Useful information, reminders to know before statewide gun season for deer opens Saturday
JACKSON, Tenn. — Deer season begins this Saturday, November 22 and runs until January 4, 2026.
The types of weapons used between this period include guns, muzzleloaders, and archery, hunters will need to check for specific dates for each classification.
White tail deer are the most common big game in Tennessee.
Breeding season is also coming up for these animals and Jeremy Dennison with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says that hunters should expect to see more deer this year.
“With that peak of a breeding season coming up, there should be an increase as far as harvest,” said Dennison.
There are regulations that hunters must follow with deer season.
According to the TWRA, hunters statewide have only a limit of two antlered deer this season and this limit extends to only harvesting one per day.
- In DMUs 1, 2, and 3, the antlerless bag limit is three per day.
- In DMUs 4, 5, and 6, the limit is two antlerless for the season.
Bag limits may only be exceeded through the Earn-A-Buck program or when taking a replacement buck in a CWD-positive county.
Another reminder for hunters: anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must carry proof of hunter education or have an Apprentice Hunter Education Permit (along with required licenses) while hunting in Tennessee.
Hunter education is available online for free and through in-person classes offered by TWRA.
There are also safety tips to remember before heading out to deer hunt and Dennison says one of the most important tips is clothing.
“Wear 500 square inches of hunter orange on your head and body that can include a hat and a vest to satisfy those requirements,” said Dennison.
He also urges hunters to use a harness if they are using a tree stand. If you are looking for a hunting spot, the TWRA has multiple locations across West Tennessee and you can find these locations on the TWRA website.
Chickasaw State Forest and Natchez Trace State Forest are the largest locations in our area.
TWRA recommends that all hunters pick up the 2025–26 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. It includes license requirements, bag limits, and county details for each DMU.
To learn more about specific hunting dates, locations, or safety tips, visit the links below.
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