GuidedHunts

When is Deer Season in Tennessee?

Updated June 202656 packagesFrom $20017 outfitters

Quick answerTennessee's deer season typically begins with an archery-only velvet hunt in late August, followed by the main archery season opening in late September. For 2026, the special velvet hunt runs from August 28-30, and the general archery season opens on September 26.

Tennessee offers hunters several opportunities to pursue whitetail deer, starting with archery seasons in the late summer and fall. A special, three-day archery-only season for velvet bucks is scheduled for August 28-30, 2026. Following that, the primary archery season opens on September 26, 2026, and runs until at least October 30, with some units extending to November 6.

While specific dates for muzzleloader and rifle seasons vary, it's important to know the regulations for each method. Muzzleloaders must be .36 caliber or larger. For modern rifle season, hunters can use centerfire rifles and handguns, though full metal jacketed ammunition is prohibited. Air guns of .35 caliber or larger that use a pre-charged pneumatic firing mechanism are also legal.

Planning a trip around these seasons can provide a fantastic hunting experience. Whether you're targeting a velvet buck in the August heat or a rutting whitetail in the fall, Tennessee's long archery season offers plenty of flexibility. Top-rated outfitters like Spartan Hunting Preserve and Standing Rock Hunting Lodge specialize in creating memorable Tennessee deer hunts.

With dozens of packages available from experienced guides, you can find a hunt that fits your budget and schedule. Guided trip prices can range from a few hundred dollars to more comprehensive, all-inclusive packages. To find the perfect guided deer hunt in Tennessee, browse and compare trips from the state's best outfitters.

Deer seasons in Tennessee

Season dates

Deer19 seasons

SeasonZone / RegionMethodDatesLimits
August Archery Only (Velvet) HuntStatewidearcheryAug 28 – Aug 30Bag1 per daySeason2
Archery Deer SeasonStatewidearcherySep 26 – Oct 30Bag1 per daySeason2
Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3archerySep 26 – Nov 6Bag3 per day
Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 4TN Deer Unit 5TN Deer Unit 6archerySep 26 – Nov 6Season4
Young Sportsman Deer HuntStatewidearchery, muzzleloader, rifleOct 31 – Nov 1Bag1 per daySeason2
Young Sportsman Deer HuntTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3archery, muzzleloader, rifleOct 31 – Nov 1Bag3 per day
Young Sportsman Deer HuntTN Deer Unit 4TN Deer Unit 5TN Deer Unit 6archery, muzzleloader, rifleOct 31 – Jan 10Season2 antlerless deer for the four days combined
Archery Deer SeasonStatewidearcheryNov 2 – Nov 6Bag1 per daySeason2
Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonStatewidearchery, muzzleloaderNov 7 – Nov 20Bag1 per daySeason2
Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3archery, muzzleloaderNov 7 – Nov 20Bag3 per day
Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 4TN Deer Unit 5TN Deer Unit 6archery, muzzleloaderNov 7 – Nov 20Season2
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonStatewidearchery, muzzleloader, rifleNov 21 – Jan 3Bag1 per daySeason2
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3archery, muzzleloader, rifleNov 21 – Jan 3Bag3 per day
Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 4TN Deer Unit 5TN Deer Unit 6archery, muzzleloader, rifleNov 21 – Jan 3Season2
Young Sportsman Deer HuntStatewidearchery, muzzleloader, rifleJan 9 – Jan 10Bag1 per daySeason2
Young Sportsman Deer HuntTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3archery, muzzleloader, rifleJan 9 – Jan 10Bag3 per day
Straight-Walled Rifle Deer SeasonStatewiderifleNov 14 – Nov 20Bag1 per daySeason2
Straight-Walled Rifle Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 1TN Deer Unit 2TN Deer Unit 3rifleNov 14 – Nov 20Bag3 per day
Straight-Walled Rifle Deer SeasonTN Deer Unit 4TN Deer Unit 5TN Deer Unit 6rifleNov 14 – Nov 20Season2

Elk3 seasons

SeasonZone / RegionMethodDatesLimits
Elk Archery-Only SeasonTN Elk ZonearcherySep 26 – Oct 2Season1 antlered elk per permit
Elk Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery SeasonTN Elk Zonearchery, muzzleloader, rifleOct 3 – Oct 9Season1 antlered elk per permit
Elk Young Sportsman SeasonTN Elk Zonearchery, muzzleloader, rifleOct 10 – Oct 16Season1 antlered elk per permit
⚠️Regulation data is sourced from official state agency records and may not reflect recent changes. Always confirm current rules with your state wildlife agency before hunting. TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) ↗ · Last verified June 2026

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