Summary of Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Seasons Dates

Below you will find a season summary so you can start planning your hunting trips.   Please refer to the Hunting and Trapping Guide for the latest detailed hunting dates, bag limits, zones, units, and required licenses and/or permits.   

G = Gun • M = Muzzleloader • A = Archery • S = Shotgun

2024 - 2025 Deer Season Dates and Bag Limits

SEASON TYPE
SEASON DATES
STATEWIDE
ANTLERED BAG LIMIT
UNITS 1, 2, & 3
ANTLERLESS BAG LIMITS
UNITS 4, 5, & 6
ANTLERLESS BAG LIMITS

August*

Aug. 23 – Aug. 25, 2024

 

2 (1/day)****

Closed

Closed

Young Sportsman** (G/M/A)

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024 

Jan. 11 – 12, 2025

 

3/day

2

Archery*** (A)

Sept. 28 – Nov. 8, 2024

4

Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)

Nov. 9 – Nov. 22, 2024

2

Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery (G/M/A)

Nov. 23,  2024 – Jan. 5, 2025

2

* Archery only. Private lands and select WMAs only. See individual WMA regulations. Due to the removal of Unit CWD, guns and muzzleloaders will no longer be allowed.

** Youths 6–16 years of age may participate. Participating youth can use gun, muzzleloader, and archery equipment (G/M/A). Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device and who must also comply with fluorescent orange regulations, as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youths may be accompanied by a single, qualifying adult. Antlerless bag limits for Units 4, 5, and 6 are not to exceed a total of 2 antlerless deer for the four days combined.

*** Closed during October Young Sportsman Hunt (Oct. 26–27, 2024).

**** Bag limit may be exceeded if taken as a bonus deer, under the Earn-A-Buck program in a CWD positive county or as a replacement buck.

Out-of-State Hunters - Be aware of carcass importation restrictions for deer, elk, moose and caribou. CWDinTennessee.com


Unit 1 includes Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lauderdale, Lake, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and-Weakley counties.

Unit 2 includes Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner, Wayne, and Williamson counties.

Unit 3 includes Bedford, Cannon, Clay, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Jackson, Macon, Moore, Overton, Putnam, Rutherford, Smith, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, and Wilson counties.

Unit 4 includes Anderson, Bledsoe, Campbell, Claiborne, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Grundy, Hancock, Morgan, Pickett, Scott, Sequatchie, and Union counties.

Unit 5 includes Bradley, Hamilton, Loudon, Knox, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Rhea, and Roane counties.

Unit 6 includes Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Monroe, Polk, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.

 

Deer Hunting Unit Map

Elk Season Dates and Bag Limits

2024 Elk Hunting Season Dates & Bag Limits

SEASON TYPE

SEASON DATES

QUOTA PERMIT

HUNT AREA***

BAG LIMIT

ARCHERY - ONLY SEASON Sept. 28 – Oct. 4, 2024 9 Quota Permits EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit
GUN/MUZZLE LOADER/ARCHERY SEASON * Oct. 5 –11, 2024 9 Quota Permits EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit
YOUNG SPORTSMAN**
GUN/MUZZLE LOADER/ARCHERY SEASON
Oct. 12–18, 2024 1 Quota Permit EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit

* The season for the permit issued to non-profit conservation organization is Oct. 5–11, 2024 in EHZ one and private lands in counties opened by TWRA.

** Resident youths 13–16 may apply for a quota permit. Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device and who must also comply with fluorescent orange regulations, as specified for legal hunters. Youth hunters must complete hunter education or purchase the Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption permit (along with other required licenses) to participate in the hunt.

*** EHZs are located on North Cumberland WMA only; all other public land is CLOSED to elk hunting. Hunting on private lands within the following counties is allowed only with landowner permission: Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan and Scott counties.

Elk harvest is regulated by a quota permit system. The application period for the 2024 elk quota hunts is Feb 7 – 28, 2024. Applications available at TWRA license agents and online. Nineteen (19) quota permits will be issued for the 2025 hunt. Each permit holder will be allocated an Elk Hunt Zone.

2025 Elk Hunting Season Dates & Bag Limits

SEASON TYPE

SEASON DATES

QUOTA PERMIT

HUNT AREA***

BAG LIMIT

ARCHERY - ONLY SEASON Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2025 9 Quota Permits EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit
GUN/MUZZLE LOADER/ARCHERY SEASON * Oct. 4 –10, 2025 9 Quota Permits EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit
YOUNG SPORTSMAN**
GUN/MUZZLE LOADER/ARCHERY SEASON
Oct. 11–17, 2025 1 Quota Permit EHZs and Counties
designated open by TWRA
1 antlered elk per permit

* The season for the permit issued to non-profit conservation organization is Oct. 4–10, 2025 in EHZ one and private lands in counties opened by TWRA.

** Resident youths 13–16 may apply for a quota permit. Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device and who must also comply with fluorescent orange regulations, as specified for legal hunters. Youth hunters must complete hunter education or purchase the Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption permit (along with other required licenses) to participate in the hunt.

*** EHZs are located on North Cumberland WMA only; all other public land is CLOSED to elk hunting. Hunting on private lands within the following counties is allowed only with landowner permission: Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Morgan and Scott counties.

Elk harvest is regulated by a quota permit system. The application period for the 2025 elk quota hunts is Feb 5 – 26, 2025. Applications available at TWRA license agents and online. Nineteen (19) quota permits will be issued for the 2025 hunt. Each permit holder will be allocated an Elk Hunt Zone.

Out-of-State Hunters - Be aware of carcass importation restrictions for deer, elk, moose and caribou. CWDinTennessee.com

2024 Bear Season Dates and Bag Limits

The Hunts Listed Below Allow the Use of Hounds   

Weapon Type(s) Allowed

BHZ 1

BHZ 2

BHZ 3

BHZ 4

BHZ 5

Transitional

 

Gun/Muzzleloader/ Archery

Early-seasons

Oct. 5 – 7, 2024

Oct. 12 – 13, 2024

Oct. 12 – 15, 2024

Oct. 18 – 20, 2024

Oct. 5 – 6, 2024

Oct. 12 – 18, 2024

Closed to the use of hounds for bear hunting Closed to the use of hounds for bear hunting

Mid-season

Nov. 11 – 18, 2024

Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 2024

Oct. 28 - Nov.1, 2024

Late Seasons

Dec. 2 – 18, 2024

Dec. 2 – 26, 2024

Dec. 2 – 15, 2024

Dec. 26 – 29, 2024

Dec. 14 – 15, 2024

Private Land Only

Kettlefoot and Laurel Fork Bear Reserve Hunt – PRIVATE LANDS ONLY – Sept. 21–27, 2024 

 
 The Hunts Listed Below are Still Hunting Only - No Hounds Allowed 

Weapon Type(s) Allowed

BHZ 1

BHZ 2

BHZ 3

BHZ 4

BHZ 5

Transitional Zone

Archery Only

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2024

Gun/Muzz/Archery (Young Sportsman Only*)

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024

Oct. 26 – 27, 2024

 

Gun/Muzz/Archery

Nov. 23 – 26, 2024

Nov. 23 – 26, 2024

Nov. 23 – 26, 2024

 

Dec. 14 – 15, 2024

 

* Youths 6-16 may participate; must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

BAG LIMIT IS 1 BEAR EITHER SEX PER YEAR - Bear Reserves, Mt. Roosevelt WMA, State Parks, Scott State Forest, National Parks andRecreation Areas are closed to bear hunting unless otherwise stated.


BHZ1: Carter, Cocke (North of I-40), Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.

BHZ2: Blount, Cocke (South of I-40), Jefferson (East ofHwy 411), and Sevier counties.

BHZ3: McMinn (East of Hwy 411), Monroe, and Polk counties, excluding South Cherokee WMA.

BHZ4: Anderson (west of I-75 and north of Old Lake City Hwy and north of Dutch Valley Rd.), Campbell (north of Hwy 63 and west of I-75), Claiborne (west of 25E and north of Hwy 63), Cumberland, Fentress, Morgan, Overton (east of Hwy 111), Pickett, Putnam (east of Hwy 111), Scott, Van Buren (east of Hwy 111), and White (east of Hwy 111) counties.

BHZ5: Hancock and Hawkins

Transitional: Anderson (east of I-75 and south of Old LakeCity Hwy and south of Dutch Valley Rd.), Bradley, Campbell (south of Hwy 63 and east of I-75), Claiborne (east of 25E and south of Hwy 63), Grundy, Marion, Hamblen, Hamilton, Grainger, Jefferson (west of Hwy 411), Knox, Loudon, McMinn (West of Hwy 411), Sequatchie, and Union counties.

2024 Fall Turkey Season Dates and Bag Limits

Statewide Season Dates Bag Limit
Archery Only

Sept. 28 - Oct. 25, 2024

Oct. 28 - Nov. 8, 2024

One (1) male turkey.
Shotgun/Archery Oct. 12 - 25, 2024 One (1) male turkey.

An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: wing feathers have white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers are the same length, beard is longer than 6 inches, or a spur is at least 1/2 inch long.

Open in all counties, except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne counties are closed. 

During the fall turkey season, a turkey hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns and/or rifles. Any turkey harvested during the fall season counts toward the statewide bag limit of one (1).

2025 Spring Turkey Season Dates and Bag Limits

Statewide Season Dates Bag Limit
Young Sportsman April 5 - 6, 2025

One (1) male turkey per day,
not to exceed two (2) per season, only one can be a jake.

No bearded hens allowed.

Shotgun/Archery April 12 - May 25, 2025

An adult gobbler is defined by having one of the following: wing feathers have white barring all the way to the tip, tail feathers are the same length, beard is longer than 6 inches, or a spur is at least 1/2 inch long.

All counties are open to spring turkey seasons, however there are some exceptions on public land.

Any turkey harvested during the Young Sportsman Hunt counts toward the stateweide spring season limit of two (2).

2024-2025 Game Bird Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES DATE BAG LIMIT
Grouse Oct. 12, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 3
Quail Nov. 2, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 6
Quail season is November 2, 2024 – January 15, 2025 on wildlife management areas unless otherwise noted.

2024-2025 Migratory Bird Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG*

 

Dove*

 Sept. 1 - Sept. 28, 2024

Oct. 12 - Nov. 3, 2024

Dec. 8, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025

15**
Woodcock*

Nov. 9 - Dec. 1, 2024

Jan. 10 - Jan. 31, 2025

3
Gallinule and Moorhen* Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2024 15
Crow

June 11 - July 12, 2024***

Sept. 1 - Sept. 5, 2024

Sept. 13 - Dec. 20, 2024***

Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, 2025

No limit
Rails (Virginia and Sora)* Sept. 1 - Nov. 9, 2024 25
Snipe * Nov. 14, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 8

* Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required.

** No limit on Eurasian collared doves; however, any doves not readily identifiable as Eurasian collared doves will be considered mourning doves and count towards the mourning dove daily bag and possession limits.

*** Hunting allowed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.

**** The possession limit is three (3) times the daily limit for all migratory game birds, except opening day when it shall be the same as the daily bag limit, and the second day of the season when it shall be twice the daily bag limit, and except for crows which have no limit.

Geese Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES

STATEWIDE

DAILY BAG LIMIT

POSSESSION LIMIT

 

Canada Goose

Sept. 1 – 22, 2024

Oct. 12 – 22, 2024

Nov. 30. – Dec. 1, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025

 

5 in Sept, 3 in all other Phases

 

The possession limit for Canada goose, white-fronted goose, and brant is three (3) times the daily bag limit, except on opening day and the second day of the season when the possession limit is one (1) and two (2) times the daily bag limit, respectively.

