Hunting in Tennessee: Regulations for Hunting with Dogs

Canine companions can vastly enrich the hunting experience. In Tennessee, as throughout the southern regions of the United States, it is a practice rich with history and tradition. Hunters wishing to take to the field to train or hunt with dogs should refer to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for current regulations and restrictions.

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It takes a special breed of dog, with proper training, to take on a bear, even if it’s just for hurry and pursuit. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) holds training seasons in specific management zones from the third week of August through the end of September. Training activities are limited to daylight hours only, no bears can be taken, and all dog handlers or hunting companions are prohibited from possessing weapons. TWRA specifies certain zones and season dates for hunting with dogs, as well. Dog pursuit and take of wild hogs during these specified bear-dog hunting seasons also is permitted.

Bird shooting and small game hunting makes dogs a great asset to the hunter both in flushing prey and retrieval. The TWRA allows the use of dogs for hunting all small game, including migratory game birds. While there exist some exceptions to land access for certain wildlife management areas, a good number of furbearers that fall within this category have year-round open seasons with no bag limit, which means hunters will have a broad spectrum of opportunities to go hunting with their dogs.

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The training of dogs for bird and squirrel hunting is permitted all year on private lands during daytime hours, according to the TWRA. Training for rabbit and raccoon hunting, as well as fox chasing, may also be conducted throughout daylight and nighttime hours, provided it takes place on private lands. While training their dogs, hunters are required to possess a hunting license. Participation in a recognized field trial is the sole exception to this regulation.

Before heading out to the field with their dogs, hunters should check the TWRA’s website for current regulations and regional restrictions for various wildlife management areas. Regulations can change at any time without notice.

Hunters also should familiarize themselves with the various types of legal trapping devices and how to disable them or reset them in the event that their dogs encounter them or become ensnared. While trapping season is restricted to the late fall and winter months for furbearing animals, some landowners may have permits or exemptions for year round activities.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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