Tennessee’s Deer Hunting Season Underway: Key Dates and Regulations
Deer remain the primary target for hunters in Tennessee, where the fall hunting season is already active. The archery-only segment began on September 27 and will continue through October 24, followed by a brief second archery phase from October 27 to November 7.
Following these initial periods, firearm hunting becomes permissible, marking the most sought-after portion of the season for many hunters.
Gun Season Scheduled for November
Tennessee gun owners face nearly 60 days of authorized hunting starting in early November once the archery-only phase concludes.
- November 8 starts the muzzleloader season, allowing the use of single-shot firearms loaded from the barrel’s front. This period extends through November 21.
- The primary and longest hunting interval then begins on November 22, permitting the use of guns, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment until January 4.
Biologically, this timeframe aligns with the peak of the white-tailed deer breeding season, or rut, when bucks are most active and easier to locate, intensifying hunter participation.
Youth Hunting Opportunities
Tennessee also offers two brief hunting windows specifically for young hunters aged 6 to 16, occurring over the weekends of October 25 and January 10.
During these dates, youths may use any legal hunting equipment but must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older who is not hunting. This fosters safe and supervised hunting experiences for younger participants.
Bag Limits and Regional Considerations
Across Middle Tennessee’s hunting districts, daily bag limits are set at three deer per hunter, balancing sustainable harvest levels with wildlife management goals.
White-tailed deer populations in Tennessee benefit from regulated hunting that helps maintain ecological balance, prevent overpopulation, and reduce vehicle collisions involving deer.
Additional Resources
Hunters seeking detailed regulations and updates should consult the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website for official guidelines and resources.
Additional reporting and sources from: When does deer season start in Tennessee? What hunters should know
