Tennessee Spring Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 11

Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season is set to open Saturday, April 11 and will run through Sunday, May 24, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

A Young Sportsman Hunt will be held the weekend prior, April 4–5.

All 95 counties in Tennessee are open for the spring turkey season, although some restrictions may apply on certain public lands. Hunters are encouraged to review the Wildlife Management Area section of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2025–2026 Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific details.

State regulations allow hunters to harvest one male turkey per day, with a maximum of two for the season. Only one of those birds may be a jake. Hens, including bearded hens, are illegal to harvest.

Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Approved equipment includes shotguns using No. 4 shot or smaller, as well as longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Devices that use artificial light to locate wildlife are prohibited.

Officials are reminding hunters to follow “Tag Before You Drag” guidelines by tagging harvested turkeys before moving them. Hunters can use the “TWRA on the Go” mobile app to electronically tag and report their harvest, even without cell service.

Those without access to a mobile device must attach a temporary transportation tag from their license and complete check-in online or at a designated check station by midnight on the day of harvest.

Hunters who harvest a banded bird are asked to report the information to TWRA using the contact details provided on the band.

Additional information on the 2026 spring turkey season, including regulations and licensing, is available online at tnwildlife.org or through GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.