Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide
What's New For 2024 – 2025
There are several important changes for the 2024–2025 hunting and trapping seasons.
Deer Hunting
• New deer management units adopted as part of a new management framework.
• There is no longer a "Unit CWD".
• Statewide antlered bag limit of two (2).
Turkey Hunting
• New turkey management units adopted as part of a new management framework.
• Statewide spring season bag limit of two (2)male turkeys, no bearded hens allowed.
• Fall season closed in select counties.
• New quota hunt opportunity on Tumbleweed WMA.
Bobcats and Coyotes - New Night Hunting Season
• Private land only, requires landowner permission (written, text, or email).
• One bobcat per night, no limit on coyotes.
• Hunting with dogs is prohibited.
• 2024 Season Dates: Aug. 1–Aug. 11
• 2025 Season dates: Jan. 18–March 9. and June 7–August 10.
• Shotgun only, no single projectile.
• Night vision and thermal imaging devices allowed.
Bear Hunting
• New Spring bear dog training season for Zones 1, 2, and 3 for private lands only.
• New private land only two-day gun hunt added in Zone 4. Dogs allowed.
• New Bear Hunt Zone 5 was created in Hawkins and Hancock counties.
Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA
• Created four (4) quail quota hunts.
• One-day hunts with a bag limit of three (3) birds per person.
WMA Properties
• New Catoosa Ridge Refuge, a 1,750-acre property adjacent to Catoosa WMA.
• Arnold Hollow WMA was removed from the WMA system.
• Hardin's Creek WMA was removed from the WMA system.
• The placement of salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on WMAs is prohibited.
• Dogs must also be restrained on WMAs unless hunting or training.
• No person shall be in possession or under the influence of any alcoholic beverage while on Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, or other Wildlife Resources Agency-controlled lands.