Deer Season Opens Saturday (9/26)

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reminds hunters that the state’s 2026 archery-only, white-tailed deer season and the fall turkey season open on Saturday, September 26th.

The early archery deer season runs from September 26th through October 30th followed by an additional November 2nd through 6th segment after the Young Sportsman weekend. 

For fall turkey hunting, the archery season is September 26th through October 30th followed by an additional November 2nd through 6th and the shotgun/archery season is October 17th through 30th. Fall turkey season is open in all counties except Crockett, Dyer, Giles, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Shelby, Tipton, and Wayne.

Hunters must have the appropriate licenses and permits. Specific regulations and license requirements do apply. Private lands are also open for hunting. Before accessing private land, hunters must obtain permission from the landowner.