Tennessee Hunting Regulations 2025-2026

Tennessee Hunting Regulations 2025-2026: Complete Guide

Tennessee offers one of the most diverse hunting landscapes in the Southeast, from the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the east to the fertile Mississippi Delta lowlands in the west. Managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the state provides excellent opportunities for deer, turkey, black bear, waterfowl, and a wide variety of small game and furbearers across nearly 700,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas.

Overview of Hunting in Tennessee

Tennessee is divided into six deer hunting units (Units 1–6) that run roughly east to west across the state, each with distinct bag limits and season structures. Additionally, the state designates Bear Hunting Zones (BHZ-1 through BHZ-5) for black bear management in the eastern mountain regions, and Elk Hunting Zones in the Cumberland Mountains where Tennessee’s elk herd was successfully reintroduced. Understanding which unit or zone covers your hunting area is critical before you go afield.

Deer are the most popular game animal, and Tennessee’s Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A) season typically runs from late November through early January. The state also offers Young Sportsman hunts for hunters under 17, giving youth priority access at the opening of major seasons. Turkey hunters enjoy both a fall season in select counties and a statewide spring season running into late May.

Tennessee Hunting Licenses & Permits

Most hunting in Tennessee requires a Tennessee Hunting License issued by TWRA. Additional supplemental licenses are required for big game (deer, bear, elk, turkey) depending on the weapon used — separate licenses exist for archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons. Waterfowl hunters must also obtain a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit and a Federal Duck Stamp. Quota hunts for elk, sandhill crane, and certain WMA big game require separate permit applications through TWRA’s draw system.

Licenses can be purchased online at tn.gov/twra or at any licensed agent statewide. Resident and non-resident licenses are available. A Harvest Log is required for deer and is issued with your big game license — you must tag deer before moving them.

Public Hunting Lands in Tennessee

TWRA manages nearly 80 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) totaling more than 680,000 acres open to public hunting. Many WMAs require a WMA Big Game Permit for deer, bear, elk, and turkey hunts — check individual WMA rules before hunting. The state also offers access to Cherokee National Forest (nearly 650,000 acres in eastern Tennessee), Land Between the Lakes, and various federal refuges. Use the Hunterizer interactive map to see WMA boundaries, public land access, and zone lines overlaid together.

Hunting Seasons in Tennessee