When Does Gun Season Open in Tennessee?
Tennessee is a popular destination for hunting enthusiasts, with a variety of game species to hunt, including deer, turkey, and small game. If you’re planning a hunting trip to Tennessee, it’s essential to know when gun season opens and the specific regulations that apply.
Direct Answer:
Gun season in Tennessee varies depending on the species you’re hunting and the type of firearm you’re using. Here’s a general overview of when gun season opens in Tennessee:
- Deer Gun Season: The deer gun season in Tennessee typically opens on the Saturday before the second Monday in November and runs for two weeks. In 2022, the deer gun season will start on November 12 and end on November 25.
- Turkey Gun Season: The turkey gun season in Tennessee typically takes place in the spring and fall. The spring season usually starts in late April and runs for about two weeks, while the fall season typically starts in late September and runs for about a month.
- Small Game Gun Season: Small game gun season in Tennessee typically runs from September 1 to February 28. However, specific seasons and bag limits may apply to certain species, so it’s essential to check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website for specific regulations.
Important Dates to Remember
Here are some important dates to keep in mind when planning your hunting trip to Tennessee:
- License Purchasing: Make sure to purchase your hunting license by the specified deadline, as licenses may not be sold on the day of the hunt.
- Drawing for Antlerless Permits: If you want to hunt antlerless deer, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the TWRA’s online system. The deadline for applying is usually around mid-October.
- Check-in Requirements: If you’re hunting during the deer gun season, you’ll need to check in with a wildlife management area (WMA) or a check station at specific times.
Deer Gun Season Regulations
Here are some key regulations to know for deer gun season in Tennessee:
- Permits: You’ll need a deer permit to hunt deer, which can be purchased online or at a TWRA office.
- Bag Limits: The bag limit for deer in Tennessee is one buck (antlered deer) and one antlerless deer per hunter per year.
- Antler Requirements: To be considered a buck, a deer must have at least one antler with three points or more.
- Hunting Hours: Hunting hours for deer gun season are usually from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Firearm Requirements: You can use shotguns, rifles, and handguns to hunt deer in Tennessee, but you’ll need to use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
Turkey Gun Season Regulations
Here are some key regulations to know for turkey gun season in Tennessee:
- Permits: You’ll need a turkey permit to hunt turkey, which can be purchased online or at a TWRA office.
- Bag Limits: The bag limit for turkey in Tennessee is two bearded turkeys per hunter per year.
- Hunting Hours: Hunting hours for turkey gun season are usually from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Firearm Requirements: You can use shotguns and handguns to hunt turkey in Tennessee, but you’ll need to use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
Small Game Gun Season Regulations
Here are some key regulations to know for small game gun season in Tennessee:
- Permits: You’ll need a small game permit to hunt small game, which can be purchased online or at a TWRA office.
- Bag Limits: Bag limits for small game vary by species, so be sure to check the TWRA website for specific regulations.
- Hunting Hours: Hunting hours for small game gun season are usually from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Firearm Requirements: You can use shotguns, rifles, and handguns to hunt small game in Tennessee, but you’ll need to use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
Conclusion
Gun season in Tennessee is a popular and exciting time for hunters, with a variety of species to hunt and a range of regulations to follow. By knowing the important dates, permits, and bag limits, you can make the most of your hunting trip to Tennessee.
