Tennessee’s muzzleloader/archery season for deer opens on Saturday, Nov. 3, and continues through Friday, Nov. 16, in all three of Tennessee’s deer hunting units, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The statewide bag limit for antlered bucks is three. No more than one antlered deer may be taken per day. Hunters are allowed the following antlerless bag limits: Unit A -4 antlerless deer; Unit L-3 antlerless deer per day and Unit B-1 antlerless deer.
For the exact boundaries of the different deer units, hunters can refer to the2012 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide, available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at all TWRA offices. The guide can also be viewed at TWRA’s website atwww.tnwildlife.org.
Muzzleloading firearms of .36 caliber minimum, plus long bows, compound bows and crossbows are legal hunting equipment for this season.
Resident hunters, ages 16 through 64 must possess in addition to other appropriate licenses, an annual big game license for the equipment used. Lifetime Sportsman license, Junior Hunt/Trap/Fish, Adult Sportsman license and Permanent Senior Citizens license holders are not required to purchase supplemental big game licenses.
In addition to private lands, including public hunting areas, several wildlife management areas (WMAs) will be open to hunters during this muzzleloader season. Hunters need to refer to the 2012 Hunting and Trapping Guide for a listing of these WMAs or go to TWRA’s website.
Tennessee’s gun season for deer opens on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year’s date is Nov.17.