Latest dates for the duck Hunting Season Tennessee 2016-2017
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limits (Daily) | Possession Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks Coots Mergansers | Coastal Zone Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 24 West Zone Nov 14 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 31 East Zone Nov 21 tp Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 17 | Ducks 6 Coots 15 Mergansers 5 1 Mottled Duck 1 Black Duck 2 Canvasbacks 2 Redheads 2 Pintails 3 Scaup 3 Wood Ducks Max 4 mallards (Max 2 females) | 3 times daily bag limit |
| White Winged Doves Mourning Doves Ringed Turtle Doves Fully Dressed Eurasian Collared | South Zone Sept 5 to 13 Oct 10 to Dec 1 Dec 19 to Jan 15 North Zone Sept 5 to 27 Oct 10 to Nov 8 Dec 10 to Jan 15 | 15 | 45 |
| Woodcock | Dec 18 to Jan 31 | 3 | 9 |
| Green Winged Teal Blue Winged Teal Cinnamon Teal | Sept 12 to 27 | 6 | 18 |
| Clapper Rails King Rails | Sept 12 to 27 Nov 7 to Dec 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Virginia Rails Sora | Sept 12 to 27 Nov 7 to Dec 30 | 25 | 75 |
| Snipe | Coastal Zone Nov 2 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 28 West Zone Nov 2 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 28 East Zone Nov 2 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 28 | 8 | 24 |
| Gallinules | Sept 12 to 27 Nov 7 to Dec 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Geese | LIGHT GEESE West Zone: Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 7 East Zone: Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 7 Coastal Zone: Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Feb 7 CANADA GEESE: West Zone: Nov 14 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 31 East Zone: Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 31 Coastal Zone: Nov 7 to Dec 6 Dec 19 to Jan 31 | Light Geese: 20 White-fronted: 2 Canada geese: 1 | Light Geese: None White-fronted: 6 Canada geese: 3 |
North Carolina Canada Goose Zones Map
Duck hunting is a famous sport that is loved by many. Every year hundreds of people from all over the country participate in the duck hunting season for their own reasons. Some like the fact that they can hunt for their own food and take pleasure in that, while others simply love it for the sport. Regardless of the reason why you are a part of the duck season, one thing is for certain – you want to have more information about it and be better prepared. Tennessee is one of the best states for hunting because of the many waterfowl-flooded lakes and other water bodies. But before you take part in the Tennessee duck season there are a few things that you need to know.
Regulations
All of the duck hunters out there should be aware of the TN hunting regulations and why should they comply. First off, there are a lot of protected species of waterfowl, wading birds, and other birds that tend to fly alongside the many species of waterfowl which can legally be hunted during the hunting season in Tennessee. Such species are protected by both state and federal law, and cannot be legally hunted anywhere in the area of the state.
The best way that you can prevent an accidental shooting of a protected species is by careful study. In order to help the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency prevent any accidental shootings of protected species it is for the best that you familiarize yourself as best as you can with the protected species.
The Trumpeter and the Tundra Swan are the largest and the only native, all-white waterfowl that resides in the state of Tennessee. Both of these species are protected by state and federal law and are illegal to hunt. Since these species were at first thought extinct, however with great and intensive reintroduction efforts, they can once again be found in the eastern parts of the United States, including Tennessee where they were introduced in the end of 2001. If you happen to spot one of these species you should inform a TWRA Regional Office.
Historically, there was great decreases in the population of both Sandhill and Whooping Cranes. However, in recent years the Sandhill Crane has managed to experience an astonishing recovery and the migratory populations that pass through Tennessee are increasing. Today, the population of the Sandhill Crane has increased so much that there was even a limited Sandhill Crane hunting season in Tennessee. However, keep in mind that these species are still protected and it is illegal to hunt them.
If you are careful not to shoot any of these species, you will successfully comply with the TN hunting regulations and should be alright during your hunting trip.
Requirements
In order to participate in the Tennessee duck season, every waterfowl hunter is required to have the following:
- Federal Duck Stamp
- Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit (HIP permit)
- A state of Tennessee hunting license
- Tennessee Waterfowl License (it is only required if you purchase a Type 001 hunting license)
- There might be additional permits that you would need depending on where you hunt. Such permits include WMA permit, Reelfoot Preservation permit, WMA quota hunt permit.
According to the federal law every waterfowl hunter, age 16 or older, is required to carry with them a hunting license and state migratory bird permit, plus a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) signed in ink. All of these documents can be obtained through the Post Office, National Wildlife Refuge offices, and even some discount and sporting goods stores. Stamps can also be purchased online.
Both residents and non-residents of the state of Tennessee are required to have a Migratory Bird Permit in order to legally hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds in this state. However, there are some exceptions which do not require this permit:
- Landowners who hunt on their own land
- Disabled veterans
- Residents of Tennessee who are aged 65 or older
- Residents of Tennessee who are aged 13 or younger
- Holders of a Lifetime Sportsman license
If you make sure that you get all of the documents that are required and make sure that you are familiar with the protected species, then you should have no trouble during hunting season in Tennessee.
For more detailed info check out the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.