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Hunting in Tennessee

Proposed Changes to Public Land Duck Hunting

Big Game Hunting

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Small Game Hunting

 

TWRA REQUESTS PUBLIC INPUT ON 2021-22 HUNTING REGULATIONS CHANGES

The TWRA is now soliciting comments on the proposed slight changes to the 2021-22 hunting seasons’ regulations that were made at the April meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission. The changes proposed by the Agency were primarily related to Unit CWD regulations and additional hunting opportunities at Buffalo Ridge Refuge.

This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about the proposed hunting regulations with TWRA staff. A public comment period on the proposals will be open until May 14. The proposals can be viewed here.

Public comments will be considered by TWRA’s Wildlife Division staff and may be presented as proposals for regulation changes.  Comments may be submitted by mail to: Hunting Season Comments, TWRA, Wildlife Division, 5107 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 or emailed to TWRA.HuntingComments@tn.gov. Please include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject line of emailed submissions. 

Hunting seasons are set every two years. However, the commission is allowed to make amendments to the proclamation.

Hunters Tool Box

Antler Points by County | Harvest Biological Data Report |  Deer Harvest by County or WMA | Harvest by Species by County or WMA | Harvest by Species and County | harvest by Weapon Type | Turkey Harvest Report by County or WMA | Harvest reporting by Day-unit | Hunter Success by County | Statewide Hunter Success | Unit hunter Success | Harvest Map Graph | Harvest Biological Data Report Graph | Harvest Count by Antler Points Graph | Harvest Reporting by Day Graph | Historical Deer Harvest Graph Report

Hunters Toolbox Online Portal

Hunters for the Hungry

Hunters for the Hungry is a program administered and funded by Tennessee Wildlife Federation.    The Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the largest and oldest independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation in Tennessee. 

The TWF oversees the Hunters for the Hungry program to feed hungry Tennesseans and better manage the state’s deer herd. 

Hunters can donate whole deer that are processed for free or at a reduced rate at participating processors, and then provided directly to food banks in the area.

Since 1998, Hunters for the Hungry has provided millions of meals worth of healthy protein to Tennesseans in need!  You don't have to be a hunter or a processor to get involved with this program.  See the TWF's webpage for more detailed information.

To visit the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry page, click here.

Hunting Leases on Private Land

Leases for hunting rights can provide multiple benefits for both the landowner and the hunter or hunter group leasing the land.

Leasing land for hunting can certainly be a more affordable way to secure exclusive hunting access than purchasing land. Many hunters choose this route rather than face the uncertainties involved with hunting public lands or seeking permission on other private lands where the landowner may also allow others to hunt.

From a landowner’s perspective, leasing the hunting rights on your land can provide additional income. Since the leasing party is paying for the hunting rights, they have a vested interest in making sure trespassing and/or vandalism is not incurring from others. Often times, the person or group leasing the land may also be willing to perform land management operations, maintenance of gates and fences, or other actions of value as specified in the contract.

Having a detailed legal contract is in the best interest of both parties.