When does Tennessee duck season open in 2026–2027?

Tennessee duck season opens November 28, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season, running through January 31, 2027. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What is the daily duck bag limit in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters may take 6 ducks per day in the 2026-2027 season. Species sub-limits also apply: Ducks (general) (6/day), Mallard (4/day), Wood Duck (3/day). Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

How much is a non-resident waterfowl license in Tennessee?

Tennessee non-resident waterfowl license cost for 2026-2027 is ~$140. All non-residents also need the federal Duck Stamp ($25) and HIP registration. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Does Tennessee have an early teal season in 2026?

Yes — Tennessee has an early teal season running September 12, 2026 through September 16, 2026. The early teal season allows harvest of blue-winged and green-winged teal before the regular duck season. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What duck hunting zones does Tennessee have?

Tennessee uses a single statewide zone for duck season — dates are uniform across the state for 2026-2027. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

When does goose season open in Tennessee?

Goose season in Tennessee opens September 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Both Canada geese and light geese (snow, Ross's) may be available — check official regulations for species-specific limits. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Is there a youth waterfowl hunting day in Tennessee?

Yes — Tennessee offers a youth waterfowl day February 6, 2027 through February 13, 2027 for 2026-2027. Youth hunters are typically required to be accompanied by a licensed adult. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What waterfowl species can I hunt in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters can harvest Ducks (general), Mallard, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Redhead. Coots are also legal game. Mergansers are available with separate limits. Sandhill crane seasons are also available. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Where can I find official Tennessee waterfowl regulations?

Official Tennessee waterfowl regulations are published by Wildlife Resources Agency. Regulations are updated annually — always confirm dates and bag limits with the official source before hunting. Tennessee hunters use BlindBook to track season dates, log daily harvests, and stay within bag limits across all species in real time. Learn more at blindbook.com. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What app do duck hunters use in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters use BlindBook to log hunts, track bag limits by species, coordinate with club members, and access verified season dates — all in one place. BlindBook is free to download at blindbook.com or in the App Store and Google Play. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

When does Tennessee duck season open in 2026–2027?

Tennessee duck season opens November 28, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season, running through January 31, 2027. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What is the daily duck bag limit in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters may take 6 ducks per day in the 2026-2027 season. Species sub-limits also apply: Ducks (general) (6/day), Mallard (4/day), Wood Duck (3/day). Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

How much is a non-resident waterfowl license in Tennessee?

Tennessee non-resident waterfowl license cost for 2026-2027 is ~$140. All non-residents also need the federal Duck Stamp ($25) and HIP registration. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Does Tennessee have an early teal season in 2026?

Yes — Tennessee has an early teal season running September 12, 2026 through September 16, 2026. The early teal season allows harvest of blue-winged and green-winged teal before the regular duck season. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What duck hunting zones does Tennessee have?

Tennessee uses a single statewide zone for duck season — dates are uniform across the state for 2026-2027. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

When does goose season open in Tennessee?

Goose season in Tennessee opens September 1, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season. Both Canada geese and light geese (snow, Ross's) may be available — check official regulations for species-specific limits. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Is there a youth waterfowl hunting day in Tennessee?

Yes — Tennessee offers a youth waterfowl day February 6, 2027 through February 13, 2027 for 2026-2027. Youth hunters are typically required to be accompanied by a licensed adult. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What waterfowl species can I hunt in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters can harvest Ducks (general), Mallard, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Redhead. Coots are also legal game. Mergansers are available with separate limits. Sandhill crane seasons are also available. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

Where can I find official Tennessee waterfowl regulations?

Official Tennessee waterfowl regulations are published by Wildlife Resources Agency. Regulations are updated annually — always confirm dates and bag limits with the official source before hunting. Tennessee hunters use BlindBook to track season dates, log daily harvests, and stay within bag limits across all species in real time. Learn more at blindbook.com. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

What app do duck hunters use in Tennessee?

Tennessee duck hunters use BlindBook to log hunts, track bag limits by species, coordinate with club members, and access verified season dates — all in one place. BlindBook is free to download at blindbook.com or in the App Store and Google Play. Source: Wildlife Resources Agency, verified 2026-07-16.

