Tennessee Deer Season 2023-2024 New Dates & Rules!

The Tennessee Deer Season 2023-2024 holds promise for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike, offering a chance to connect with nature and participate in the time-honored tradition of deer hunting. Deer hunting is a popular fall tradition in Tennessee, with ample opportunities to hunt whitetail and other deer species across the state. Here is a detailed guide to the latest Tennessee deer hunting seasons, regulations, limits, and license info.

Tennessee Deer Hunting Season Dates

Several deer hunting seasons occur in Tennessee from August through January:

Season TypeUnitSeason Dates
AugustAAug. 25–27
Archery (A)ASept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)AOct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)ANov. 4–17
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryANov. 18–Jan. 7
AugustBAug. 25–27
Archery (A)BSept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)BOct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)BNov. 4–17
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryBNov. 18–Jan. 7
AugustCAug. 25–27
Archery (A)CSept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)COct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)CNov. 4–17
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryCNov. 18–Jan. 7
AugustDAug. 25–27
Archery (A)DSept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)DOct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)DNov. 4–17
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryDNov. 18–Jan. 7
AugustLAug. 25–27
Archery (A)LSept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)LOct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A)LNov. 4–17
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryLNov. 18–Jan. 7
Private Lands Only (G/M/A)LAntlerless deer only
AugustCWDAug. 25–27
Archery (A)CWDSept. 23–Oct. 27
Young Sportsman (G/M/A)CWDOct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14
Gun/Muzzleloader/ArcheryCWDOct. 30–Jan. 12 and Jan. 15–31

TN Elk Season

Archery:

  • Season Dates: Sep 30 – Oct 6, 2023
  • Permits: 7
  • Bag Limit: 1 antlered elk

Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery Young Sportsman (resident only, ages 13-16):

  • Season Dates: Oct 7 – 13, 2023
  • Permits: 1
  • Bag Limit: 1 antlered elk

Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:

  • Season Dates: Oct 14 – 20, 2023
  • Permits: 7
  • Bag Limit: 1 antlered elk

Tennessee Deer Bag Limits

Deer bag limits in Tennessee depend on the deer hunting unit:

Unit A:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 4
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlered bag limit: 2 deer

Unit B:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 4
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlered bag limit: 1 deer

Unit C:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 4
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 1
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlered bag limit: 1 deer
  • Private Lands Only3 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day

Unit D:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 4
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 2
  • Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 1
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlered bag limit: 1 deer
  • Nov. 18- 24 only:
    • Antlered bag limit: 1 deer

Unit L:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Muzzleloader/Archery (M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Private Lands Only3 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day

Unit CWD:

  • Archery (A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Young Sportsman2 (G/M/A):
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day
  • Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery:
    • Antlerless bag limit: 3/day

Tennessee Deer Hunting Regulations

When hunting deer in Tennessee, you must follow these rules and regulations:

  • Purchase required licenses, permits, and tags. Carry with you while hunting.
  • Wear fluorescent orange during gun seasons if required.
  • Only harvest deer with legal methods and equipment for each season.
  • Do not exceed the antlered and antlerless bag limits set for your deer unit.
  • Report all deer harvested within 48 hours.
  • No hunting from a moving vehicle, boat, or machine.
  • No driving deer with organized drivers.
  • Get permission to hunt private land. Do not trespass.
  • Follow restrictions on tagging, transporting, and checking deer.

Tennessee Deer Hunting Permits and Licenses

To hunt deer in Tennessee, you need:

  • Hunting and Fishing Combination License – $36 residents, $156 non-residents
  • Annual Sportsman License – $200 residents
  • Applicable deer permits for archery, muzzleloader, gun seasons
  • Federal duck stamp and HIP permit if waterfowl hunting

Here are some FAQs related to “Tennessee Deer Season 2023-2024”:

What are the different deer hunting seasons in Tennessee for 2023-2024?

Tennessee’s 2023-2024 deer hunting seasons comprise multiple units. August 25–27 is archery (A) season, while Sept. 23–Oct. 27 and Oct. 30–Nov. 3 are the following seasons. Young Sportsman (G/M/A) seasons are Oct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14. The M/A season runs from Nov. 4–17, and the Gun/M/A season runs from Nov. 18–Jan. 7. Units B, C, D, and L have similar seasons and dates. From Aug. 25–27, Unit L has a Private Lands Only (G/M/A) antlerless deer season. Unit CWD also offers Archery (A) seasons from Aug. 25–27, Young Sportsman (G/M/A) seasons on Oct. 28–29 and Jan. 13–14, and Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery seasons on Oct. 30–Jan. 12 and Jan. 15–31.

What is the bag limit for antlered and antlerless deer in Tennessee?

The antlered deer bag limit is 2 per season in most units, 3 in Unit CWD. Antlerless deer limits range from 1-4 per season depending on the unit. Unlimited antlerless deer can be taken in Unit CWD.

What licenses and permits do I need to hunt deer in Tennessee?

You need a hunting/fishing combo license or annual sportsman license plus applicable deer permits for each season you hunt (archery, muzzleloader, gun). Additional permits required for youth under 16.

When do I have to wear orange when deer hunting in Tennessee?

Hunter orange is required during muzzleloader and gun deer seasons in Tennessee. Archery hunters are exempt. Check regulations for exact requirements.

How soon do I need to tag and report my harvested deer in TN?

Deer must be tagged immediately after harvest and reported within 48 hours, either online or by phone.

What is the minimum age for deer hunting in Tennessee?

The minimum age to hunt deer in TN is 6 years old. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.

Season & Rules source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

James Ellis

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