Tennessee's first young sportsman deer hunt of the 2024-25 season is set for Oct. 26-27. This event is for hunters aged 6-16, who can use a gun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. Each young hunter must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 21 or older, to ensure safety.

According to a recent announcement by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, hunters aged 6-9 don’t need a license or hunter education. Ages 10-12 must have hunter education or an apprentice license. Those 13-15 need a junior hunting license, and 16-year-olds must have the same licenses as adults

Before young hunters gear up for the season, the TWRA is reminding everyone to check out the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. This guide is essential for understanding the rules, regulations, and details of deer management across six defined units. It’s available on the TWRA website, via their app, or in print at places where hunting licenses and fishing bait are sold.

For archers who've been at it since Sept. 28, the season isn't over yet. The first phase of deer hunting wraps up on Oct. 25, right before the young sportsman hunt begins. After a short break that weekend, archers can resume from Oct. 28 to Nov. 8. Then, starting Nov. 9, muzzleloaders join in alongside bows. The statewide gun/muzzleloader/archery season kicks off on Nov. 23, as it does every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.