When Does Gun Season Start in Tennessee?
Tennessee is known for its rich hunting tradition and offers a wide range of game species to hunt throughout the year. With three main types of firearms deer seasons, turkey seasons, and small game seasons, there’s always something happening in the Volunteer State for hunters. In this article, we’ll answer the question, "When does gun season start in Tennessee?"
Deer Firearms Seasons
Deer is the most popular game species to hunt in Tennessee, with over 100,000 hunters participating in deer hunts each year. There are three types of deer firearms seasons in Tennessee:
- Regular season: This is the primary deer hunting season, usually taking place from early September to late November. It’s a 13-14 day season, divided into two parts: archery and muzzleloader.
- Alternate season: This is an additional 4-day hunting season, usually occurring in late November or early December. This season is primarily for areas with low deer populations.
- Rut season: This 1-day hunting season, known as the Late-Muzzleloader Season, occurs in mid-November, focusing on the mating period when deer are most active.
Here’s a summary of the deer firearms seasons in Tennessee:
| Season | Date | Time of Day | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Archery | Early September to Late November | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 13-14 |
| Regular Muzzleloader | Early September to Late November | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 13-14 |
| Alternative Season | Late November/Early December | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 4 |
| Rut Season (Late Muzzleloader) | Mid-November | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 1 |
Turkey Seasons
Turkey hunting is also a popular activity in Tennessee, with over 60,000 hunters participating annually. There are three turkey seasons:
- Spring season: This is the primary turkey hunting season, taking place from late March to early May. It’s a 4-6 week season, with hunters allowed to harvest up to 2 gobblers (male turkeys).
- Fall season: This 2-week hunting season occurs in late September/early October, primarily focused on hens (female turkeys).
- Youth season: A 1-day hunting season, usually in mid-May, specifically for young hunters (ages 10-17) and those accompanied by an adult mentor.
Here’s a summary of the turkey seasons in Tennessee:
| Season | Date | Time of Day | Days | Hunters’ Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Season | Late March to Early May | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 4-6 weeks | 2 Gobblers |
| Fall Season | Late September/Early October | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 2 weeks | No limit |
| Youth Season | Mid-May | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset | 1 | 1 Gobbler |
Small Game Seasons
Small game species such as rabbit, squirrel, and dove are also common in Tennessee, with open seasons throughout the year:
- Rabbit hunting: Year-round hunting of eastern cottontails is allowed, with bag limits and specific regulations in effect.
- Squirrel hunting: Open season varies by species, but grey squirrels and fox squirrels can be hunted throughout the year, except for a brief closure during dove season.
- Dove hunting: Two special dove hunting seasons: late August to early October, and mid-December to late January.
Here’s a summary of the small game seasons in Tennessee:
| Species | Open Season |
|---|---|
| Rabbit | Year-round |
| Squirrel | Year-round (except late August to early October and mid-December to late January) |
| Dove | Late August to early October, and mid-December to late January |
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
Here are some important dates to note when planning your Tennessee hunt:
- Deer season lottery: Entries open in mid-June, with the drawing typically occurring in late July.
- Turkey season lottery: Entries open in mid-January, with the drawing occurring in late February.
- Licenses go on sale: Typically in early summer, with specific dates for each type of license.
- Hunt early: Tennessee’s gun season dates can change annually based on factors like weather, deer populations, and regulation changes. Always check with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Tennessee offers a diverse range of hunting opportunities throughout the year, with varying firearms seasons for deer, turkey, and small game species. It’s essential for hunters to stay informed about specific dates, bag limits, and regulations for their chosen species. With an understanding of the firearms seasons in Tennessee, you can plan your hunt, respect the wildlife, and participate in the state’s long-standing hunting tradition. Remember to always follow state regulations and practice responsible and safe hunting practices.
