Tennessee Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Tennessee.
Overview
Tennessee offers exceptional outdoor opportunities across mountains, forests, rivers, and reservoirs.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Whitetail deer (archery, muzzleloader, gun)
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Black bear (regional seasons)
- Elk (limited quota)
- Small game (squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail)
- Waterfowl (duck, goose)
- Fishing seasons (trout, bass, catfish, crappie)
Licensing
Tennessee requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (annual, 1-day, combo)
- Big game license (deer, bear, turkey)
- Elk quota permits
- Waterfowl stamps
- Harvest reporting (TWRA Check-In)
Key Species
- Whitetail Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Turkey
- Elk (limited)
- Bass, Crappie, Catfish
- Trout (stocked & wild)
Public Land & Access
Tennessee offers extensive public land access through WMAs, national forests, and major reservoirs.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- Cherokee National Forest
- Land Between the Lakes (LBL)
- State forests & natural areas
- Boat ramps & fishing piers
- Quota hunts & special permits