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 huntadded 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 removed from the WMA system. Effective July 1, 2024.

• The placement of salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on WMAsis 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.