Updated as of 10/14/2025 - “Muzzleloading firearms are defined as those firearms which are incapable of being loaded from the breech. Muzzleloading rifles and handguns must be .36 caliber or larger for hunting Deer, Bear, and Elk"
TENNESSEE MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Bag Limit | Season Dates | Notes |
| Muzzleloader/Achery | See Regs | Nov. 8–Nov. 21 | Unit 1, 2 & 3 |
| Muzzleloader/Achery | See Regs | Nov. 8–Nov. 21 | Unit 4, 5 & 6 |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | See Regs | Nov. 22–Jan. 4, 2026 | Unit 1, 2 & 3 |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | See Regs | Nov. 22–Jan. 4, 2026 | Unit 4, 5 & 6 |
Muzzleloader Elk Hunts
| Season | Bag Limit | Season Dates | Notes |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | 1 Bull | Oct 3rd - Oct 9th | See Regs |
Muzzleloader Bear Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Bear Unit | Notes |
| Early Season Muzzleloader G/M/A |
Oct. 4–6 Oct. 11–12 |
BHZ 1 | Hounds Allowed |
| Early Season Muzzleloader G/M/A |
Oct. 4–19 |
BHZ 2 | Hounds Allowed |
| Early Season Muzzleloader G/M/A |
Oct. 4–5 Oct. 11–17 |
BHZ 3 | Hounds Allowed |
| Mid Season G/M/A | Nov. 10–17 | BHZ 1 | Hounds Allowed |
| Mid Season G/M/A | Oct. 27–31 | BHZ 2 | Hounds Allowed |
| Mid Season G/M/A | Oct. 27-31 | BHZ 3 | Hounds Allowed |
| Late Season G/M/A | Dec. 1–17 | BHZ 1 | Hounds Allowed |
| Late Season G/M/A | Dec. 1–16 | BHZ 2 | Hounds Allowed |
| Late Season G/M/A |
Dec. 1–14 Dec. 25–28 |
BHZ 3 | Hounds Allowed |
| Late Season G/M/A |
Dec. 1–14 Dec. 25–28 |
BHZ 4 | Hounds Allowed |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | Nov. 22–25 | BHZ 1 | No Hounds |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | Nov. 22–25 | BHZ 2 | No Hounds |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery | Nov. 22–25 | BHZ 3 | No Hounds |
| Gun/Muzzleloader/Archery |
Dec. 13–14 Private Land Only |
BHZ 5 | No Hounds |
TENNESSEE MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Muzzleloaders cannot load from the breech
- Muzzleloaders must be a minimum of .36 caliber
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Tennessee Hunting Regulations
HAVE TENNESSEE MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Tennessee Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
