In Tennessee, squirrel season stretches from late August to mid-March, with a bonus spring season in May and June. The main fall and winter hunt starts in late August and wraps up around mid-March, while a shorter spring season pops up in May—definitely check the latest dates and bag limits before heading out.
If you’re looking for good hunting spots and the right licenses, this guide will steer you to top areas and the must-know rules. Knowing the dates, limits, and where to snag a permit makes planning your trip a whole lot easier.
Squirrel Season Dates and Regulations in Tennessee
Tennessee sets squirrel season in clear blocks with specific limits and rules. You’ll need the right license, and you’ve got to follow the rules for each type of land.
2025-2026 Squirrel Hunting Season Dates
The main fall-winter season for gray and fox squirrels usually starts in late August and runs until mid-March. For 2025–2026, you can expect the season to open around August 26 and close about March 15.
A shorter spring season comes around in May, typically from about May 11 to June 9. These dates can shift, so check with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before you make plans.
If you’re hunting on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), double-check those dates—some WMAs set their own open or closed periods.
Daily Bag Limits and Legal Species
Tennessee sets a daily bag limit of 10 squirrels per hunter. This usually covers gray and fox squirrels; red squirrels aren’t as common but might fall under the same rules.
Possession limits are generally twice the daily bag, so you can have up to 20 squirrels with you when transporting. If the TWRA updates protected or restricted species, make sure you’re on top of those changes.
Always check the official small game regulations page before you head out.
Public vs. Private Land Regulations
If you’re on private land, you need the landowner’s permission and must stick to statewide bag limits and seasons. Sometimes, landowners add their own rules about weapons or when you can hunt.
On public land and WMAs, you’ll follow TWRA rules plus any extra WMA-specific ones. Some WMAs ask for a WMA permit or have special rules about hunting methods and dogs.
Check the small game regulations page and the specific WMA page before you go. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency posts all the latest rules and updates, so it’s smart to check with them for license and season info.
Top Squirrel Hunting Locations and Essential Licenses
Let’s talk about where to hunt, which permits you’ll need, and how to get them. The TWRA sets the rules, and plenty of Wildlife Management Areas offer good access and parking.
Best Wildlife Management Areas for Squirrels
Pick WMAs with a mix of oak and pine woods, plenty of mast-producing trees, and easy road access. The edges of Cherokee National Forest are a solid choice.
Some smaller WMAs near Knoxville and Nashville get mentioned a lot for steady squirrel numbers. Look for spots with parking and short trails out to ridgelines or creek bottoms—those are squirrel hotspots.
Always check the rules for each WMA before you go. Some areas have their own parking, dog, or firearm policies.
Double-check property lines and any vehicle rules so you don’t end up hunting or parking where you shouldn’t.
How to Obtain a Tennessee Hunting License
You need a valid Tennessee hunting license to hunt squirrels, unless it’s Free Hunting Day. Licenses vary for residents, nonresidents, youth, and disabled veterans.
Most people go with a Basic Hunting License, though you might need to add small game privileges. Bring your ID and any residency proof if you need it.
Hunters under 16 usually need a youth license. Always keep your license on you while hunting and stick to the bag and possession limits set by the TWRA.
GoOutdoorsTennessee and License Resources
You can use GoOutdoorsTennessee to buy and print your licenses online. The site lets you purchase a Basic Hunting License, add small game privileges, and check your transaction history.
You’ll also find info about Free Hunting Days and special proclamations there.
Prefer to do things in person? Plenty of sporting goods stores and TWRA offices sell licenses, too.
Before you head out, take a look at the TWRA small game regulations page and check the latest news updates for current rules and season dates.
