Tennessee Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

One of the most traditional states in the country also offers some truly exciting hunting seasons. Tennessee offers one of the longest deer hunting seasons in the country.

For Tennessee deer hunting, the statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is two per season, and one per day. Legal bucks must have antlers a minimum of three inches in length; anything less than three inches is considered antlerless under Tennessee hunting regulations. It is unlawful to hunt or trap any albino deer in Tennessee.

In addition to deer hunts, Tennessee also offers a wide variety of small game and turkey hunting with a lot of year round hunting options.

In addition to hunting, Tennessee also has a trapping season for many small game animals. License information can be obtained online or at any authorized seller within the state.

Tennessee Deer Seasons

August SeasonAug. 25-27
ArcherySept. 23-Oct. 27
Oct. 30-Nov. 3
Young SportsmanOct. 28-29
Jan. 13-14
Muzzleloader/ArcheryNov. 4-17
General SeasonNov. 18-Jan. 7
Private Lands OnlyOnly available in Unit L
Jan. 8-12

**Tennessee deer seasons are managed by hunting units. Specific season dates may vary by your particular region. For more information, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.


Tennessee Elk Seasons

ArcherySept. 30-Oct. 6
Young SportsmanOct. 7-13
General SeasonOct. 14-20

Tennessee elk hunts are quota hunts requiring specific permits, with limited permits awarded. For more information on obtaining an elk hunt permit, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Tennessee Turkey Seasons

Fall ArcherySept. 23-Oct. 27
Oct. 30-Nov. 3
Fall General SeasonOct. 14-27
Spring Young SportsmanApril 6-7
Spring General SeasonApril 13-May 26

Fall turkey hunting may be limited to specific counties in Tennessee. Spring seasons may have reduced bag limits or shortened seasons. To see if your part of the state is available for legal hunts, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Tennessee Small Game Seasons

SquirrelAug. 26-March 15
May 11-June 9
RabbitNov. 4-Feb. 29
BullfrogOpen season
RaccoonSept. 15-March 15
GrouseOct. 14-Feb. 29
QuailNov. 4-Feb. 29
CoyoteOpen Season
GroundhogOpen Season
Striped SkunkOpen Season

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Tennessee hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.