Youth Hunting In Tennessee

Help the hunting tradition stay alive by sharing your passion for the outdoors with youth!

Youth ages 6–16 may participate in Young Sportsman Hunts (excluding elk hunts—see the elk hunting section). Each young sportsman must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device and who must also comply with fluorescent orange regulations as specified for legal hunters during deer and bear hunts. Multiple youth may be accompanied by a single non-hunting adult. 

• Youth ages 6–9 are not required to have a license or hunter’s education certification.
• Youths 10–12 must meet hunter education requirements or have an Apprentice Hunter Education Permit. 
• Youth 13–15 must meet the requirements for youth 10–12 listed above, and have a valid hunting license and a Migratory Bird Permit if hunting waterfowl.
• Youth 16 must meet the requirements for youth 10–12 listed above, and have the appropriate supplemental license (Waterfowl, Gun, Archery, or Muzzleloader) and a Federal Duck Stamp if hunting waterfowl.
• Everyone who hunts on a WMA is required to have a WMA permit except Sportsman License holders and youths under 16 hunting small game and waterfowl when accompanied by an adult with a  valid permit.

Deer Hunts Season Dates and Regulations

Bear Hunts Season Dates and Regulations

Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunts Season Dates and Regulations

Turkey Hunting Season Dates and Regulations

Wildlife Management Areas - Hunting Information