State Guide

Tennessee Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Tennessee hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Tennessee Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $28 Non-res: $231

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 23	Oct 27
Muzzleloader	Nov 4	Nov 17
Rifle	Nov 18	Jan 7

Bag limits: daily: Varies by unit, season: 3 (typically 2 antlerless, 1 antlered)

Bag limits and season dates vary by unit. Tennessee has four deer hunting units with different regulations.

Turkey

Res: $28 Non-res: $231

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 1	May 12
Archery	Apr 1	May 12

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 4 (statewide)

Liberal 4-bird spring limit. Both Eastern and Rio Grande turkeys present. Youth hunt weekend available.

Bear

Res: $28 Non-res: $231

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Oct 9	Oct 13
Archery	Sep 23	Oct 27

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Limited to eastern Tennessee mountain counties. Cherokee and Great Smoky Mountains NF offer opportunities. Quota hunts on some WMAs.

Wild Hog

Res: $28 Non-res: $231

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Jan 1	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit

Year-round on private land with landowner permission. On WMAs, may be taken during any big game season.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Tennessee Hunting Guides

destinations

Tennessee Turkey Hunting: Early Season and World-Class Birds

destinations

Tennessee Deer Hunting: Season Dates, Zones, and Public Land Access

Tennessee Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Tennessee?

Yes. All hunters in Tennessee must hold a valid hunting license from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Tennessee?

Tennessee license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $28, non-resident $231. Turkey: resident $28, non-resident $231.

When is deer season in Tennessee?

Tennessee deer seasons: Archery: Sep 23 - Oct 27, Muzzleloader: Nov 4 - Nov 17, Rifle: Nov 18 - Jan 7.

Does Tennessee require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Tennessee requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Tennessee. Their website (https://www.tn.gov/twra) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.