If you’re planning your hunting calendar, you need to know when does deer hunting season start in Tennessee. The opening dates are crucial for preparing your gear and securing your spot in the woods.
Tennessee’s deer seasons are managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and vary by the type of weapon you use and the specific area of the state you plan to hunt. Getting these dates wrong can mean missing out or, worse, breaking the law. This guide will walk you through everything from season dates to licenses, zones, and proven tactics to make your season a success.
When Does Deer Hunting Season Start In Tennessee
Tennessee’s deer seasons are not a single date. They are split into several segments, each with its own opening day. The general framework includes archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons. The state is also divided into multiple units with slightly different dates.
Here’s a general overview of the typical season structure. Always verify with the current year’s TWRA hunting guide, as dates can shift slightly.
- Archery Season: Usually opens the last Saturday in September.
- Muzzleloader Season: Typically begins in early to mid-November for a limited period.
- Gun Season: Most commonly opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
- Young Sportsman Hunt: A special weekend for youth, usually in late October.
Tennessee Deer Hunting Units and Zones
Tennessee is divided into three main deer hunting units: A, B, and C. Your location determines your specific season dates and bag limits. It’s your responsibility to know which unit you are in.
- Unit A: Primarily West Tennessee. Known for its high deer density and agricultural land.
- Unit B: Covers much of Middle Tennessee. Offers a mix of farmland and hardwood forests.
- Unit C: Mainly East Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau. Characterized by mountainous terrain and national forest land.
You can find unit maps on the TWRA website or in the printed hunting guide. Some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have there own unique seasons, so always check the WMA-specific regulations.
2024-2025 Tennessee Deer Season Dates (Projected)
Based on recent years, here are the projected season dates. These are estimates—always confirm with official TWRA publications.
Unit A Season Dates
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Muzzleloader: Nov. 9-22, 2024
- Gun: Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Unit B Season Dates
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Muzzleloader: Nov. 9-22, 2024
- Gun: Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Unit C Season Dates
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Muzzleloader: Nov. 9-22, 2024
- Gun: Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Note that the Young Sportsman hunt is usually the weekend of October 26-27, 2024. All these dates are subject to change by the TWRA.
Getting Your Tennessee Hunting License and Permits
Before you even think about season start dates, you must have the correct license. All hunters must posses a valid Tennessee hunting license. Additional permits are required for deer.
- Basic Hunting License: Required for all hunters. Types include Annual Resident, Annual Non-Resident, and short-term licenses.
- Big Game Permit: This is mandatory to hunt deer, bear, and elk. It’s an add-on to your basic license.
- Type 094 License: If you’re a landowner hunting on your own property, you may qualify for this license.
- WMA Permit: If you plan to hunt on a Wildlife Management Area, you need this additional permit.
You can buy licenses online, at TWRA offices, or at many sporting goods stores. Carry them with you at all times while hunting.
Bag Limits and Harvest Reporting in Tennessee
Tennessee has specific bag limits to ensure sustainable deer herds. The limits vary by unit and by the type of antlered deer.
- Statewide Antlered Deer Limit: Two (2) per hunter per season, only one may be taken per day.
- Antlerless Deer Limits: These vary greatly by unit. Unit A allows more, Unit C allows fewer. Check the specific regulations for the county you hunt in.
- Antler Point Restrictions: In most units, an antlered deer must have at least two points on one antler OR a minimum antler length. Know these rules before you shoot.
Harvest Reporting is Mandatory. You must report your deer harvest within 24 hours. You can do this via the TWRA mobile app or online. It’s a quick process that provides vital data for wildlife managers.
Pre-Season Scouting and Preparation
Knowing when the season starts is half the battle. The other half is being ready. Start your scouting early, ideally in late summer.
- Get Maps: Use topographic maps, aerial photos, and on-the-ground knowledge. Look for funnels, saddles, and food sources.
- Look for Sign: Scout for rubs, scrapes, tracks, and bedding areas. Trail cameras are invaluable for patterning deer movement.
- Set Stands Safely: Hang your stands well before the season. Practice entering and exiting quietly. Always use a safety harness.
- Check Your Gear: Inspect your bow, firearm, or muzzleloader. Sight them in. Wash your hunting clothes in scent-free detergent.
Don’t forget to pattern your movement as well. Think about wind direction and access routes that won’t disturb the area you plan to hunt.
Effective Hunting Strategies for Tennessee Terrain
Your tactics should match your unit. The rolling hills of Unit A require a different approach than the steep mountains of Unit C.
