Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide

Licenses, Permits & Fees
Seasons Summary
Hunting Regulations
Small Game
Waterfowl & Migratory Bird
Big Game
Shooting Ranges
Public Land Hunting
Hunter Education
Where To Hunt
Fishing Regulations
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What's New For 2026 – 2027

There are several important changes for the hunting and trapping seasons.

Big Game Hunting

• Deer season dates: 

» Deer baiting on private land only

» New straight-walled rifle hunting opportunity

• CWD 

» CWD Management Zone updates

• Turkey season dates

» Earlier spring season start date

• Bear season dates

» Longer spring dog training season on private land in BHZ 1, 2, and 3

• Elk season dates

» Drone recovery for elk on North Cumberland WMA

Deer Baiting

• Private land only, and county restrictions do apply

Drone Recovery for Deer

• Private land only

Small Game and Trapping

• Year-round hunting of raccoon and opossum on private land only

• New trapping regulations 

• Year-round trapping of striped skunks

• Bobcat - Private lands only season

WMA Properties

• New Hatchie River WMA

• Individual WMA regulations

Other Hunting Lands

• Big South Fork hog regulations

• New State Park hunting opportunities

Report Wildlife Violations
TWRA has partnered with the FREE Hunt Regs App to help the public quickly find and understand the regulations specific to their target species and hunting location.
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