Planning a squirrel hunt in Tennessee this year? You’ll want to know the exact end date, so you don’t get caught off guard. Squirrel season in Tennessee usually wraps up in mid-March, and there’s a short spring season that runs in May and June—so double-check the current rules before heading out. Let’s break down the key dates and what to watch for, so you can plan your trips with a bit more confidence.
You’ll also need to know what licenses, bag limits, and safety gear apply. The next sections cover season dates, legal requirements, and a few quick tips to keep your hunt on the right side of the law.
When Does Squirrel Season End in Tennessee?
Squirrel season in Tennessee ends on set dates, depending on which season you’re after. Fall and winter seasons run into late winter. The spring season has its own, much shorter window in early summer.
Fall and Winter Squirrel Season Dates
The regular squirrel season in Tennessee kicks off in late August and ends in mid-March. For the 2025–2026 calendar, you can hunt from August 23 (sometimes August 26, depending on your area) through March 15.
During this time, you can take fox, gray, and red squirrels, but you’re limited to 10 per day.
Check the Tennessee small game rules for your specific county or wildlife management area. These dates sometimes shift, so always have your license and a copy (printed or digital) of the latest regulations with you in the field.
Spring Squirrel Season 2026
Tennessee also offers a spring squirrel season in 2026, running from May 9 through June 14. The daily bag limit stays at 10 squirrels, just like the main season.
Spring hunting lets you get out when squirrels are extra active with breeding and foraging. Planning a spring hunt? Double-check the start and end dates for your region—Wildlife Management Areas sometimes set their own dates or have extra rules. You’ll find details on the official small game page.
How TWRA Sets Season Dates
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sets and publishes the small game seasons and bag limits every year. They base these dates on squirrel population data, hunter opportunity, and habitat conditions they gather from surveys and field reports.
TWRA sometimes changes dates by proclamation, and a few areas post special season windows. Always check TWRA notices or the official small game page before you go, and pay attention to any area-specific rules or equipment restrictions.
You’ll find the latest official regulations and dates here: Tennessee Hunting Small Game Seasons & Bag Limits.
Hunting Regulations and Requirements in Tennessee
You need to follow specific rules for squirrel hunting in Tennessee. Know the daily bag limits, required license, legal ways to hunt, and rules for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas before you go.
Bag Limits for Squirrel Hunting
You can take up to 10 fox or gray squirrels per day during open seasons. That’s true for both the main fall/winter season and the spring season. Red squirrels don’t have a daily bag limit and you can hunt them year-round in many spots.
Don’t exceed possession limits, which usually equal twice the daily bag limit unless TWRA says otherwise. Keep track of your counts, especially if you plan to transport or store more than a few squirrels. If you go over the limit, you risk fines, losing your license, or even losing your harvest.
Required Tennessee Hunting License
If you’re 13 or older, you need a valid Tennessee hunting license to hunt squirrels. Licenses vary: resident, non-resident, youth, and senior options are all available.
If you were born after January 1, 1969, you’ll need to complete a TWRA-approved hunter education course before you can get a license. Licenses stay valid from the date of purchase through the following February, so always check the expiration.
You can buy a license online through the TWRA site or at approved agents. Always keep it on you while hunting, and be ready to show it if an officer asks.
Legal Hunting Methods Allowed
Tennessee allows the usual small-game hunting methods during daylight hours. Use shotguns, rimfire rifles, muzzleloaders, archery gear, or slingshots if they’re legal in your area.
Cage-type traps are fine in many cases, and homeowners can remove nuisance squirrels from their own property. You can hunt with dogs on private land during daylight, but check the rules for public Wildlife Management Areas before bringing dogs.
Hunting from a motor vehicle is restricted and depends on the land—don’t assume it’s allowed. Follow TWRA regulations for weapons and shooting hours, which usually run from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
Wildlife Management Areas and Public Land Access
Tennessee has a bunch of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), and they each come with their own set of rules. Before you head out, double-check the WMA-specific regulations—season dates, bag limits, or weapon restrictions might be totally different from the statewide ones.
Some WMAs want you to get a permit or limit your group size. A lot of places won’t let you use motorized vehicles off the marked roads, which can be a little inconvenient but it helps protect the land.
You can use the TWRA WMA listings to pull up maps, check boundary rules, and see any special regulations for each spot. Always respect posted signs, stick to the marked routes, and follow the rules—it’s the best way to help protect habitats and keep these areas open for future hunts.
