Tennessee Elk Season 2026
Tennessee elk season dates start with Oct 3-9, 2026. The table below keeps every listed elk row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Tennessee's listed 2026 elk season runs Oct 3-9, 2026.
Young Sportsman Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Elk opens Oct 10, 2026 and closes Oct 16, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Tennessee TWRA.
Elk
Elk
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery
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
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
Elk
Archery Only
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
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Nearby elk seasons
Tennessee Elk Season FAQ
When does elk season open in Tennessee?
September 26, 2026 is the earliest listed elk opener in Tennessee — archery only elk runs Sep 26-Oct 2, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Tennessee TWRA.
What are the 2026 elk season dates in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists 3 elk season windows: Archery Only Elk (Sep 26-Oct 2, 2026); Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Elk (Oct 3-9, 2026); Young Sportsman Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Elk (Oct 10-16, 2026). Always verify against Tennessee TWRA before hunting.
Are there different elk seasons in Tennessee?
Yes — Tennessee lists separate elk seasons for Archery Only Elk, Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Elk, Young Sportsman Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Elk. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Tennessee TWRA.
Do I need a license to hunt elk in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and elk hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Tennessee TWRA.