An estimated 117,680 hunters participated in Tennessee’s 2023 spring turkey hunting season, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
For hunters seeking the challenge of bagging a wild turkey Tennessee offers ample opportunities throughout state-wide spring and fall turkey seasons. Here’s a complete guide to when turkey season occurs in the state plus key dates and bag limits.
Overview of Tennessee Turkey Seasons
Tennessee hosts both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons to allow hunters to pursue wild turkeys during their peak activity periods
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Spring Turkey Season runs from mid April through late May This targets the peak breeding period when male turkeys are vocal and active
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Fall Turkey Season runs from late September through October. Fall hunting focuses on juvenile birds and non-breeding adult males before winter.
Turkey hunters can harvest one bearded turkey per day in both spring and fall, with certain seasonal bag limits outlined below. Read on for specific 2023-2024 Tennessee turkey hunting season dates and limits.
When is Spring Turkey Season in Tennessee?
The statewide Tennessee spring turkey season for 2023 is as follows:
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Youth Season: April 8-9, 2023. One bearded turkey per day, not to exceed two total.
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Regular Season: April 15 – May 28, 2023. Two bearded turkeys total, only one can be a jake.
Spring turkey hunting is open in all 95 Tennessee counties. Hunting hours run 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset each day.
The 2024 Tennessee spring turkey dates are similar:
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Youth Season: April 6-7, 2024
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Regular Season: April 13 – May 26, 2024
Bag limits and other regulations remain the same for 2024. Expect spring turkey season dates to be announced each December or January for the following year’s hunting.
What are the Fall Turkey Season Dates in Tennessee?
While less popular than spring, Tennessee also provides a fall turkey hunting season in certain regions:
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2022: October 15 – 28, 2022
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2023: October 14 – 27, 2023
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2024: October 12 – 25, 2024
The fall turkey season limit is one turkey of either sex per year. Only archery equipment can be used.
Fall turkey hunting is closed in certain middle and western Tennessee counties, so consult the TWRA hunting guide for open counties before planning your hunt.
What Turkey Hunting Regulations Apply?
All turkey hunters in Tennessee must follow these general regulations:
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Purchase appropriate licenses, permits and tags.
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Only hunt during legal hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
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Use legal weapons such as bows, shotguns with #4 shot or smaller, and airbows.
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Tag harvested turkeys before moving them from the harvest site.
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Do not use electronic calls or live decoys which are illegal.
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Follow rules on WMAs and other public lands if hunting there.
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Adhere to bag limits for each season.
Specific regulations are listed in the annual TN Hunting & Trapping Guide published each summer.
What Age Groups Can Hunt Wild Turkeys?
Turkey hunting in Tennessee is open to:
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Youth ages 6-16 during the special youth season weekends. Youth 10+ must have hunter education certification.
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All hunters ages 16+ for the regular statewide spring and fall turkey seasons. Hunter education required.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult 21+ years old. The accompanying adult must have hunting licenses unless on private land.
Where Can I Turkey Hunt in Tennessee?
Wild turkeys are well distributed across Tennessee, providing statewide spring hunting opportunities. Fall turkey hunting is limited to certain regions but most public and private lands open for spring turkey hunting also allow fall hunts.
Top turkey hunting spots include:
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National Forests: Cherokee, Chattahoochee and Nantahala offer excellent public land habitat.
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State Parks & WMAs: Most provide turkey hunting, notably Catoosa, Yuchi Refuge, Buffalo Ridge, Chuck Swan, and Cheatham.
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Private Farmland: Ask farmers for spring access along woods and field edges where turkeys congregate.
See the TWRA website for specific WMA regulations and opening dates. Good hunting access programs exist through TNWAs and H.U.F..
How to Get Started Turkey Hunting in Tennessee
New turkey hunters should:
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Research regulations and prepare for hunter education testing if required.
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Scout areas in early spring to find flocks and know the terrain.
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Purchase appropriate camo clothing, calls, decoys and other gear.
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Set up with an experienced turkey hunting mentor if possible.
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Review turkey identification, safe shooting, and ethical hunting practices.
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Practice calling techniques and shooting skills ahead of opening day.
With thorough preparation and scouting, new turkey hunters can experience the exciting challenge of this addictive spring hunting tradition in Tennessee’s extensive turkey range.
Get the Latest Tennessee Turkey Hunting Info
Stay up to date on turkey hunting seasons, rules, and tips by:
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Checking the TWRA website hunting section regularly
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Reading the annual TN Hunting & Trapping Guide
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Following TWRA news and announcements
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Connecting with local NWTF chapters
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Joining online Turkey hunting forums
Pursuing wild turkeys in Tennessee offers a thrilling test of skills for hunters eager to match wits with these crafty birds. Check the latest turkey hunting season info and get out in the spring woods to hear some gobbler talk!
Can you hunt turkey on your own land in Tennessee without a license?
Landowners are exempt from license requirements as long as theyre hunting on their own land and can show proof of ownership.
However, if a hunter is on someone elses private property, even with permission or with the landowner, they must have a license.
Do you need a license to hunt turkey in Tennessee?
A $33 supplemental license in addition to a hunting and fishing combination license is required for residents. Supplemental licenses vary depending on what kind of hunting equipment is used.
BIG Changes for Tennessee’s 2023 Spring Turkey Season
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Tennessee?
How many turkeys can you harvest in Tennessee?
Where is the best turkey hunting in Tennessee?
What license is required to hunt turkey in TN?
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?
NASHVILLE — 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 you hunt Turkey in Tennessee?
Tennessee has year-round regulations regarding hunting turkey. Each season has its advantages, depending on the preference of the hunter. To be eligible for turkey hunting, local hunters have to apply for the period they want to hunt. For spring hunting, the application process ends in mid-January.
When can you hunt a Turkey in Texas?
In Spring, every county permits turkey hunting with a few regulations. To hunt with a shotgun or archery, the permissible Spring dates occur from mid-April until the end of May. The specific dates depend on the year, but the 2024 season’s spring dates are April 13 to May 26. Local law allows Young Sportsman hunting the weekend before.