Tennessee Bird Hunting

Season Spans November 1 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Seasons Dates

  • Quail:
    • Season Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (on Wildlife Management Areas, unless otherwise noted).
    • Note: Specific WMA restrictions may apply; check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Hunting and Trapping Guide for details.
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Season Dates: Likely November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (based on historical patterns; confirm with TWRA for exact 2025-26 dates).
  • Pheasant:
    • Tennessee is not a primary pheasant hunting state, and no specific season dates or regulations are provided for pheasants in the referenced sources. Upland bird hunting primarily focuses on quail and ruffed grouse.

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland birds legally in Tennessee, hunters need the appropriate licenses. Costs vary based on residency and license type:

  • Resident Hunting License:
    • Annual Base Hunting License: Approximately $34 (plus processing fees of $0.50–$5.00).
    • Junior License (ages 13–15): Approximately $9.
  • Non-Resident Hunting License:
    • Annual Hunting License: Approximately $305.
    • 7-Day Hunting License: Around $61.50 (based on historical data; confirm with TWRA).
  • Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit:
    • Required for hunting migratory birds (e.g., doves, woodcock, snipe), except for crows. Cost not specified in sources but typically minimal (check TWRA’s GoOutdoorsTennessee.com for exact pricing).
  • Federal Duck Stamp:
    • Required for waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older (not typically required for upland species like quail or grouse, but relevant if hunting migratory birds like woodcock). Cost is approximately $25 (federal standard; confirm with TWRA).
  • Hunter Education Requirement:
    • Hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess a hunter education certificate unless under 10 years old and accompanied by a licensed adult (21+). The course can be taken online or in person.
  • Exemptions:
    • Resident grandchildren under 16 hunting on farmland owned by their grandparents and military personnel on leave (with leave orders) may be exempt from some licensing requirements.
  • Purchase Locations: Licenses can be purchased online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, through the TWRA mobile app, or at TWRA license agents. A Social Security Number is required for purchase due to federal law.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 6 birds per day (based on historical regulations; confirm with TWRA for 2025-26).
    • Possession Limit: Twice the daily bag limit (12 quail), except on opening day when it equals the daily bag limit (6).
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 birds per day (based on historical data; confirm with TWRA).
    • Possession Limit: Twice the daily bag limit (6 grouse), except on opening day (3).
  • Woodcock (migratory upland species):
    • Season Dates: November 14, 2025 – February 28, 2026.
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 birds.
    • Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit (9 woodcock), except on opening day (3) and the second day (6).
  • General Notes:
    • Possession limits for migratory birds (e.g., doves, woodcock) are strictly enforced, and birds must have a head or fully feathered wing attached during transport.
    • Harvests must be reported within 24 hours via the TWRA mobile app, GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, or by calling 1-800-TAG-TWRA.

Additional Regulations and Notes

  • Hunting Hours: Generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for most game, but migratory birds like doves have specific hours (e.g., dove season opens at noon on the first day).
  • Shotgun Restrictions: For migratory birds (e.g., doves, woodcock), shotguns must hold no more than 3 shells unless plugged. Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl and some migratory birds.
  • Dogs: Allowed for hunting small game, including upland birds, except on specific WMAs where restrictions apply. Training seasons for bird dogs are regulated separately.
  • Private Land: Hunting on private land requires landowner permission, with written permission needed for trapping or “Hunting By Written Permission Only” areas.
  • WMA Restrictions: Some Wildlife Management Areas have unique rules, such as restricted seasons or no-dog policies. Check the TWRA Hunting Guide for specifics.
  • Conservation Concerns: Upland bird populations, particularly quail and ruffed grouse, are sensitive to habitat conditions and supplemental feeding risks (e.g., aflatoxin poisoning from corn feed). Hunters are encouraged to practice ethical hunting and avoid overharvesting.