The statewide deer hunting season has come to a close except for the second young sportsman hunt which will be Saturday and Sunday, January 11 & 12.
During the gun season, sportsmen may also use muzzleloaders or archery equipment. The statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is two. No more than one antlered deer may be taken per day, not to exceed two for the season.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1969 is required to carry proof of satisfactory completion of a hunter education class or be in possession of the apprentice hunter education permit along with other required licenses while hunting any species in Tennessee. Hunter education can be completed online for free along with in-person options offered by the TWRA.
“The youth hunt is the same as the statewide season,” said TWRA officer Colt Elrod. “If you are a youth and you have not killed your two bucks, or killed one and want to harvest a second buck, you can do that. Its for gun, muzzleloader, archery. Pretty much all the state rules apply but its for youth only. If you are a parent you can accompany your child on the hunt but you can’t harvest a deer. Its for youth through the age of 16. Once you are 10 years old you need to have your hunter safety credentials and if not you have to get the apprentice hunter safety license. If you are under age 13, get your Junior hunt & fish license,” said TWRA Officer Elrod.