Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens on Saturday, April 11, and runs through Sunday, May 24, 2026. A special Young Sportsman Hunt will be held the preceding weekend of April 4-5. All 95 counties are open to hunting, though some public lands have specific exceptions detailed in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) 2025-26 Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide. Hunters may take birds from any combination of Turkey Management Units, but are limited to one male turkey per day, not to exceed two for the entire season, with only one allowed to be a jake (young male). An adult gobbler is legally defined by specific characteristics such as white barring on wing feathers to the tip, uniform tail feather length, a beard longer than 6 inches, or a spur at least ½-inch long. Harvesting hens, including bearded hens, is illegal.

Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until legal sunset. Permitted equipment includes shotguns loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, as well as longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Sighting devices are allowed on firearms and archery equipment, except those using artificial lights to locate wildlife.

Hunters must follow the “Tag Before You Drag” rule by tagging their turkey in the field before moving it. The easiest method is to use the “TWRA on the Go” app for immediate E-tagging and reporting, which works with or without cell service. If a phone is unavailable, hunters should attach a temporary transportation tag (printed on the license or obtained online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com) and complete the official check-in online or at a manned check station by midnight on the day of harvest (or before leaving the state).

Additionally, if a banded turkey is harvested, hunters should report the band information to the TWRA using the contact details on the band. For complete details on regulations, license requirements, and the season, consult the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide, available online at www.tnwildlife.org, at TWRA offices, or from license agents. Licenses can be purchased at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors, while also promoting public safety through law enforcement and education.