Tennessee hunting seasons
Season dates for 2026-27, straight from the TWRA regulations — starting with what you actually want to know.
Open right now in
Tennessee
Deer Opens Aug 28 14 days away Turkey Opens Sep 26 43 days away Duck Opens Sep 12 29 days away Dove Opens Sep 1 18 days away
Dates checked against the TWRA regulations Aug 13, 2026.
Deer season
| Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Gun / Muzzleloader / Archery Dates are the same in all six deer units — it's the antlerless bag limit that changes by unit. Check TWRA's unit table. | Statewide | Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 |
| Archery Closed Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 for the young sportsman hunt. | Statewide | Sep 26 – Oct 30; Nov 2 – Nov 6 |
| August Archery Private lands in the counties TWRA names for the early hunt — check the unit listing. | Statewide | Aug 28 – Aug 30 |
| Muzzleloader / Archery | Statewide | Nov 7 – Nov 20 |
| Young Sportsman | Statewide | Oct 31 – Nov 1; Jan 9 – Jan 10 |
| Single Shot Rifle Straight-wall cartridge rifles, private lands only. | Statewide | Nov 14 – Nov 20 |
Turkey season
| Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Shotgun / Archery Open counties only — check TWRA's county listing. | Statewide | Oct 17 – Oct 30 |
| Spring Season | Statewide | Apr 3 – May 16 |
| Fall Archery | Statewide | Sep 26 – Oct 30; Nov 2 – Nov 6 |
| Spring Young Sportsman | Statewide | Mar 27 – Mar 28 |
Duck season
| Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Early Wood Duck & Teal | Statewide | Sep 12 – Sep 16 |
| Regular Season | Statewide | Nov 28 – Nov 29; Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 |
| Youth Waterfowl Days Two Saturdays, for hunters 6–16. | Statewide | Feb 6; Feb 13 |
| Veterans & Active Military Days | Statewide | Feb 7; Feb 14 |
Dove season
| Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Opening day is afternoon-only — shooting starts at noon on Sept. 1. | Statewide | Sep 1 – Sep 28; Oct 10 – Nov 1; Dec 8, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 |