Tennessee is having its annual Free Hunting Day on Saturday, giving locals a chance to hunt without a license. The event, designed to garner interest in hunting, falls on the opening day of the state's squirrel season. According to a release by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), they're encouraging veteran hunters to use this day to introduce friends and family to the sport, all in the name of tradition and outdoor bonding.
With the TWRA's endorsement, Free Hunting Day aligns with another noteworthy event – the archery-only antlered deer hunt on private lands and selected Unit 1 wildlife management areas, happening from Friday to Sunday. Hunters intent on taking advantage of the license exemption should be aware that certain regulations still apply, especially regarding newly removed Unit CWD areas where firearms and muzzleloaders are off the table.
Residents can step out into numerous WMAs open on Saturday, but hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements are not just flying out the window. Explicit permission is still a must for those aiming to hunt on private property. Spanning from the first day of the season right through March 15, 2026, hunters can bag up to 10 squirrels a day, with hunting hours stretching from half-hour pre-sunrise to half-hour post-sunset. Stepping foot into hunting territory comes with its rules; hunter education requirements are steadfastly in place. According to the TWRA's release, anyone born on or after January 1, 1969, must have a hunter education under their belt or hold an Apprentice Hunter Permit.
This one-day escape from bureaucracy is not for the uninformed; the TWRA has made it clear that all hunters need to be up to speed on their hunter education. For additional details on Tennessee's hunting regulations or to learn more about the hunting culture, head to the TWRA website or get in touch with the closest regional TWRA office. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, ever-watchful over the state's fish and wildlife, stands as a reminder that the agency isn't just there to control populations – they're also arbiters of public safety on both land and waterways.