Hunting in Unit A (West TN)
Focus on agricultural edges. Deer move from daytime bedding in woodlots or CRP fields to feed in soybean and corn fields in the evening. Find the trails connecting these areas. A stand near a primary trail in a funnel is often very effective.
Hunting in Unit B (Middle TN)
This is mixed terrain. Look for oak ridges dropping down to creek bottoms. Acorns are a major draw here. Scout for white oak acorns specifically, as deer prefer them. Setting up on a bench halfway down a ridge can intercept deer moving between bedding and food.
Hunting in Unit C (East TN)
This is big woods hunting. Deer densities are lower, so scouting is critical. Focus on saddles, the heads of hollows, and old logging roads. Find isolated food sources like a persimmon grove or a small patch of white oaks. Patience is key in these vast public lands.
Understanding Deer Behavior Through the Season
Your strategy should change as the season progresses. Deer are not acting the same in October as they are in November.
- Early Season (Archery, Sept-Oct): Deer are in summer patterns, focused on food sources like agricultural crops and early-dropping acorns. Hunt near these food sources in the evening.
- Pre-Rut (Late Oct – Early Nov): Bucks are becoming more active, making scrapes and starting to seek does. This is a great time for rattling and grunt calls.
- Rut (Peak in Mid-Nov): During the gun season opener, breeding is often in full swing. Bucks are moving all day. Hunt funnels and doe bedding areas.
- Late Season (Dec – Jan): Deer are pressured and food-driven again. Find secure thermal cover near a reliable food source, like a standing crop field or a south-facing oak flat.
Safety and Ethical Hunting Practices
Safety is the most important part of any hunt. Following these rules protects you and others.
- Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: Always control your muzzle and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Wear Blaze Orange: During gun and muzzleloader seasons, a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange is required, including a head covering.
- Use a Safety Harness: Every time you climb a tree, from the moment you leave the ground until you return.
- Tell Someone Your Plan: Always let a person know where you are hunting and when you expect to return.
Ethical hunting means taking clean shots, respecting property boundaries, and following all game laws. It also means using as much of the animal as possible.
Field Dressing and Game Care in Tennessee
Once you’ve harvested a deer, proper care is essential for quality meat. Tennessee’s early season can be warm, making quick action critical.
- Field Dress Immediately: Gut the deer as soon as it is safe and legal to do so. This cools the carcass rapidly.
- Tag It: Your harvest tag must be notched and attached to the deer before you move it.
- Get It Cool: If the temperature is above 40°F, get the deer to a cooler or skin and quarter it to promote heat loss.
- Report Your Harvest: Remember, you must report your kill through the TWRA system within 24 hours.
Having a sharp knife, game bags, and a plan for transportation are key parts of your pre-season checklist. Don’t get caught without them.
Public Land Hunting Opportunities
Tennessee offers exellent public hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and National Forest land. These areas provide access for everyone.
- Check WMA Regulations: Each WMA may have specific season dates, check-in requirements, and special drawing hunts. The “WMA Permit” is required.
- Go Deep: On public land, pressure is highest near roads. Hiking further in can lead you to less pressured deer.
- Scout After the Season: Use the off-season to find sign without disturbing hunting areas. Look for rubs and scrapes that indicate buck activity.
Popular WMAs include Cherokee, Laurel Hill, and the massive Cherokee National Forest in Unit C. Be prepared for more competition but also for the chance at a great hunt.
FAQ: Tennessee Deer Hunting Season
What is the first day of deer season in Tennessee?
The first day varies by weapon. Archery season typically opens last in September. Muzzleloader starts in early November, and gun season usually opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Can you hunt deer year round in Tennessee?
No. Deer season is closed for most of the year to protect the herd. There is no legal “year-round” deer hunting season in Tennessee.
What are the deer hunting dates in Tennessee for this year?
You must consult the current year’s Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide from the TWRA. The dates in this article are projections; official dates are set by the agency each spring.
How many deer can you kill in Tennessee?
The statewide limit is two antlered deer. The number of antlerless deer (does) you can take depends on the county and unit you are hunting in. Always check the specific regulations.
Do I need a license to hunt on my own land in Tennessee?
Yes, you do. However, qualifying landowners may be eligible for a Type 094 license, which has different requirements and fees.
Is Sunday hunting allowed in Tennessee?
Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted on private land and on most public hunting areas across the state. Always verify for specific WMAs, as some may have restrictions.
Finaly, the best way to ensure a successful season is to do your homework. Know the exact dates for your unit, buy the right licenses, scout thoroughly, and hunt safely. The woods of Tennessee offer a fantastic opportunity, and being prepared is the first step to making the most of it. Good luck out there.