Turkey is not classified as small game in Tennessee. Instead, it is considered big game along with animals like deer, elk, and bear. However, there are some similarities and overlap between turkey hunting regulations and small game regulations in Tennessee.
Turkey as Big Game
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) clearly defines turkey as big game. The turkey hunting regulations and information are listed under the big game section on the TWRA website, not the small game section.
Some key pieces of evidence that turkey is classified as big game
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Turkey seasons and limits are set separately from small game seasons, There are specific spring and fall turkey hunting seasons with their own dates and bag limits,
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There are regulations specific to turkey hunting that differ from small game hunting, such as ammunition restrictions and checking harvests in the TWRA Game Check System.
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Turkey hunters are required to carry different licenses and permits than small game hunters. A combination license or annual sportsman license covers both, but small game can be hunted with a basic hunting license while big game requires additional permits.
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The elusive nature and wariness of wild turkeys makes hunting them more similar to big game species than small upland game birds.
So in the regulations and the eyes of wildlife managers, turkey is definitively categorized as big game in Tennessee.
Overlap with Small Game Regulations
Even though turkey is considered big game, there are some areas where the turkey hunting regulations overlap with small game:
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Hunters are allowed to use shotguns and archery equipment for both turkey and small game. The same weapons can be used with some ammunition differences.
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Turkeys can be hunted with dogs in some counties, which is more common for small game. Using dogs for big game like deer is prohibited.
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The hunting hours for turkeys follow the same sunrise-sunset hours as small game rather than specific hours like those for deer hunting.
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Youth hunters have additional opportunities to hunt turkeys and small game compared to other big game.
So while turkey hunting has its own specific seasons and limits, the methods and hours align more closely with small game hunting in Tennessee. The equipment, dogs, hours, and youth opportunities create some parallels between turkey hunting and pursuing small game.
Turkey is classified by wildlife managers as a big game species in Tennessee based on the separate seasons, bag limits, licenses, and hunting strategy. But there are some overlaps with small game regulations in the legal hunting methods and hours. The similarities come from turkey being an upland game bird despite being managed as big game. Overall, it is considered big game for regulatory purposes but shares some small game characteristics as well.
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Turkey is officially classified as big game, not small game
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Turkey hunting has separate seasons, licenses, and checking requirements from small game
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Hunting strategy is more similar to big game
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Legal firearms, archery equipment, dogs, and hours align more with small game
So while turkey falls into the big game category, small game hunters will find some familiarity in the turkey hunting regulations in Tennessee. But when looking at the seasons, licenses, and management, it is clear that turkey is considered big game.
Big Game Hunting Regulations
Big game animals include deer, turkey, bear, and elk
Fluorescent Orange: Hunters must wear on the upper portion of their body and head a minimum of 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange (blaze orange), visible front and back while hunting big game except on archery-only and turkey hunts. A hat and vest fulfill the requirements. Blaze orange camo is legal if it contains 500 square inches of fluorescent orange. In those areas where the archery-only deer season dates overlap with another big game gun season (i.e., bear) archers are required to wear 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange.
Field Dressing Big Game: Evidence of species or sex of big game animals and antlered status (if applicable) must not be destroyed and remain with the animal while afield. Normal field dressing, quartering, and icing down of the meat are permitted. Turkeys must remain intact until tagging and check-in are complete.
Big Game Found Dead: All big game found dead should be left where found and do not need to be reported unless someone wants the game for personal use or consumption. Persons wanting to possess big game, except bears, accidentally killed by a motor vehicle for personal use or consumption are required to notify TWRA or a local law enforcement agency within 48 hours. Personal possession of a bear accidentally killed by a motor vehicle is only lawful once a TWRA enforcement officer issues a possession tag for it. Reporting of sick deer or deer behaving strangely is not required, but it is encouraged. Reports may be made at tn.gov/twra/sickdeer.
Any vehicle in which an illegally possessed big game animal is found is subject to confiscation.
Albino Deer: Hunting, trapping, or possession of albino deer is prohibited as set forth in TCA 70-4-130. An albino deer is a deer with a lack, or significant deficiency, of pigment in the skin and hair, and has pink eyes.
Mississippi River Flood Closure: When the Mississippi River at Caruthersville gauge reaches 34 ft. all big game hunting will close in the Mississippi River Floodwaters Zone (on private and public land) and will remain closed until the Mississippi River drops below 34 ft. at the Caruthersville gauge.
Small Game for Big Fun
FAQ
Is turkey considered big or small game?
What is considered a small game in Tennessee?
Is wild turkey small game?
When can you shoot a turkey in Tennessee?
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.
Why is turkey hunting so popular in Tennessee?
No big is as large as the nesting wild turkeys in Tennessee, which is part of the reason that turkey hunting is so rewarding. While the bird only has enough power to fly a short distance, this limited mobility is an advantage for local hunters. The state natively has an eastern subspecies, which Native Americans and early settlers used as food.
Where do turkeys come from in Tennessee?
Most of the high harvest numbers come from 10 counties dispersed throughout central Tennessee. Central Tennessee has the most turkeys by location, which is probably why 10 separate counties collectively reported the greatest harvest of turkeys last year. Maury County had one of the best hunting seasons last year, with 1,087 turkeys harvested.
How many turkeys are harvested in Tennessee?
Dickson County followed behind with 784 turkeys harvested. With over 2 million acres available to publicly hunt from, hunters in Tennessee have many different spots to choose from. The land is split into national forests, wildlife management areas, and public hunting areas.