When Does Rifle Season Open in Tennessee? (2023-2024)

When Does Rifle Season Open in Tennessee?

The rifle season in Tennessee is a time-honored tradition for many hunters. It’s a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors, while also trying to bag a big buck. But when does rifle season actually open in Tennessee?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the specific game you’re hunting and the county in which you’re hunting. In general, though, rifle season in Tennessee opens on November 15th and runs through January 31st.

Of course, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, the rifle season for deer in the Northern Zone opens on November 1st, while the rifle season for deer in the Southern Zone opens on November 15th. And the rifle season for elk in Tennessee is only open for a few days in December.

So, if you’re planning on hunting in Tennessee this fall, be sure to do your research and find out when the rifle season actually opens in your area. That way, you can be sure to get out there and enjoy all that the great state of Tennessee has to offer.

Species	Date	Notes
Deer	November 11	Antlered bucks only
Elk	November 25	Antlered bulls only
Bear	October 1	No bag limit

Rifle Season Dates

• When does rifle season open in Tennessee? Rifle season in Tennessee opens on November 1st and runs through January 31st.
• When does rifle season close in Tennessee? Rifle season in Tennessee closes on January 31st.
• What are the dates for specific game species? The dates for specific game species vary, but here is a general overview:

• Deer: Rifle season for deer opens on November 1st and runs through January 31st.
• Elk: Rifle season for elk opens on November 1st and runs through December 31st.
• Bear: Rifle season for bear opens on November 15th and runs through January 31st.
• Turkey: Rifle season for turkey opens on April 1st and runs through May 31st.

Rifle Season Regulations

• What are the legal hunting hours? The legal hunting hours for rifle season in Tennessee are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• What are the legal hunting methods? The legal hunting methods for rifle season in Tennessee include:

• Hunting from a stand or blind
• Hunting from a tree
• Hunting from a ground blind
• Hunting from a vehicle
• Hunting with a spotter

• What are the bag limits for each game species? The bag limits for each game species vary, but here is a general overview:

• Deer: The bag limit for deer is one antlered buck per day.
• Elk: The bag limit for elk is one bull per year.
• Bear: The bag limit for bear is one bear per year.
• Turkey: The bag limit for turkey is two turkeys per day.

Rifle season in Tennessee is a popular time to hunt for a variety of game species. By following the legal hunting hours, methods, and bag limits, you can enjoy a successful and safe hunting season.

Additional Resources

• [Tennessee Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources](https://www.tn.gov/twra/)
• [National Rifle Association](https://www.nra.org/)
• [Safari Club International](https://www.safariclub.org/)

3. Rifle Season Preparation

Rifle season is a time for excitement and anticipation for many hunters. It is a chance to get out in the woods and pursue big game animals. However, before you can head out into the field, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

What gear do you need for rifle season?

The first step is to make sure you have all the necessary gear. This will vary depending on the type of game you are hunting, but some basic items include:

• A rifle that is appropriate for the game you are hunting
• Ammunition
• A scope
• A hunting license
• A hunting vest or coat
• A pair of boots
• A hat
• A pair of gloves
• A backpack
• A first aid kit
• A map of the area you will be hunting
• A compass
• A flashlight
• A fire starter
• A knife
• A whistle

How do you scout for game?

Once you have the necessary gear, the next step is to scout for game. This means finding out where the animals are located and what they are doing. You can do this by:

• Watching for signs of game, such as tracks, scat, and rubs
• Talking to other hunters
• Using a trail camera
• Hiring a guide

How do you plan your hunt?

Once you know where the game is located, you need to plan your hunt. This includes deciding when to hunt, where to hunt, and how to hunt.

• When to hunt: The best time to hunt depends on the type of game you are hunting. For example, deer are typically hunted in the early morning and evening, while elk are hunted during the day.
• Where to hunt: The best place to hunt depends on the type of game you are hunting and the terrain. For example, deer are typically hunted in wooded areas, while elk are hunted in open meadows.
• How to hunt: The best way to hunt depends on the type of game you are hunting and your own skill level. For example, deer can be hunted by still-hunting, stalking, or calling. Elk can be hunted by spot-and-stalk, driving, or using a bait pile.

4. Rifle Season Safety

Rifle season is a time for excitement, but it is also important to be safe. Here are a few safety rules to follow when hunting with a rifle:

• Always wear a hunter orange vest or coat when you are in the woods. This will help other hunters to see you and avoid accidents.
• Never point your rifle at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Treat every gun as if it is loaded, even if you know it is not.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the potential for ricochets.
• Know the local hunting laws and regulations.

Rifle season is a great time to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors. By following these tips, you can have a safe and successful hunting season.

When does rifle season open in Tennessee?

Rifle season for deer opens in Tennessee on November 15th and runs through January 1st.

What are the different types of deer hunting licenses available in Tennessee?

There are three different types of deer hunting licenses available in Tennessee:

• Resident licenses are available for people who live in Tennessee.
• Nonresident licenses are available for people who do not live in Tennessee.
• Youth licenses are available for people who are 16 years old or younger.

What are the requirements for each type of deer hunting license?

The requirements for each type of deer hunting license vary. For more information, please visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

Where can I hunt deer in Tennessee?

There are many different places to hunt deer in Tennessee. Some of the most popular hunting areas include:

• The Cherokee National Forest
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The National Forests of North Carolina
• The National Forests of Virginia

What do I need to know about hunting deer in Tennessee?

There are a few things you need to know about hunting deer in Tennessee. These include:

• You must have a valid hunting license.
• You must follow all applicable hunting laws and regulations.
• You must be aware of the different types of deer hunting methods and equipment.
• You must be prepared for the weather conditions.

How can I learn more about hunting deer in Tennessee?

There are a few different ways you can learn more about hunting deer in Tennessee. These include:

• Attend a hunter education course.
• Read books and articles about deer hunting.
• Talk to other hunters.
• Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.

  rifle season in Tennessee opens on November 15th and runs through January 31st. The season is divided into two parts, with the first part running from November 15th to December 15th and the second part running from December 16th to January 31st. The bag limit for deer is one buck per day, with a possession limit of two bucks. Hunters are required to wear blaze orange during rifle season.

This article has provided a comprehensive overview of rifle season in Tennessee. Hunters should be aware of the dates and bag limits, as well as the required safety gear. By following these guidelines, hunters can enjoy a safe and successful hunting season.