Are you planning a hunting trip in the “Volunteer State?” Tennessee archery season offers hunters exciting opportunities for deer, elk, turkey, and small game. Tennessee also has one of the longest hunting seasons in the country.
Tennessee (TN) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Statewide bag limits for antlered bucks are one per day and two per season, and legal bucks must have 3-inch antlers at a minimum. It’s important to note that hunting albino deer in Tennessee is illegal. Tennessee also offers plenty of year-round season options for small game and turkey hunting.
When does Archery Season Start in TN?
Tennessee Deer Seasons
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August Season August 26-28
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Archery September 24-October. 28 / October 31-November 4
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Young Sportsman October 29-30 / January 14-15
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General Season November 19-January 8
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Private Lands Only Only available in Unit L January 9-13
Tennessee Elk Seasons
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Archery September 24-September 30
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Young Sportsman October 1-7
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General Season October 8-14
Tennessee elk quota hunts require specific permits.
Tennessee Turkey Seasons
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Fall Archery September 24-October 28 / October 31-November 4
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Spring 2023 Young Sportsman April 8-9
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Spring 2023 General Season April 15-May 28
Fall turkey hunting is limited to specific counties in Tennessee. Spring seasons have reduced bag limits and shortened seasons.
Tennessee Small Game Seasons
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Squirrel August 27-March 15 / May 13-June 11
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Rabbit November. 5-February 28
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Bullfrog Open season
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Raccoon September 17-February 28
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Grouse October 8-February 28
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Quail November 5-February 28
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Coyote Open Season
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Groundhog Open Season
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Striped Skunk Open Season
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s legal archery hunting hours are from 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in TN
For more information on licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
Tennessee Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for at least 90-days. Full-time, non-resident students and active-duty military personnel are considered residents. All residents aged 13 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 13 or older must have a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Tennessee residents and non-residents aged 10 to 12 need a hunter education certificate to hunt but no license. Residents and non-residents aged 13 to 15 must buy a junior hunting license.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Tennessee residents aged 65 or older can apply for the reduced-fee Annual Senior Citizen Hunting License or the Permanent Senior Hunting License.
Disability Licenses
Disabled Tennessee residents are eligible for specialty licenses.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Tennessee can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is Tennessee residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase until the end of February of the following year. Tennessee residents can purchase a lifetime hunting license.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
