NASHVILLE —The first of two Tennessee young sportsman deer hunts for the 2026-2027 season will be held the weekend of October 31-November 1, 2026. Youth ages 6-16 may use a gun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment.
Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older, who must remain in position to take immediate control of the hunting device. The adult must also comply with the fluorescent orange/pink regulations as specified for legal hunters. A single qualifying adult may accompany multiple youth.
Youth ages 6-9 do not need a license or hunter education certification. Youth ages 10-12 must meet hunter education requirements or have an apprentice license. In addition to the requirements for youth ages 10-12, youth ages 13-15 must have a junior hunting license, and 16-year-olds must have the appropriate adult licenses.
Archery season began in the state on September 26, and the first segment ends October 30, the day before the young sportsman hunt. The second segment of archery-only season is Monday, November 2, through Friday, November 6. Muzzleloader/archery season starts November 7. New this year, hunters may use single shot rifles using straight-wall cartridges during the second week of muzzleloader/archery season, November 14-20, on private lands only. The statewide gun/muzzleloader/archery season has the traditional opening date of the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which this year is November 21, and will continue until January 3, 2027. The second young sportsman deer hunt is January 9-10.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recommends that all hunters obtain a 2026-2027 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide lists license requirements, the counties, and bag limits for each of the six deer management units. The guide is available on the TWRA website, the TWRA App, and at locations where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