White-Fronted Goose

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025

3

 

Brant

Sept. 1 – 22, 2024

Oct. 12 – 22, 2024

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025

 

1

 

Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese (Light Geese)

Standard federal regulations apply (unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed)

Sept. 1 – 22, 2024

Oct. 12 – 22, 2024

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025

 

20

 

There is no possession limit for blue, snow and Ross’s geese, except on opening day and the second day of the season when the possession limit is the daily bag limit and two (2) times the daily bag limit, respectively.

 

Light Goose Conservation Season* (Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese)

The following provisions apply during the Light Goose Conservation Season only:

Unplugged shotguns, electronic calls, shooting from 30 minutes before official sunrise until 30 minutes after official sunset.

Feb. 10 – Mar. 31, 2025

 

no limit

 

There is no possession limit for blue, snow and Ross’s geese during the Light Goose Con- servation Season.

*A free Light Goose Conservation Season Permit is required to hunt during the Conservation Season, available at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. No Federal or state waterfowl stamps are required to hunt during the Conservation Season. Hunters must possess a Tennessee Light Goose Conservation Season Permit and have a valid hunting license, but the license may be from any state. A post-season survey is required.
       

Duck Season Dates and Bag Limits

Early Application Dates: Sept. 25 – Oct. 15, 2024
Includes hunt days: Nov. 25 – 26, 2024 & Dec. 5 – 21, 2024
Mid Application Dates: Oct. 23 – Nov. 12, 2024
Includes hunt days: Dec. 22, 2024 – Jan. 11, 2025
Late Application Dates: Nov. 13 – Dec. 3, 2024
Includes hunt days: Jan. 12 – 31, 2025
Season Long Application Dates: June 26 – July 17, 2024
Tier 1 Blind Hunt Dates: Nov. 25 – 26, 2024 & Dec. 5, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025

SPECIES

STATEWIDE

DAILY BAG LIMIT

POSSESSION LIMIT

Wood Duck & Teal

Sept. 14 –18, 2024

The daily bag limit of ducks is 6 and may include no more than 2 wood ducks.

 

The possession limit is three (3) times the daily bag limit, except on opening day and the second day of the season when the possession limit is one (1) and two (2) times the daily bag limit, respectively.

Teal

Sept. 19 – 22, 2024

The daily bag limit is 6 of any teal species.

 

Ducks, Coot & Mergansers

 

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 –Jan. 31, 2025

Coot: 15

Ducks: The daily bag limit of ducks is 6 birds/day which may  include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may  be a female), 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, and 1 mottled duck.

The daily bag limit for scaup is 1 scaup from Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 2024 and Dec. 5 – 17, 2024 then 2 scaup from Dec. 18, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025.

Mergansers: 5 (only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers)

Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunting Season*

Feb. 1 and 8, 2025

Same as regular season daily bag limits.

 

Veterans and Active Military Personnel**

Feb. 2 and 9, 2025

Same as regular season daily bag limits.

 

* Only youth hunters from ages 6–16 years may harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese during the Youth Waterfowl hunt days. Youth aged 16 are still required to possess a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). Non-hunting adults at least 21 years of age shall accompany the youth hunter(s) into the field during the youth waterfowl season and must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Multiple youths may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult; however, adults and other persons accompanying youths shall not hunt during these youth waterfowl hunts. Adults not accompanied by youths 6–16 may still harvest geese during those dates. Geese, coot, gallinule, moorhen, and ducks may be taken by youths during the Youth Waterfowl Season. WMAs with special closing times are open all day, each day of the Youth Waterfowl Season.

** Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may participate and harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese. During the Veterans and Active Military Personnel waterfowl season, non-veteran or non-active duty personnel may be present; however, only veterans or active military persons may hunt. When other migratory gamebird seasons are open during the Veterans and Active Military Personnel waterfowl season, any properly licensed youth or adult not accompanied by veterans or active military may harvest legal game.