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Tennessee

Mississippi Flyway ↗

Updated for 2026-2027Jul 16, 2026New

30 season recordsNon-resident: ~$140

Official source

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Waterfowl Hunting in Tennessee

Tennessee is part of the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2026–2027 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through March 31, 2027, with 30 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Wildlife Resources Agency within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Required Licenses & Stamps

Tennessee hunting license
Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp — $25
Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration
Tennessee Tennessee Migratory Bird License

Official Resources

Season dates vary by zone — know your zone boundary before hunting.View official zone map ↗

Ducks

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2,3	Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split	6	18
	Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split

Species Sub-Limits

Species	Daily Bag	Possession
Ducks (general)	6	18
Mallard no more than 2 hens	4	12
Wood Duck	3	9
Canvasback	2	6
Redhead	2	6
Black Duck	2	6
Pintail (Northern)	3	9
Mottled Duck	1	3
Lesser Scaup Statewide · 1 scaup/day Nov. 28–30, 2026 & Dec. 5–17, 2026; 2 scaup/day Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027	1	3
Lesser Scaup Statewide · 1 scaup/day Dec. 5–17, 2026; 2 scaup/day Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 31, 2027	2	6
Hooded Merganser Part of 5-merganser aggregate; only 2 may be hooded	2	6

14 mallards (no more than 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck. Scaup: 1/day Nov. 28–30, 2026.

2Ducks, Coot & Mergansers. Coot: 15/day. Mergansers: 5/day (only 2 hooded mergansers).

34 mallards (no more than 2 hens), 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 1 mottled duck. Scaup: 1/day Dec. 5–17, 2026; 2/day Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 31, 2027.

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Early Teal

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Sep 12 – Sep 16 Wood Duck & Teal Early Season	6	18

1No more than 2 wood ducks in the daily bag of 6.

2Early season for Wood Duck & Teal only.

Dark Geese

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2,3,4,5,6	Sep 1 – Sep 20 Early Season	5	15
	Oct 10 – Oct 22 Second Segment
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 White-Fronted Goose Split 1
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 Third Segment
	Dec 5 – Feb 14 White-Fronted Goose Split 2
	Dec 5 – Feb 14 Main Season

1Canada Goose only for this segment.

2Possession limit is 3x daily bag except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).

3White-Fronted Goose only

4Canada Goose: 3/day. White-fronted Goose: 3/day.

5Canada Goose and White-fronted Goose both open Nov. 28–29, 2026. Possession limit is 3x daily bag except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).

6Canada Goose and White-fronted Goose both open Dec. 5, 2026–Feb. 14, 2027. Possession limit is 3x daily bag except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).

Brant

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide¹	Sep 1 – Sep 20 Early Season	1	3
	Oct 10 – Oct 22 Second Segment
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 Third Segment
	Dec 5 – Feb 14 Main Season

1Possession limit is 3x daily bag except opening day (1x) and second day (2x).

Light Geese

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Sep 1 – Sep 20 Early Season	20	–
	Oct 10 – Oct 22 Second Segment
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 Third Segment
	Dec 5 – Feb 14 Main Season

1Standard federal regulations apply — unplugged shotguns and electronic calls NOT allowed.

2Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese. No possession limit except opening day (daily bag) and second day (2x daily bag).

Cons. Order

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Feb 15 – Mar 31 Light Goose Conservation Season	–	–

1Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls allowed. No daily bag limit and no possession limit.

2Blue, Snow & Ross's Geese only. Free Light Goose Conservation Season Permit required (GoOutdoorsTennessee.com). No Federal or state waterfowl stamps required. Post-season survey required.

Coots

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2,3,4	Sep 1 – Nov 9 Early Gallinule and Moorhen Season	15	45
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split
	Nov 28 – Jan 31
	Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split

1Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit required. Possession limit is 3x daily bag.

2Coot season runs concurrently with regular duck season segments.

3Coot limit is 15/day; listed within the Ducks, Coot & Mergansers row

4Coot season runs concurrent with regular duck season dates

Mergansers

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2,3,4	Nov 28 – Nov 29 First Split	5	15
	Nov 28 – Nov 29 First split
	Dec 5 – Jan 31 Second Split

1Only 2 of the 5 may be hooded mergansers.

2Merganser season concurrent with regular duck season.

3Only 2 of 5 may be hooded mergansers

4From TWRA 2026-27 waterfowl seasons; runs concurrent with duck season.

