When is Tennessee Deer Season?
Are you looking to hunt deer in Tennessee but don't know where to start? Whether you're new to hunting or an experienced individual, with changing regulations and rules, it's essential to stay informed and ensure you're aware of how to hunt legally and sustainably. That said, it can be hard to know where to begin, so read on to discover all about deer season in Tennessee and the must-know information that will keep your hunting legal and licensed.
Tennessee Deer Season Basics: Dates, Zones, and Licenses
As with most regions that allow hunting, it’s essential first to determine which zone you wish to hunt in; each zone has slightly different dates, rules, and regulations, so it’s best to familiarize yourself before the deer hunting season commences. In Tennessee, there are six units, with Unit 1 on the left-hand side of the state, and Unit 6 on the right-hand side; the other units fill in the gap.
Once you know which unit you would like to hunt in, you must check the legal hunting dates and determine the license you will require. Unless you are exempt, you absolutely need a permit to hunt legally in Tennessee. If you are a resident of Tennessee, you can purchase a resident license. However, if you do not live in Tennessee, you’ll need to buy a non-resident license.
There are exemptions to these requirements, so it’s best to thoroughly research the rules before engaging in hunting. There are also various places where you can purchase a license. Still, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, 100% of license dollars go towards supporting wildlife conservation in the state, which means that the hunting community within the state is also aware of the importance of conservation.
The prices of the license also vary depending on age and circumstance. For example, a non-resident annual deer hunting license is $305 for an adult, while a resident yearly license is listed at $165. Without the proper permit (excluding exemptions), it’s illegal to hunt, so be aware.
Season Types and Hunting Unit Dates
Some license options are not annual, meaning you can obtain a license for a shorter period, such as 7 days, rather than the whole year. But what’s the point of getting a permit if you don’t know when you can hunt? The season types depend on the weapon that you’re using.
Archery
The archery season runs from September 27 to October 24, 2025, and then reopens from October 27 to November 7, 2025. In August, you can hunt via archery, but only if hunting on private lands and specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Muzzeloader and Archery
If you want to hunt with a Muzzleloader, then the season begins on November 8-21, 2025.
Gun, Muzzleloader, and Archery
If you want to incorporate shooting with a gun into your hunting, then you need to wait until November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
Young Sportsman
The Young Sportsman season runs from October 25 to October 26, 2025, and January 10 to 11, 2026. These short days provide young people (aged 6-16 years old) with the opportunity to experience hunting with an adult; however, numerous rules and regulations must be researched before participating. For example, the accompanying adult must be non-hunting and be able to take immediate control if required.
License Requirements and Tagging Rules
Tagging is crucial in every Tennessee hunting unit, and you are required to “tag before you drag”. It’s a legal requirement for everybody, including landowners and people exempt from license requirements, to tag your deer either physically or using your smartphone before midnight on the day it was hunted. This must also be done before being gifted to another person or leaving the state. In the meantime, you must affix a temporary transportation tag and keep evidence of the animal’s antlered status and sex until it’s checked in.
You should never be hunting without a license, so be aware that resident permits can be purchased by:
People who have a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID.
People living in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days (provided they supply the necessary documentation).
Military personnel on active duty in Tennessee (and children under 16 years of age).
Students who are enrolled in a Tennessee school or college.
Non-residents who were born in the state of Tennessee.
Hunter Safety and Legal Considerations
To hunt in Tennessee, all hunters (residents and non-residents born on or after January 1, 1969) must have proof that they have completed a Hunter Education course. Fortunately, all Hunter Education certifications from other states are accepted. This is to ensure maximum awareness and safety. It's also generally essential to make sure you don't contribute negatively to the environment and have all the necessary gear.
It’s also crucial to remain aware of the broader legal considerations involved in hunting, not just the licenses. For example, you need to ensure that you know what antlered and antlerless deer specifications are required before hunting.
For antlered deer, they need at least one antler that is a minimum of 3 inches in length. For all units, you can take no more than two antlered per season. For antlerless deer, these should be with no antlers or antlers less than 3 inches in length. There is also a bag limit per Deer Management Unit (DMU), so be aware of these regulations also before hunting.
Tip: Be sure to bring the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Refrigerator Freezer to keep your drinks and snacks fresh throughout your hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Deer Can You Tag in TN?
The number of deer you tag depends on the number of deer you kill. However, for antlered deer, you can only hunt up to two per year, so you can only tag two. For antlerless deer, this changes somewhat and depends on the unit and season you hunt in.
Can You Bait Deer in Tennessee on Private Land?
Hunting by baiting deer in Tennessee is currently illegal, including on private land, and will not be legal until the 2026/2027 hunting season. However, even once it is legalized, there will still be a Deer Bait Privilege License that you will need to pay for before starting, which could range from $50 to $100, depending on your resident status.
Responsible Hunting Requires Knowledge, Preparation, and the Right Gear
Ultimately, Tennessee can be a wonderful place to hunt, whether alone or with others, offering a variety of seasons to choose from. However, you must familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations, from licenses to tagging, first. Once you have, don't forget to invest in an EcoFlow RAPID Pro X Power Bank to keep your phone powered up in case of emergencies or tagging.