Sandhill Crane Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES
STATEWIDE

SOUTHEAST CRANE ZONE SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 40 AND EAST OF HIGHWAY 56

DAILY BAG LIMIT AND POSSESSION LIMIT*

 

Sandhill Crane

Dec. 3, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025

Statewide tags are valid statewide, including the Southeast Crane Zone, except during the three day closure in that zone from Jan. 17– 19, 2025.

Dec. 3, 2024 – Jan. 16, 2025

Jan. 20 – 31, 2025

The daily bag, season bag, and possession limit for sandhill cranes is based on the number of tags awarded to an individual.

* Each harvested crane must be accompanied by a completed kill tag (each tag allows harvest of  one (1) crane) and be checked in by the end of the calendar day of harvest by any Agency approved check-in method. Also, hunters issued sandhill crane tags MUST fill out and return a post-season survey before February 10, regardless of whether they hunted or harvested a sandhill crane. Failure to return the post-season survey may result in hunters not being eligible to apply for a sandhill crane tag in future draws.

2024-2025 Falconery Season Dates & Permits

Hunting with falcons is the second oldest form of hunting with the aid of animals. Most historians and archaeologists agree that the sport of falconry originated in China. The first tangible evidence of falconry appears in 4,000 year old artwork from Persia.

Falconry is the sport of taking wildlife by means of a trained raptor. A person may not practice falconry in Tennessee without obtaining a proper TWRA permit.

Find Season Dates and Permit Information here.

2024-2025 Small Game and Furbearer Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DAILY BAG

Bobcat New Night Only Season******

Jan. 18, 2025

Jun. 7, 2025

Mar. 9, 2025

Aug. 10, 2025

1 x night
Coyote New Night Only Season******

Jan. 18, 2025

Jun. 7, 2025

Mar. 9, 2025

Aug. 10, 2025

None

Squirrel

Aug. 24, 2024

March 15, 2025

10

Spring Squirrel 2025

May 10, 2025

June 8, 2025

10

Rabbit

Nov. 2, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

5

Grouse

Oct. 12, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

3

Quail*

Nov. 2, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

6

Beaver

year-round

 

None

Coyote

year-round

 

None

Groundhog

year-round

 

None

Striped Skunk

year-round

 

None

Armadillo

year-round

 

None

Fox

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Mink

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Muskrat

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Otter**

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Least Weasel

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Raccoon Private Lands Only

July 1, 2024 Sunset

Sept. 20, 2024 Sunrise

2

Raccoon Taking Season

Sept. 20, 2024 Sunset

March 15, 2025

4

Opossum Private Lands Only

July 1, 2024 Sunset

Sept. 20, 2024 Sunrise

2

Opossum Taking Season

Sept. 20, 2024 Sunset

March 15, 2025

4

Bobcat*** Private Lands Only****

Sept. 28, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

1

Bobcat***

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

1

Bullfrog

year-round

Except state lakes***

20

* Quail season is November 2–January 15 on wildlife management areas unless otherwise noted.

** All river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U. S. CITES tags. Contact your regional TWRA office for instructions.

*** Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U. S. Contact your regional TWRA office for instructions.

**** Bobcats may be harvested with firearms, muzzleloader, or archery during deer season including during the young sportsman deer hunts. Weapons should match the open deer season weapon.

***** Bullfrog season is June 1–30 on TWRA-managed lakes. Firearms are prohibited, but airguns are permitted. No WMA permit is required.

2024-2025 Trapping Season Dates and Bag Limits

SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DAILY BAG

Beaver

year-round

 

None

Coyote

year-round

 

None
Groundhog

year-round

 

None

Opossum

year-round

 

None

Striped Skunk

year-round

 

None

Raccoon

year-round

 

None

Fox

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Mink

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Muskrat

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Otter*

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Least Weasel

Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

None

Bobcat**


 Nov. 22, 2024

Feb. 28, 2025

Day - None

* All river otters harvested must be tagged with Tennessee U. S. CITES tags. Contact your regional TWRA office  for instructions.

** Bobcat pelts must be tagged with Tennessee U.S. CITES tags before being exported from the U. S. Contact your regional TWRA office for instructions.