Tennessee Bow Hunting: Mountain Whitetail & Elk
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
September 23
Archery Season Close
January 15
Min Draw Weight
40 lbs
Resident License
$34/yr
Non-Resident License
$140/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Elk, Wild Turkey, Black Bear
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Cherokee National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
Eastern TN mountains. 2 separate ranger districts. Remote hunting with creek bottom access.
Catoosa WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Cumberland Plateau. Tennessee's premier public deer hunting area. Quality deer management.
Big South Fork NRRA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
KY/TN border. Gorge country with rim hunting. Underused and holds quality deer.
⚖️ Tennessee Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 40 lbs
- •Tennessee elk hunting in northeast TN — limited draw tags
- •Sunday hunting allowed
- •Archery season extends into January — prime late-season hunting
💡 Expert Tips for Tennessee
- →Tennessee's elk herd in the northeast is growing — start accumulating preference points for elk tags
- →Cumberland Plateau WMAs (Catoosa, North Cumberland) provide excellent quality deer hunting
- →The rut in middle Tennessee peaks around November 5–15
- →Bear bowhunting in Cherokee National Forest is an underrated opportunity
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide