Tennessee Hunting

If you’re a hunting enthusiast seeking an authentic outdoor experience, look no further than the picturesque landscapes of Tennessee. Known as one of America’s most traditional hunting states, Tennessee offers a diverse range of game, from deer and turkeys to elks and small game animals. However, before you venture into the wilderness, it’s crucial to understand the hunting regulations that ensure ethical and sustainable hunting practices. In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of Tennessee’s hunting regulations, covering everything from clothing requirements to license permits. Let’s embark on a journey through the world of Tennessee hunting.

Hunter’s Clothing Requirements

When it comes to hunting attire in Tennessee, safety and visibility are paramount. All hunters and their companions are required to wear an outer garment with an orange color that is visible from the head, chest, and back regions. This rule applies during daylight hunting of games in firearm seasons, muzzleloader firearm seasons, or elk and bear firearm seasons. However, exceptions are granted for dove and waterfowl hunting seasons.

Mesh materials are permissible for hunter clothing, provided the mesh weave doesn’t exceed ¼ of the measurements. Even if you’re donning an orange garment, a small pattern of other colors is acceptable. Violating these clothing requirements can result in penalties.

Tennessee Shooting Hours

Hunting during appropriate hours is essential for both safety and ethical reasons. For most game species in Tennessee, shooting is allowed during daylight hours, starting 30 minutes prior to sunrise and ending 30 minutes after sunset. While these hours generally apply, certain exceptions exist for games like opossums, frogs, coyotes, and raccoons.

Opossums and raccoons can be hunted during the day or night, except during modern firearm deer hunting season when night hunting is permissible for these species.

Prohibited Hunting Methods

Tennessee’s hunting regulations prohibit various methods to ensure responsible and sustainable hunting practices. Some of these restrictions include:

• Discharging firearms across major roads or highways.
• Using vehicles to take or attempt to take game or wildlife (with exceptions for hunting from boats).
• Chasing turkey, elk, and deer with dogs or on horseback, except for fall turkey season.
• Taking swimming game.
• Feeding bears directly or indirectly.
• Using explosives, fire, smoke, chemicals, or gas to hunt.
• Baiting game animals in wildlife management areas (WMAs).
• Using electronic calls or decoys for deer and elk hunting during firearm seasons.

Open Carry While Hunting

Tennessee’s gun laws allow open carry while hunting, provided firearms are handled according to regulations. Additionally, the state has enacted hunter harassment laws to safeguard hunting activities. These laws prohibit deliberate interference or disturbance of hunting activities related to fishing, trapping, and similar pursuits.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags

To engage in hunting activities in Tennessee, you must obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and tags. Let’s explore some of the options available:

• Tennessee Annual Fishing License: Grants access to hunting seasons for residents and non-residents at different costs.
• One Day and 7 Days Hunting Licenses: Valid for a specific duration and available for residents and non-residents.
• Annual Youth Hunting License: Designed for youth between ages 12 and 15.
• Shooting Area License: Required for hunting with firearms in specific areas.
• Annual Trapping Licenses: Necessary for trapping certain game species.
• Landlord/Tenant Trapping Licenses: Mandatory for trapping on private properties.
• Hunting and Fishing Combination License: Allows both hunting and fishing privileges.
• Sportsman Hunting and Fishing License: Covers various permits and permits for residents.
• Senior and Disabled Sportsman License: Tailored for senior and disabled residents.

Deer and Turkey Permits

Deer and turkey hunting enthusiasts have a variety of permits to choose from, each with specific bag limits and costs. Examples include:

• Statewide Deer Permit: Allows hunting in all parts of the state with bag limits.
• Youth Deer Hunting Permit: Designed for youths aged 12 to 15.
• Additional Deer Permit: Provides extra opportunities for residents and non-residents.
• Spring Statewide Turkey Permit: Allows turkey hunting in various regions.

Hunting Seasons in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a wide range of hunting seasons, each tailored to different game species and weapons. Key hunting seasons include:

• Deer Hunting Seasons: Encompasses various firearm and archery seasons.
• Elk Hunting Seasons: Different seasons for bulls and cows.
• Turkey Hunting Seasons: Includes spring and fall seasons.
• Small Game Hunting Seasons: Covers various game species like crows, squirrels, grouse, and more.

Tennessee Wildlife and Games

The state boasts a rich diversity of wildlife and game, offering thrilling opportunities for hunting enthusiasts:

• Tennessee Deer Hunting: Bag limits, antler specifications, and restrictions.
• Turkey Hunting in Tennessee: Abundant wild turkey population and hunting opportunities.
• Elk and Quail Hunting: Focusing on elk in the eastern region and quail on preserves.
• Pheasant Hunting and More: Limited pheasant hunting but plenty of game farms.

Tennessee Hunting Shooting Ranges

For those seeking target practice and honing their shooting skills, Tennessee offers several public shooting ranges:

• Stones River Hunter Education Center
• Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area and State Forest
• Smoky Mountain Sports Club
• Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area Firing Range
• Montlake Classic Clays and more

Hunting Lands for Sale and Lease

Hunters looking for hunting lands have options for purchase or lease in Tennessee. Some available lands include:

• Hurricane Mills (Humphreys County) – 32.51 acres
• Hampshire (Lewis County) – 281.59 acres
• Tennessee (Hickman County) – 225.02 acres
• Deer Lodge (Morgan County) – 1,932 acres
• Outstanding recreational and hunting property in North Central Tennessee, Whitleyville, Tennessee (Clay County) – 1,184 acres
• Greeneville (Greene County) – 52 acres
• A premier hunting opportunity located in Indian Mound, Tennessee (Stewart County) – 2,000 acres
• And more lands available for lease

Tennessee’s hunting regulations aim to strike a balance between preserving wildlife and providing opportunities for responsible hunting. As you embark on your hunting adventure in this beautiful state, ensure you are well-informed about the specific regulations for the game you wish to pursue. Happy hunting!

Conclusion

Tennessee stands as a prime destination for hunting enthusiasts seeking a traditional and fulfilling hunting experience. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and well-regulated hunting practices, the state offers a plethora of opportunities for both residents and non-residents alike.

Tennessee’s hunting regulations are designed to ensure the preservation of wildlife while promoting ethical and sustainable hunting practices. From mandatory hunter-orange clothing requirements to prohibitions on certain hunting methods, the regulations prioritize safety and conservation.

FAQs

1. Is wearing hunter orange mandatory in all hunting seasons in Tennessee? Yes, wearing hunter orange is compulsory during daylight hunting of games in firearm seasons, muzzleloader firearm seasons, or elk and bear firearm seasons. However, exceptions are granted for dove and waterfowl hunting seasons.

2. Are electronic calls allowed for hunting turkeys in Tennessee? No, it is a prohibition to use electronic calls or possess such devices during hunting seasons for elks, deer, and turkeys.

3. Can I hunt bears and wild turkeys with bait in Tennessee? No, it is a prohibition to hunt bears and wild turkeys with bait or in areas where bait is already present. However, areas with grains or feed substances due to wildlife management or farming practices are not prohibited for hunting.

4. What are the shooting hours for most game species in Tennessee? Shooting hours are generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. However, there are exceptions for certain games like opossums, frogs, coyotes, and raccoons.

5. Where can I find public shooting ranges in Tennessee? Some public shooting ranges in Tennessee include the Stones River Hunter Education Center, Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area and State Forest, Smoky Mountain Sports Club, and more.