Attention all Tennessee waterfowl enthusiasts - the wait is almost over. Starting December 5, you can take to the fields and marshes as the statewide waterfowl hunting season kicks off, running through January 31, 2026, as reported by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Get ready to rise before the sun, as legal shooting begins half an hour prior to sunrise and closes at official sunset daily.
For hunters eager to lay out their decoys and call in ducks, know that you're limited to a daily bag of six, with specific species restrictions in place, The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's 2025-26 Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide details the nitty-gritty of these regulations, licenses, and limits and for federal guidelines, hunters should turn to page 58 of the same guide, don't forget to review these resources before heading out.
Beyond ducks, the season extends its embrace to other migratory birds; Canada goose season extends to February 14, while sandhill cranes can be hunted from December 3 until the end of January, yet close for a brief interlude January 16-18 in the Southeast Crane Zone, reopens January 19. And for those who tune to the rhythm of wings against the sky, mourning dove's third segment season is up in the air starting December 8 through January 15. All dates and details are listed on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's website for those wishing to study their upcoming hunts.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, dedicated guardian of the state's fish and wildlife, issues a reminder that safety trumps all; hunters take heed, ensure your boats are shipshape with all equipment checked and life jackets at the ready - every boat after dark needs to light up right, displaying the appropriate navigational lights until sunrise, it's just smart sailing and even smarter hunting. As stewards of the environment and proponents of public safety, the agency's role spans law enforcement and educational outreach, ensuring Tennessee's outdoor pastimes come with a commitment to conservation and safety for all.