Sandhill Crane

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Dec 3 – Jan 31	–	–
Southeast Crane Zone^3,4	Dec 3 – Jan 14 First split	–	–
	Jan 18 – Jan 31 Second split

1Quota tag via computerized drawing (1,250 tags statewide, max 2/hunter); annual crane ID test; hours sunrise-3 pm; nontoxic shot; max 3 shells

22026-27 published by TWRA. Bag/possession are tag-based, not a fixed daily limit: 1,250 statewide quota tags via drawing, max 2 per hunter; annual online crane ID test required. Hunting hours sunrise to 3 pm; harvested cranes checked in same day; post-season survey due Feb 10.

3Quota tag via drawing; closed Jan 15-17, 2027 for the Sandhill Crane Festival; hours sunrise-3 pm; nontoxic shot

4Quota tag via drawing; hours sunrise-3 pm; nontoxic shot

Youth

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Feb 6 – Feb 13 Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunting Season	6	–

1Youth ages 6–16 only. Same as regular season daily bag limits. Adults not accompanied by youths 6–16 may still harvest geese.

2Two hunt days: Feb. 6 and 13, 2027. Non-hunting adults at least 21 must accompany youth. WMAs with special closing times are open all day.

Veterans

Zone / Season	Dates	Daily Bag	Possession
Statewide^1,2	Feb 7 – Feb 14 Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Season	6	–

1Veterans and active military only may harvest coot, gallinule, moorhen, ducks, mergansers, and geese. Non-veteran/non-active duty may be present but not hunt.

2Two hunt days: Feb. 7 and 14, 2027.

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Tennessee Duck Season — Frequently Asked Questions

More Mississippi Flyway States

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Waterfowl Species Guides

Mallard

Most-harvested duck in NA

1/day federal sub-limit

Wood Duck

3/day Atlantic & MS Flyway

Canvasback

1/day federal sub-limit

Sandhill Crane

Ribeye of the sky

Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2026-2027 season. This data was verified on July 16, 2026. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.

For waterfowl population trends, harvest analysis, and conservation research, see WaterfowlAI Insights.

Waterfowl Hunting in Tennessee

Required Licenses & Stamps

Tennessee hunting license
Federal Migratory Bird (Duck) Stamp — $25
Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration
Tennessee Tennessee Migratory Bird License

Official Resources

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2,3

Nov 28 – Nov 29

First Split

Dec 5 – Jan 31

Second Split

Species

Daily Bag

Possession

Ducks (general)

Mallard

no more than 2 hens

Wood Duck

Canvasback

Redhead

Black Duck

Pintail (Northern)

Mottled Duck

Lesser Scaup

Statewide · 1 scaup/day Nov. 28–30, 2026 & Dec. 5–17, 2026; 2 scaup/day Dec. 18, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027

Lesser Scaup

Statewide · 1 scaup/day Dec. 5–17, 2026; 2 scaup/day Dec. 18, 2026–Jan. 31, 2027

Hooded Merganser

Part of 5-merganser aggregate; only 2 may be hooded

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Sep 12 – Sep 16

Wood Duck & Teal Early Season

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2,3,4,5,6

Sep 1 – Sep 20

Early Season

Oct 10 – Oct 22

Second Segment

Nov 28 – Nov 29

White-Fronted Goose Split 1

Nov 28 – Nov 29

Third Segment

Dec 5 – Feb 14

White-Fronted Goose Split 2

Dec 5 – Feb 14

Main Season

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide¹

Sep 1 – Sep 20

Early Season

Oct 10 – Oct 22

Second Segment

Nov 28 – Nov 29

Third Segment

Dec 5 – Feb 14

Main Season

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Sep 1 – Sep 20

Early Season

–

Oct 10 – Oct 22

Second Segment

Nov 28 – Nov 29

Third Segment

Dec 5 – Feb 14

Main Season

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Feb 15 – Mar 31

Light Goose Conservation Season

–

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2,3,4

Sep 1 – Nov 9

Early Gallinule and Moorhen Season

Nov 28 – Nov 29

First Split

Nov 28 – Jan 31

Dec 5 – Jan 31

Second Split

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2,3,4

Nov 28 – Nov 29

First Split

Nov 28 – Nov 29

First split

Dec 5 – Jan 31

Second Split

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Dec 3 – Jan 31

–

Southeast Crane Zone^3,4

Dec 3 – Jan 14

First split

–

Jan 18 – Jan 31

Second split

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Feb 6 – Feb 13

Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunting Season

–

Zone / Season

Dates

Daily Bag

Possession

Statewide^1,2

Feb 7 – Feb 14

Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Season

–

Tennessee Duck Season — Frequently Asked Questions