TN Black Bear Hunting

Tennessee Black Bear Season Dates 2026

Black Bear season in Tennessee runs Aug 23 – Jun 12 across 9 Units.

37 Seasons4 Weapon Types

Hound Hunting

UnitTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Zone BHZ-1Hound HuntingOct 4Oct 6
Zone BHZ-1Hound HuntingOct 11Oct 12
Zone BHZ-1Hound HuntingNov 10Nov 17
Zone BHZ-1Hound HuntingDec 1Dec 17
Zone BHZ-2Hound HuntingOct 4Oct 19
Zone BHZ-2Hound HuntingOct 27Oct 31
Zone BHZ-2Hound HuntingDec 1Dec 16
Zone BHZ-3Hound HuntingOct 4Oct 5
Zone BHZ-3Hound HuntingOct 11Oct 17
Zone BHZ-3Hound HuntingOct 27Oct 31
Zone BHZ-3Hound HuntingDec 1Dec 14
Zone BHZ-3Hound HuntingDec 25Dec 28
Zone BHZ-4Hound HuntingDec 13Dec 14
Zone kettlefoot-and-laurel-fork-bear-reserveHound HuntingSep 20Sep 26

General

UnitTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Zone BHZ-1GeneralOct 25Oct 26
Zone BHZ-1GeneralNov 22Nov 25
Zone BHZ-2GeneralOct 25Oct 26
Zone BHZ-2GeneralNov 22Nov 25
Zone BHZ-3GeneralOct 25Oct 26
Zone BHZ-3GeneralNov 22Nov 25
Zone BHZ-4GeneralOct 25Oct 26
Zone BHZ-5GeneralOct 25Oct 26
Zone BHZ-5GeneralDec 13Dec 14

Dog Training

UnitTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Zone BHZ-1Dog TrainingAug 23Sep 28
Zone BHZ-1Dog TrainingMay 30Jun 12
Zone BHZ-2Dog TrainingAug 23Sep 28
Zone BHZ-2Dog TrainingMay 30Jun 12
Zone BHZ-3Dog TrainingSep 3Sep 12
Zone BHZ-3Dog TrainingMay 30Jun 12
Zone north-cherokee-wmaDog TrainingSep 2Sep 27
Zone south-cherokee-wmaDog TrainingSep 3Sep 12

Archery

UnitTypeDatesHarvestPressurePublic
Zone BHZ-1ArcherySep 27Oct 24
Zone BHZ-2ArcherySep 27Oct 24
Zone BHZ-3ArcherySep 27Oct 24
Zone BHZ-4ArcherySep 27Oct 24
Zone BHZ-5ArcherySep 27Oct 24
Zone transitional-zoneArcherySep 27Oct 24

Black Bear in Tennessee: FAQ

When is black bear season in Tennessee?

Black Bear season in Tennessee currently runs Aug 23 to Jun 12, across 37 season rows and 9 Units, split by weapon (Dog Training, Archery, Hound Hunting, General).

Where is the best place to hunt black bear in Tennessee?

The best Units for black bear in Tennessee depend on harvest success and public-land access, both shown per Unit above. Compare units before you apply for a tag or plan your hunt.

Plan your Black Bear hunt in Tennessee

View Unit boundaries, public land, and walk-in access areas on our interactive map.

Also see Tennessee seasons, public land, and license.

Black Bear seasons in Tennessee — offline