First Segment of Muzzleloader Season Opens November 4

The first segment of Tennessee’s Muzzleloader/Archery Deer Season opens on Saturday, November 4 and goes through Friday, November 10 in all three of Tennessee’s deer hunting units, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Hunters are allowed the following bag limit during this segment of muzzleloader season: Unit A – 5 deer, no more than one antlered; Unit L – 2 antlered (only one antlered deer per day) 3 per day on antlerless deer; and Unit B (East Tennessee) – 1 deer antlered only (Except either-sex during Nov. 4-6).

For the exact boundaries of the different deer units consult a 2006 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at all TWRA offices.

Muzzleloading firearms of .40 caliber minimum plus long bows, compound bows and crossbows are legal hunting equipment for this season.

Resident hunters ages 16 through 64 must possess, in addition to other appropriate licenses, an annual big game archery or an annual big game muzzleloader license, depending on which equipment is used. Lifetime Sportsman license, Junior Hunt/Trap/Fish, Adult Sportsman license and Permanent Senior Citizens license holders are not required to purchase additional big game licenses.

In addition to private lands, including public hunting areas, several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) will be open to hunters during this muzzleloader season. Hunters need to refer to the 2006 Hunting and Trapping Guide for a listing of these WMAs.