You step into the woods. Air’s cool. Oaks stretch above, leaves whispering. It’s squirrel season in TN again. The kind of morning every Tennessee hunter waits for. You can almost hear that chatter before you see them move.
Squirrel hunting here isn’t a hobby. It’s a tradition. A test of patience, aim, and respect for nature. This isn’t another guide — it’s everything you need to know before loading that .22 and heading out.
When Is Squirrel Season in TN
The big question first. When does squirrel season start in TN? There are two main stretches every year. One long. One short.
SeasonStartEndBag LimitNotesFall/WinterLate AugustMid-March10/dayMain hunting seasonSpringMayMid-June10/dayEar, light foliage
That’s the window. It’s generous. You’ve got months. Enough time to scout, shoot, cook, repeat.
TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) keeps it simple. Same bag limit for both seasons. Always check their site — they like tweaking small details every few years.
Hunters love the fall. Trees still thick, but movement’s there. Winter strips the leaves, makes spotting easy. Spring? Quiet, fewer hunters, squirrels fat from fresh feed. Pick your moment.
Types of Squirrels You’ll Find in Tennessee
There’s more than one kind bouncing through those branches.
Gray squirrels — your everyday target. Fast, smart, twitchy. They love hardwoods. Oaks, hickories, pecans. Fox squirrels — bigger. Bold. Hang around open timber, field edges, pastures. Flying squirrels — yeah, they’re here. You won’t hunt them, but they’ll surprise you gliding overhead.
TypeSizeHabitatBehaviorGrayMediumHardwood forestsClimbers, fastFoxLargeOpen woodsGround foragersFlyingSmallDense canopyNocturnal gliders
Each moves different. Gray sticks high. Fox comes lower, slower. You learn by watching. One trip and you’ll know who’s who.
Squirrel Hunting Laws and Licenses in TN
Let’s talk rules. Not fun, but necessary.
You need a small game license. Resident or nonresident. Doesn’t matter — no license, no hunting. Born after 1969? You need hunter education too. TWRA checks.
Legal guns?
- Rifles up to .22 caliber.
- Air rifles work fine.
Bag limit sits at ten squirrels per day. Keep count. Double that’s the most you can have in possession. Hunt from half-hour before sunrise till half-hour after sunset. Simple.
Some areas, like WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas), add their own twist. A few ban certain guns or limit access. Always check the TWRA map. Saves you a ticket.
There’s an old saying: “If you ain’t sure, you ain’t legal.” Stick by that.
Best Places to Hunt Squirrels in Tennessee
You don’t walk into any patch of woods. The right spot matters.
Hunters swear by a few names:
- Catoosa WMA — hardwoods for miles.
- Chickasaw State Forest — easy access, thick canopy, good for beginners.
- Big South Fork — rugged, quiet, loaded with squirrels.
- Natchez Trace — clean trails, great early morning movement.
Locals tell you the same trick. Find oaks dropping acorns. Listen. Sit still. Wait for rustle, not sound. When you hear that scratching bark, you’re close.
Private land? Gold. If you can get permission, you’ll often see less pressure and more squirrels. Always respect the owner. Always close the gate.
A hunter once said, “You don’t find squirrels. You let them show themselves.”
Gear That Makes the Hunt Easier
You don’t need fancy gear. You need what works.
Essentials:
- .22 rifle or a light shotgun
- Camo jacket, boots
- Small game vest
- Knife, gloves
- Binoculars
That’s it. You’re good.
A quiet pair of boots helps more than most think. Squirrels hear everything. Bring a small bag for carrying your harvest. Keep them cool.
Gear TierDescriptionBest ForBasicOld rifle, used boots, basic camoBeginnersMid-rangeScoped .22, soft camo, vestCasual huntersPremiumLightweight gear, noise-damp bootsAll-day pros
It’s not about brand. It’s about how well it fits your hunt.
How to Hunt During Squirrel Season TN
Morning. Before sunrise. Woods still breathing mist. You move slow. Real slow. Every step counts. Stop often. Listen more than you walk.
Squirrels bark. Scurry. Drop shells from branches. That’s your signal. Sometimes you see the tail first. Sometimes motion. Raise your rifle slow. One breath. Then shoot.
Tips hunters swear by:
- Stay still longer than you want to.
- Avoid talking, even whispering.
- Watch treetops after rain — they feed heavy after storms.
- Hunt ridges with oak and hickory.
A veteran from Nashville once said, “Half the hunt’s listening. The rest is knowing when not to move.” He’s right.
Late winter hunts are quiet. Bare limbs. Every sound echoes. But that’s the charm. You and the woods. Nothing else.
Cleaning and Cooking the Catch
So you’ve got a few hanging from your vest. Time to work.
Skin them while they’re warm. Easiest then. Slice under the tail, pull the hide forward. Quick rinse. Done. Keep them on ice or hang in shade till home.
Classic Tennessee recipes:
- Fried squirrel — crispy, golden, seasoned heavy.
- Squirrel stew — meat slow-cooked with potatoes and onion.
- Smoked squirrel BBQ — low heat, cherry wood, sweet sauce.
DishPrep TimeTasteFried Squirrel20 minsCrunchy, mildStew2 hrsRich, heartyBBQ3 hrsSmoky, soft
Wild meat’s lean. Real lean. Healthy too. Cook it right, you’ll be shock how good it is.
Conservation and Ethics
Hunting squirrels isn’t about numbers. It’s about respect.
Every license sold funds wildlife programs. Habitat restoration. Law enforcement. Education. You give back by hunting right. Take what you’ll use. Leave what you won’t.
Never litter. Never trespass. Always thank the landowner. And don’t shoot to shoot. Every squirrel matters.
That quiet moment, when you sit on a stump watching dawn rise — that’s what hunting real is.
A hunter’s quote etched in memory:
A man who can sit still in the woods will never be lonely. for more information read more
FAQs About Squirrel Season in Tennessee
When does squirrel season open in TN?
Squirrel season in Tennessee kicks off around August 23 for the fall and runs into March. while the spring season usually starts in May. Always check the latest TWRA updates. before heading out because dates can shift slight each year.
How many squirrels can I take daily?
You can have up to 20 in possession, but that’s the total limit — not a challenge.
Do I need a license?
Yes. Every hunter must have a valid small-game hunting license. If you were born after 1969, you’ll also need to complete a hunter education course.
Can I hunt with dogs?
Yes, squirrel dogs are allow in most areas across Tennessee. In fact, using dogs is a long-standing southern tradition. They’re excellent for spotting movement and flushing squirrels from trees.
Are non-residents welcome?
Absolute. Non-residents can hunt in Tennessee by purchasing the appropriate small-game license. follow the same rules locals do.
What gun’s best for squirrel hunting?
A .22 rifle or a small shotgun (like a .410 or 20-gauge) is perfect. Both are light, accurate, and ideal for small game without ruining the meat.
Are there night restrictions?
Yes. You can only hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Night hunting isn’t allowed during squirrel season.
Where’s the best spot to hunt squirrels?
The best squirrel hunting spots in Tennessee include Catoosa WMA. , Chickasaw State Forest, and Big South Fork. Basical, anywhere thick with oaks, hickories, or pecans will bring you luck.
Wrap-Up
That’s squirrel season TN — real, raw, rewarding. Long months of chasing, listening, waiting.
You don’t need to overthink it. gear up, grab your license, pick your woods. Tennessee’s full of stories told under acorns and rifle smoke.
About the Author
