When is Rifle Season in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers some of the best whitetail deer hunting in the country, and rifle season is one of the most popular and exciting times for hunters to get out into the field. But, when exactly is rifle season in Tennessee?
The Basics of Tennessee’s Hunting Seasons
Before we dive into the specifics of rifle season, it’s essential to understand the basics of Tennessee’s hunting seasons. The state is divided into three wildlife management regions, each with its own specific hunting seasons and regulations.
- Region I: This region includes the counties of Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, Henderson, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner.
- Region II: This region includes the counties of Bedford, Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Macon, Putnam, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Warren, and White.
- Region III: This region includes the counties of Bledsoe, Bradley, Carter, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington.
Rifle Season in Tennessee: Dates and Rules
So, when is rifle season in Tennessee? The answer depends on the region you’re hunting in and the type of deer you’re after. Here are the dates and rules for rifle season in Tennessee:
| Region | Regular Rifle Season | Late Archery/Rifle Season | Extended Late Archery/Rifle Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Nov 14-22 | None | None |
| II | Nov 7-15 | Nov 26-30 | Dec 12-20 |
| III | Nov 14-22 | Nov 26-30 | Dec 12-20 |
Regular Rifle Season:
The regular rifle season typically runs for around 8-10 days, and during this time, hunters can harvest bucks with antlers of at least 4 points on one side. The antler restrictions are in place to help manage the state’s deer population and ensure that older, more experienced bucks are allowed to grow and thrive.
Late Archery/Rifle Season:
The late archery/rifle season typically runs for around 4-5 days and offers hunters a second chance to harvest deer. During this season, the antler restrictions are the same as those during the regular rifle season.
Extended Late Archery/Rifle Season:
The extended late archery/rifle season is typically a shorter season, usually lasting around 2-3 days. This season is designed to allow hunters who missed out on the previous seasons to have one last chance to harvest a deer.
Other Important Hunting Regulations
In addition to the dates and rules listed above, there are a few other important regulations that hunters should be aware of:
- Hunter orange: Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange on their head, hat, and jacket during the rifle seasons.
- Minimum size requirements: Deer harvested during rifle season must have a minimum of 4 points on one side (excluding brow tines) and a minimum inside spread of 10 inches.
- Shotgun-only season: During the late archery/rifle season and extended late archery/rifle season, hunters may only use shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment.
- Permits: Hunters must purchase a deer permit, which can be done online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) website.
Conclusion
Rifle season in Tennessee is a time of excitement and anticipation for deer hunters. With a combination of regular, late, and extended seasons, hunters have multiple opportunities to harvest deer and enjoy the great outdoors. By understanding the dates, rules, and regulations, hunters can ensure a safe and successful hunt. Remember to always follow the TWRA’s guidelines and regulations, and happy hunting!
