Tennessee’s 2026 archery-only white-tailed deer season and fall turkey hunting season opened Saturday, Sept. 26, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The early archery deer season runs through Oct. 30, followed by another hunting period from Nov. 2-6 after Young Sportsman weekend.
For fall turkey, the archery season runs Sept. 26-Oct. 30 and Nov. 2-6. The shotgun/archery season runs Oct. 17-30.
Fall turkey hunting is open in all Tennessee counties except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton and Wayne.
More than 100 wildlife management areas and refuges across Tennessee are open for hunting at various times. Hunters should check area-specific regulations before hunting, as rules can vary by location.
Hunters must have the appropriate licenses and permits, and specific regulations and license requirements apply. Private land is also open for hunting, but hunters must obtain permission from the landowner before accessing private property.
The 2026-27 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide contains hunting regulations and information about wildlife management areas. The guide is available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online through TWRA and through the TWRA On the Go app.
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