Tennessee’s Spring Turkey Hunting Season Runs March 29-May 11

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee’s 2014 spring hunting season for wild turkeys runs March 29 through May 11 and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials expect this year’s harvest to be in line of those in recent years.

Tennessee turkey hunters have surpassed the 30,000 harvest mark for 11 consecutive years. In 2013, despite inclement weather on many of the weekends during the season, the harvest was 32,925. The 2012 total was 34,017 and the 34,026 total in 2011 was the third highest on record. The state record of more than 37,000 came in 2010.

The Young Sportsman Hunt held March 22-23 gave youngsters the first opportunity for 2014. The youth hunters harvested 1,061 turkeys. Dickson County was the top county for the youth hunt with 52 birds being harvested. Hardin County was second with 36 followed by Maury County 35, Sumner County 31, and Greene County 29 to round out the top five counties.

During the statewide season, one bearded turkey may be taken per day not to exceed four per season. Turkeys taken on all quota hunts and specially designated WMAs are bonus turkeys. Most WMAs are open with statewide seasons and bag limits. However, some have restricted dates or quota hunts. (Check the WMA section of the 2013 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for specific dates and regulations).

Hunting hours are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise to legal sunset daily. Legal hunting equipment include shotguns loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, crossbows and other bows drawn or held by a mechanical device. 

Firearms and archery equipment may be equipped with sighting devices except those devices using an artificial light capable of locating wildlife. Night vision scopes are illegal.

The 2013 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide is available at all license agents, TWRA regional offices in Jackson, Nashville, Crossville, and Morristown or on the TWRA website at www.tnwildlife.org. 

---TWRA---