Tennessee Turkey License: What License do You Need to Hunt Turkey in Tennessee?

Tennessee is oftentimes regarded as one of the top Turkey states in the country. Known for it’s diverse hunting opportunities and healthy populations, Tennessee offers hunters a great chance to hit the woods each spring. In this article, we aim to cover what type of license you need, the permits involved, season dates, bag limits, and other important considerations to ensure a safe, lawful (and hopefully successful) hunting experience in the Volunteer State.

Do You Need a License to Hunt Turkey in Tennessee?

To hunt turkey in Tennessee, hunters must first obtain a valid hunting license issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). This requirement applies to both residents and nonresidents during the designated spring or fall turkey seasons.

In addition to the base hunting license, turkey hunters must also purchase the Supplemental Big Game License or hold a license that includes big game privileges, such as the Sportsman License. This additional license is required for the legal harvest of turkeys and ensures compliance with state wildlife regulations.

Hunter education certification is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, prior to purchasing most hunting licenses. However, Tennessee also offers an Apprentice Hunting License, which allows hunters age 10 and older to hunt under supervision without completing hunter education for up to three years.

To legally hunt turkey in Tennessee, you must:

• Purchase a valid Tennessee hunting license (resident or nonresident)

• Obtain the Big Game Supplemental License (unless already covered by a Sportsman license)

• Complete a hunter education course if born on or after January 1, 1969, or use an Apprentice License if eligible

These requirements support ethical, safe hunting and help conserve Tennessee’s wild turkey populations for future generations.

Season Dates for Turkey in Tennessee

In general, seasons are broken down into spring and fall seasons. Exact dates vary year to year, so check TN’s regulations for exact dates before hitting the woods.

Spring Turkey – Tennessee runs a youth-only weekend followed by the general spring season. Exact dates are set each year by TWRA and may include county- or area-specific adjustments.

Fall Turkey – Tennessee also holds fall seasons (typically archery and shotgun/archery) with dates set annually. Availability and rules can vary by county and on WMAs.

Check before you go – Always confirm the current-year dates and any local/WMA restrictions on TWRA’s website before planning your hunt.

Bag Limits and Legal Hunting Methods

TWRA sets strict limits to keep turkey populations sustainable. Limits differ between spring and fall and apply statewide (public and private lands). All turkeys count toward your statewide limit—no bonus birds on WMAs. Turkeys must remain intact in the field until tagged and checked (Game Check). 

Spring Turkey (statewide)

• Daily limit: 1 male turkey per day

• Season limit: 2 male turkeys; only one may be a jake

• Hens: All hens (including bearded hens) are illegal

• Check/tag: Follow TWRA’s “Tag Before You Drag” procedures and Game Check requirements. 

Fall Turkey (statewide)

• Season limit: 1 male turkey; no bearded hens

• Dates and county openings are set annually—confirm each year.

Young Sportsman Hunts (Ages 6–16)

• Limit: Same daily rule as spring (1 male per day), and harvests count toward the spring season limit of 2 (only one jake total). Youth must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult 21+ who can take immediate control of the hunting device. 

Legal Hunting Methods (turkey only)

• Allowed: Shotguns with No. 4 shot or smaller; archery equipment (longbow/recurve/compound/crossbow); airbow during statewide turkey gun seasons.

• Prohibited for turkey: Rifles, handguns, electronic calls, live decoys, baiting. (See TWRA for full list and any WMA-specific rules.) 

Reminder: Always check TWRA’s website and current Turkey page and Seasons Summary for that year’s dates, open counties, and any WMA exceptions before you go.

Where Can You Hunt Turkey in Tennessee?

Tennessee offers turkey opportunities on private land (with landowner permission) and on many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) managed by TWRA. Some WMAs follow statewide seasons and limits, while others use restricted dates, quota hunts, or special rules—always check the specific WMA page before you go. 

Use TWRA’s WMA maps and TWRA Lands Open for Hunting map to find huntable areas and see permit needs and boundaries. Many hunters will also need a WMA permit in addition to their license (Sportsman license holders are exempt).

Not every WMA allows turkey—Reelfoot WMA, for example, is closed to spring and fall turkey hunting—so verify each area’s page for openings, closures, and any day-of-week limits. 

Beyond WMAs, large tracts of Cherokee National Forest are open to hunting within legal seasons (with federal-site restrictions around developed recreation areas). Parts of the forest are also designated as Cherokee WMA, which carries WMA-specific rules—review both USFS and TWRA notices before hunting.

For planning, start with TWRA’s Turkey page and WMA listings, then confirm current-year dates, bag limits, and any quota-permit requirements.

Meet Hunter Education Requirements

Hunter education is a critical component of Tennessee’s wildlife conservation and safety efforts. To purchase a Tennessee hunting license, most hunters born after January 1, 1969, must have completed an approved hunter education course.

The course covers essential topics such as firearm safety, wildlife identification, ethical hunting practices, and state regulations. Completion certificates are required when applying for a hunting license.

There are exceptions for hunters under a certain age or those hunting under direct supervision of a licensed adult. However, it is recommended that all hunters complete the education course to ensure safe and responsible hunting.

For more information and to find approved hunter education courses in Tennessee, visit https://recademics.com/hunting/Tennessee.

How to Buy a Tennessee Hunting License

You can purchase your Tennessee hunting license for Turkey through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Licenses are available both online and in-person at authorized vendors such as sporting goods stores and TWRA offices.

To buy online, visit the official TWRA licensing portal where you can select the appropriate hunting license and Turkey permit, complete the application, and pay securely. The system will issue your license electronically, which you can print or carry on a mobile device.

In-person purchases allow you to receive assistance from staff and obtain physical copies of your license and permits immediately.

For detailed step-by-step instructions and additional information on obtaining a Tennessee hunting license, visit https://recademics.com/blog/hunting/how-to-get-a-hunting-license-in-Tennessee/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Turkey permit in addition to a hunting license in Tennessee?

Yes, in Tennessee, hunters must have both a valid hunting license and a Turkey permit to legally hunt Turkey during the season. This is also referred to as the big game endorsement. 

Are nonresidents required to have a Tennessee hunting license to hunt Turkey?

Yes, nonresidents must purchase a Tennessee hunting license and the Turkey permit to hunt Turkey legally in the state.

Is hunter education mandatory to buy a Tennessee Turkey license?

Hunter education is required for hunters born after January 1, 1969, before purchasing a hunting license in Tennessee. To learn more or find course options, visit https://recademics.com/hunting/tennessee/.

Where can I find official season dates for Turkey hunting in Tennessee?

Official season dates are published annually by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and can be found on their website.

Can I hunt Turkey on public lands in Tennessee?

Yes, Turkey hunting is allowed on designated Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands, provided you have the proper licenses and follow all regulations.