Tennessee Deer Hunting Season: Dates & Regulations

Understanding Tennessee Deer Hunting: Seasons, Dates, and Essential Regulations

If you love the great outdoors, deer hunting in Tennessee is a rewarding adventure. The Volunteer State offers both newcomers and seasoned hunters an excellent chance to enjoy whitetail deer hunting across diverse terrain. Knowing the correct Tennessee deer hunting season dates, rules, and regulations is vital for a successful, legal, and safe experience.

Key 2024-2025 Tennessee Deer Hunting Season Dates

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) organizes the hunting season to manage deer populations and encourage ethical harvest. The hunting calendar is divided by weapon type and deer management zones. Below are the typical dates for the 2024-2025 season. Always check the current TWRA guide before planning your hunt as dates may change.

• Archery Season: September 28, 2024 – October 25, 2024 and October 28, 2024 – November 8, 2024 (statewide)
• Young Sportsman Season: October 26-27, 2024 and January 11-12, 2025
• Muzzleloader/Archery Season: November 9, 2024 – November 22, 2024
• Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Season: November 23, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Private Lands Only Hunt: Some counties may offer extended late hunts, usually mid-January

The season dates may shift slightly each year and vary by region, so always confirm before your trip. Wildlife management areas (WMAs) can have special regulations and unique dates, requiring additional attention.

Deer Hunting Zones: Unit Choices that Impact Your Hunt

Tennessee divides the state into deer hunting units: A, B, C, D, and L. Each unit comes with different bag limits and sometimes different season extensions. Be sure to know the county you’re hunting in, as bag limits and antler restrictions could change depending on the unit.

Deer Harvest Limits and Antlered/Antlerless Rules

Hunters must stick closely to the annual statewide bag limits and unit quotas. For the current Tennessee deer hunting season:

• Statewide Antlered Bag Limit: Two (2) antlered deer per season (with at least one 3-inch antler)
• Antlerless Bag Limits: Vary by unit (for example, Unit L may have unlimited antlerless harvests, while other units have set limits)
• Youth Hunters (ages 6-16): Benefit from special youth-only hunts and often higher bag limits for antlerless deer.

Check the county-specific rules or unit restrictions before heading out, as violations may result in loss of hunting privileges or fines.

Essential Deer Hunting Regulations in Tennessee

Following Tennessee deer hunting laws keeps you in good standing with the TWRA and ensures the health of the deer population. Important rules you need to know:

• Hunting License: All deer hunters must carry a valid state hunting license and the appropriate big game permit. Non-residents need special licenses.
• Hunter Orange: During firearms season, all hunters (except in tree stands over 12 feet or covered blinds) must wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange.
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Protocols: Special rules apply in counties within the CWD management zone, including carcass transport and mandatory check-ins.
• Checking & Reporting Harvest: You must check in your harvested deer online or at authorized stations before processing or moving your harvest out of state.
• Baiting: Baiting for deer (using corn or other attractants) is strictly prohibited on public lands, and certain restrictions apply to private land as well.
• Legal Firearms & Archery Equipment: Regulations specify allowable calibers, cartridge types, and minimum draw weights for both firearms and archery.

Top Tips for a Safe and Successful Tennessee Deer Hunt

Success in deer hunting goes beyond license and gear. Here’s what you can do to improve your odds and stay within the law:

• Review updated TWRA guides before every season.
• Scout your hunting area ahead of opening day to observe patterns.
• Know your local deer management unit limits and any county-specific rules.
• Respect private property and always get written permission where required.
• Follow all safety guidelines and share your hunting plans with someone you trust.
• Take advantage of youth and early archery seasons if you want less competition.

What Do You Need for Deer Hunting in Tennessee?

Make sure you have the following before heading into the woods:

• Valid Tennessee hunting licenses and big game permits
• Legal weapon and ammunition (as allowed that season)
• Blaze orange safety apparel (during firearms seasons)
• Printed or digital map of your hunting unit (especially for public land)
• Field dressing and harvest tagging supplies
• Mobile device or recorded data for mandatory harvest reporting

Preparation is the key to a safe, legal, and rewarding Tennessee deer hunting season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Deer Hunting Season

When does deer hunting season open in Tennessee?

The Tennessee archery deer season usually opens at the end of September. For 2024, the season starts on September 28. The firearms season opens in late November. Specific dates may change by year and hunting unit.

How many deer can you harvest per season in Tennessee?

You may harvest up to two antlered deer per season statewide. Antlerless limits vary by unit and special hunts. Unit L allows for unlimited antlerless deer, but most other units have strict bag limits.

Do you need a hunting license to hunt deer in Tennessee?

Yes, a valid Tennessee hunting license and a big game permit are required. Non-residents must purchase the appropriate non-resident license, and youth hunters under 13 are exempt from the license fee but still require harvest tags.

Where can you hunt deer in Tennessee?

You can hunt on private land with permission and on many designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Always check for property-specific regulations and CWD zone rules before you hunt.

Can you bait deer while hunting in Tennessee?

No, baiting is not allowed on public hunting lands. On private property, you must follow specific rules. Violations of baiting laws can bring fines or suspension of hunting privileges.

Keep Your Hunt Legal, Ethical, and Enjoyable

Every year, Tennessee welcomes thousands of deer hunters from around the country. If you follow the seasons, know your bag limits, and respect game laws, you ensure a safe and memorable hunt. Be prepared, ethical, and respectful of fellow outdoorsmen for an incredible season in the Tennessee hills and woodlands.