Hunting Season in Tennessee

Crisp air, rustling leaves, and the thrill of the chase – hunting season in Tennessee is a special time for outdoor enthusiasts. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned hunter or very new to the sport! The Volunteer State has a vast range of opportunities, starting right from pursuing white-tailed deer in the dense forests to bagging ducks in the rolling hills. If you’re looking to make the most of your hunting experience, consider joining guided hunting in Tennessee for expert-led excursions.

Essential Hunting Regulations

First things first, you’ll need a hunting license. You can grab one online through the TWRA website, or at most sporting goods stores. Make sure you get the right type of license for the game you’re after. For example, if you’re after duck hunts, you need the Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit.

Tennessee has specific regulations regarding the types of weapons you can use for different game species and seasons. You cannot go hunting if you don’t know about that crucial stuff! So, it’s pretty much mandatory to read through all the rules before heading out, and know what type of bow or firearm you’re allowed to equip in your particular case.

Any aspiring hunter should also be able to tell apart the differences between public and private land. Public lands, like Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), are open to everyone, but they can get crowded during popular seasons. Private lands require permission from the landowner.

Lastly, know that taking the help of local guides is nothing to shy away from. For example, guided duck hunting is pretty big in the coming season, and a bunch of people will be signing up.

Duck Hunting

So, duck hunting season is coming! We highly recommend going with duck hunting trips if you’re just starting out. When solo, you’ve got to know where to look, and timing is everything. These planned trips can take a lot of the frustration and homework out.

Whether you take help or go it alone, the good news is that the Volunteer State has plenty of prime waterfowl habitat. It’s got everything – flooded fields, timbered swamps, winding rivers, expansive lakes, you name it. If you play your cards right, you might just bag a limit of quackers without breaking a sweat!

Alright, let’s talk about the season itself.

The statewide season for wood duck and teal hunting is September 14 to 18. The daily bag limit is 6 (no more than 2 wood ducks). The ducks, coots, and mergansers season will also run on November 30 and December 1 in the winter, and then again from December 5 to January 31, 2025, later. During these winter seasons, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency clarifies the daily limit of ducks as “6 birds/day which may include no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be a female), 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, and 1 mottled duck.”

Assuming you’re ready to get your feet wet, there’s a lot on offer in Tennessee. But if you’re new, we recommend getting a little extra help with the regulations or finding those hidden honey holes by reaching out to local duck hunting guides. They can make all the difference in having a successful and enjoyable hunt.

Reelfoot Lake Duck Hunting Guide can be more than just an excursion partner. We can help you fully enjoy duck hunting in Tennessee without worrying about the finer details or brushing up on all the laws. We have the right insights, know the best lands, and can help streamline the process so you can focus on creating memories and hunting ducks! Get in touch with us today.