Tennessee hunting seasons cover very different landscapes, species, weapons, and permit systems. A statewide date may be only the first layer. Deer management units, wildlife management areas, quota hunts, and species-specific rules can all affect when and how you hunt.
The calendar below highlights the major 2026-27 opportunities most useful to hunters planning a trip. Always check the current TWRA season summary and the rules for the exact property before hunting.
Tennessee Hunting Season Quick Calendar
| Species or season | Key 2026-27 dates |
|---|---|
| Wood duck and teal | September 12-16, 2026 |
| Ducks, coots, and mergansers | November 28-29, 2026, and December 5, 2026-January 31, 2027 |
| Canada goose | September 1-20, October 10-22, November 28-29, 2026, and December 5, 2026-February 14, 2027 |
| Deer archery | September 26-October 30 and November 2-6, 2026 |
| Deer muzzleloader and archery | November 7-20, 2026 |
| Deer gun, muzzleloader, and archery | November 21, 2026-January 3, 2027 |
| Fall turkey archery | September 26-October 30 and November 2-6, 2026 |
| Spring turkey, general season | April 3-May 16, 2027 |
These dates are a planning summary, not a substitute for the Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. Bag limits and open areas can vary by species, unit, and property.
Tennessee Waterfowl Seasons
For most waterfowl travelers, the regular duck season is the central date range. Tennessee opens ducks, coots, and mergansers for two days on November 28-29, followed by the main stretch from December 5 through January 31. Youth waterfowl dates are February 6 and 13, 2027. Veterans and active-duty military dates are February 7 and 14.
The statewide daily duck limit is six, subject to species restrictions. Tennessee also uses separate dates and limits for geese. The Light Goose Conservation Season runs February 15-March 31, 2027, with special rules and a required free permit.
Near Reelfoot Lake, local property rules can add another layer to the statewide calendar. A hunter planning a guided trip should confirm the hunt dates, license package, and access arrangements before traveling. Our overview of Tennessee hunting types explains the guided waterfowl experiences available in the region.
Tennessee Deer Seasons
The main statewide deer calendar begins with archery on September 26. Muzzleloader and archery run November 7-20, followed by the gun, muzzleloader, and archery season from November 21 through January 3.
Deer rules depend heavily on the management unit. Antlerless limits differ across Units 1 through 6, and some dates apply only to private land or selected WMAs. West Tennessee hunters also need to understand Chronic Wasting Disease carcass-transport rules. The CWD Management Zone includes counties west of the Tennessee River, so visiting hunters should know which carcass parts may be moved before leaving the area.
Tennessee Turkey Seasons
Fall turkey opportunity is more restricted than the spring season. Archery dates run September 26-October 30 and November 2-6, 2026. The fall shotgun and archery season runs October 17-30, but several counties are closed, including Lake and Obion counties in the Reelfoot Lake area.
The statewide spring youth hunt is March 27-28, 2027. The general spring season runs April 3-May 16. Public-land exceptions may apply, and spring hunters may take only legal male turkeys within the statewide limit. Review the exact turkey regulations before choosing a county or WMA.
Build Your Trip Around More Than an Opening Date
A legal season does not automatically mean a specific blind, WMA, or private property is open. Confirm four points before you travel:
- The statewide season is open for your species.
- Your unit, county, or WMA has no additional closure.
- You have the correct license, stamp, HIP registration, or quota permit.
- Your equipment and planned hunting hours comply with species rules.
For waterfowl hunters, location and weather are just as important as the calendar. Reelfoot Lake’s cypress habitat creates a distinct setting for Tennessee duck hunting, while a dedicated flooded timber hunt places hunters where ducks work through shallow water and trees.
Plan a Tennessee Waterfowl Hunt
Once you confirm the legal dates, compare trip length, lodging, meals, transportation, and guide services. Waterfowl Unlimited offers guided options near Reelfoot Lake, with current details on the hunt pricing page. Choose your dates early, verify regulations again before departure, and arrive ready for the conditions rather than a fixed idea of how the morning should unfold.
