closed |
Coyote
Coyote
Night Season - Winter/Spring Portion
Night season hours: sunset to sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Night Season - 2027 Summer/Fall Portion
Night season hours: sunset to sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Regular Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Night Season - Summer/Fall Portion
Night season hours: sunset to sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 3
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 4
Zone: Statewide
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
Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Regular Season - Phase 2
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?
Archery deer season opens September 26, 2026 in every zone and runs in split segments through November 6, 2026; the dates for each zone are in the table below. Firearm deer season runs Nov 14-20, 2026 (Private Lands Only). Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Tennessee TWRA.
When is Tennessee's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season runs Nov 14-20, 2026 (Private Lands Only). Check zone and permit details with Tennessee TWRA before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Tennessee?
Spring turkey season runs Apr 3-May 16, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
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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