Public Hunting Land in Tennessee

Tennessee offers hunters access to over 1.5 million acres of public land, spanning from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River bottomlands in the west. With strong populations of whitetail deer, turkey, small game, and even black bear, the Volunteer State provides well-managed public hunting access across diverse terrain.

Types of Public Land Available in Tennessee:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), these are the primary public lands open for hunting statewide.

• State Forests & Parks: Many allow seasonal hunting in designated zones under TWRA regulations.

• National Forests: Cherokee National Forest provides quality public land opportunities in East Tennessee.

• Cooperative and Leased Lands: TWRA-managed tracts of private land open to public hunting access via agreements.

Seasons & Access Info

Tennessee’s hunting seasons vary by unit and region (East, Middle, West). Many WMAs require check-in, quota hunt permits, or special rules for species and dates.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Zones Guide

• License & Permit Sales

• Quota Hunt Applications & Info

Pro Tip: Some public areas offer early archery seasons and youth hunts, providing excellent opportunities with lower pressure and high success rates.

Explore Tennessee’s Hunting Lands

Plan your next hunt using TWRA’s excellent mapping tools and downloadable resources:

• TWRA WMA & Public Land Map Viewer

• Downloadable Area Regulations PDFs

• Public Hunting Areas in Tennessee

From bottomland hardwoods in the west to steep ridges in the east, Tennessee’s public lands offer something for every hunter across the state.