Tennessee’s Bear Season Reopens Nov. 17

Counties to be open for bear hunting are: Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of Hwy. 411), Johnson, Monroe, Polk (east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Dogs are permitted during this season.

 

So far this year, there have been reported 145 bears harvested. Harvest by county and equipment type has been: Blount (2 archery, 14 firearm), Carter (20 archery), Cocke (4 archery, 4 firearm), Greene (5 archery, 1 firearm) Johnson (26 archery), Monroe (16 firearm), Sevier (13 firearm), Sullivan (9 archery), Unicoi (11 archery), and Washington (2 archery).

 

Hunters should be aware of the following regulations when hunting black bears in Tennessee:

The limit on bear for any person participating in statewide or WMA hunts or both shall not exceed one bear per calendar year.

Cubs or female bears with cubs at side may not be taken at any time. A cub is defined as a bear weighing 75 pounds or less.

Bears may be whole or field dressed but must weigh 75 pounds or greater when checked out.

 

The reproductive (sex) organs must remain attached to each bear harvested until the bear has been officially checked out at an official TWRA checking station.

 

Each of the counties listed above will be open for bear hunting again on November 27-30 (no dogs allowed) and then they reopen on Dec. 4 (dogs allowed) for 14 days.

For detailed information about black bear hunting in Tennessee refer to the 2008 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide or the TWRA web page at www.tnwildlife.org.