Gun hunting season for deer opens November 22
PRESS RELEASE FROM TWRA:
Gun Hunting Season for Deer Opens November 22
NASHVILLE —Ā Tennesseeās 2025-26 statewide gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, Nov. 22, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in all six of Tennesseeās Deer Management Units (DMU). The season traditionally opens each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
During gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloaders or archery equipment. The statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is two. No more than one antlered deer may be taken per day, not to exceed two for the season. In DMUs 1, 2, and 3, there is an antlerless bag limit of three per day, and in DMUs 4, 5, and 6, there is a limit of two antlerless for this season. The bag limit may only be exceeded as part of the Earn-A-Buck program or as a replacement buck in a CWD-positive county.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends all hunters obtain aĀ 2025-26 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties, and bag limits for each of the six DMUs. The guide is available on theĀ TWRA website, the TWRA On The Go Mobile App, and at locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, is required to carry proof of completion of a hunter education class or have the Apprentice Hunter Education Permit (along with other required licenses) while hunting any species in Tennessee.Ā Hunter education can be completed online for free,Ā along with in-person options offered by TWRA.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
For more local news, click here.
