March 22, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Tennessee’s 2019 spring turkey season opens in all 95 counties on Saturday, March 30 and continues through Sunday, May 13.
“Turkey hunting in Tennessee is fantastic,” said Ed Carter, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s executive director. “We have abundant public land, one of the longest seasons in the southeast and one of the biggest bag limits and plenty of turkeys. It’s a great way to experience the outdoors, especially this time of year.”
Spring turkey harvest numbers have been consistent for years in Tennessee. And this year is looking to be even better than last year with more favorable conditions than last spring when harvest numbers slipped below 30,000 for the first time in 16 seasons. Bag limit is one bearded turkey per day, up to four per season. A hunting and fishing combination (Type 001), plus a supplemental big game license, or a sportsman license is required. Don’t forget to check game when you harvest a gobbler. Turkey harvest can be checked online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or through the TWRA On The Go App (report capable with or without cell service).
The Middle Tennessee area is again expected to be a hot spot. Nine out of the top 10 county harvests came from mid-state. Maury County led the way though East Tennessee’s Greene County had a productive year finishing second overall in the state. Dickson County was third.
Hunting hours are 30 minutes prior to legal sunrise until legal sunset (times found based on your location in the TWRA On the Go app). Legal hunting equipment includes shotguns using ammunition loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
Firearms and archery equipment may have sighting devices except those devices utilizing an artificial light capable of locating wildlife.
More information on the 2019 spring turkey season can be found in the 2018-19 Tennessee Hunting & Trapping Guide. The guide is online at www.tnwildlife.org and also available at TWRA offices and license agents.