Open in all counties, except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne counties are closed.
During the fall turkey season, a turkey hunter may not be in possession of both archery equipment and shotguns and/or rifles. Any turkey harvested during the fall season counts toward the statewide bag limit of one (1).
For those looking forward to turkey hunting season in Tennessee, having the season dates handy is key to planning your perfect hunt. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about when you can pursue wild turkeys in Tennessee for both spring and fall seasons.
Overview of Tennessee Turkey Seasons
Tennessee offers turkey hunting opportunities in both the spring and fall. The seasons are:
Spring Turkey Season
- Youth Season: April 5-6, 2025
- Statewide Opening Day: April 12, 2025
- Closing Day: May 25, 2025
Fall Turkey Season
- Archery Only: September 28 – October 25, 2024 and October 28 – November 8, 2024
- Shotgun/Archery: October 12-25, 2024
So those are the basic seasons, but let’s get into the specifics surrounding dates, limits, regulations, and more.
Spring Turkey Season Dates and Limits
The popular spring turkey season runs from youth weekend in early April through late May.
Youth Season
The special youth weekend is April 5-6, 2025. All hunters must be between ages 6-16. Bag limit is one bearded turkey per day, not to exceed two total in the season, and only one can be a jake. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.
Opening Day
The statewide opening day is Saturday, April 12, 2025 for all hunters.
Closing Day
The season closes on May 25, 2025.
Daily & Season Bag Limits
The statewide daily limit is one bearded turkey of either sex. The total season limit is two bearded turkeys, only one of which can be a jake.
Fall Turkey Season Dates and Limits
While the spring season gets more attention, don’t overlook fall turkey opportunities!
Archery Season
The archery-only season runs September 28 – October 25, 2024 and October 28 – November 8, 2024.
Shotgun/Archery Season
The shotgun and archery season is October 12-25, 2024.
Bag Limits
The statewide limit is one bearded turkey of either sex for the entire fall season.
Turkey Hunting Regulations
Make sure you also follow these general turkey hunting rules in Tennessee:
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Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.
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Legal weapons include shotguns, archery equipment, crossbows, and airbows.
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All turkeys must be checked in using the Tag Before You Drag system.
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Various restrictions apply on some wildlife management areas so consult the hunting guides.
Are There Any Closed Counties?
Most counties are open for both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons in Tennessee. However, there are some exceptions:
Fall Closed Counties: Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne
No County Closures for Spring Season
Fall Turkey Bag Limit
One (1) male turkey.
All counties are open to spring turkey seasons, however there are some exceptions on public land (see WMA section for details). Birds may be harvested from any combination of Turkey Management Units, not to exceed the statewide season limit.
Young Sportsman1: April 5–6, 2025
Shotgun/Archery: April 12–May 25, 2025
BIG Changes for Tennessee’s 2023 Spring Turkey Season
FAQ
What day does turkey season open in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 13, and continues through Sunday, May 26. According to Roger Shields, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, hunter success may depend on what area of the state you will be hunting.
Can I hunt on my own land without a license in Tennessee?
* Landowner License Exemption: Persons hunting without a license under a farmland owner exemption must complete and sign a statement attesting where the property is located and how this land qualifies for a landowner exemption before hunting.
How many turkeys can you harvest in Tennessee?
One (1) male turkey per day, not to exceed two (2) per season, only one can be a jake.
Why is Tennessee turkey season so late?
After hearing growing reports of decreasing turkey populations, the Commission voted to delay the statewide turkey season to improve reproduction and nesting success.
Will Tennessee have a turkey hunting season in 2024?
What to know ahead of spring season Tennessee’s 2024 spring turkey hunting season is right around the corner. An estimated 117,680 hunters participated in Tennessee’s 2023 spring turkey hunting season, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
When is Tennessee’s spring turkey hunting season?
Tennessee’s spring turkey hunting season starts on Saturday, April 13, 2024 and continues through Sunday, May 26, 2024. According to Roger Shields, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, hunter success may depend on what area of the state you will be hunting.
Where can I find Turkey season dates & regulations?
TurkeySeason.com provides state by state turkey season dates and regulations through an interactive map of the United States. It is a one-stop source for every state’s turkey season information.
Will Tennessee have a good hunting season?
According to Roger Shields, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, hunter success may depend on which part of the state you will be hunting in the 2024 turkey season. Shields said, ‘I think with the early spring we appear to be having, we should have a decent season.’
Are all counties open to spring turkey season?
All counties are open to spring turkey seasons, however, there are some exceptions on public land. *Any turkey harvested during the Young Sportsman Hunt counts toward the statewide spring season limit of two (2). Ages 6-16. One (1) male turkey per day, which counts toward the statewide bag of two (2), only one can be a jake.
When can I Harvest a Turkey?
Any turkey harvested during the fall season counts toward the statewide bag limit of one (1). Hours: Thirty (30) minutes before legal sunrise to sunset. All counties are open to spring turkey seasons, however, there are some exceptions on WMAs and public lands. Birds may be harvestedfrom any combination of Turkey Management.