What are the seasons and regulations for hunting turkey in Tennessee?
There are two main seasons for turkey hunting: Spring and Fall. The Spring turkey season typically runs from early April to mid-May, with the exact dates varying each year. This is the most popular season for turkey hunting as male turkeys, or gobblers, are in full display during their mating season, making them easier to spot and call.
Fall turkey season usually begins in late September and lasts through October. During this time, both male and female turkeys can be hunted. However, it's important to note that bag limits and regulations vary between counties and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), so it's crucial to check local rules before heading out.
For both seasons, hunters must possess a valid Tennessee Hunting License and a Turkey Permit. The daily bag limit during Spring Season is one bearded turkey per day, while in Fall Season hunters can take either sex but are limited to one turkey per day. Over both seasons combined, there's a statewide bag limit of four turkeys.
Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise until sunset during both seasons. It's also essential to know that using electronic calls or live decoys is prohibited in Tennessee. Hunters should also be aware that hunting turkeys over baited areas is illegal.
What are popular counties to hunt turkey in Tennessee?
The state is divided into four distinct turkey hunting zones, each with its own set of regulations and season dates. However, within these zones, certain counties have gained popularity among hunters for their abundant turkey populations and favorable hunting conditions.
Maury County, nestled in the heart of Middle Tennessee, has earned a reputation as the "Turkey Hunting Capital of Tennessee". Its dense forests and rolling hills provide an ideal habitat for wild turkeys, leading to a high population density that attracts hunters from far and wide. The county's commitment to conservation efforts further ensures a sustainable hunting experience.
Adjacent Giles County is another prime destination for turkey hunting. Its sprawling private lands are teeming with wild turkeys, providing ample opportunities for successful hunts. The county's diverse landscape adds an element of adventure to the hunt.
In West Tennessee, Hardeman County offers vast expanses of private lands filled with wild turkeys. Here, hunters can enjoy a more secluded experience amidst the county's picturesque farmlands and forests.
East Tennessee's Greene County stands out not just for its turkey population but also for the quality of birds it produces. Hunters often find large-bodied gobblers here that present an exciting challenge even for seasoned veterans.
Lastly, Stewart County in Northwest Tennessee offers excellent opportunities to hunt turkeys in the scenic surroundings of Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. This area combines rich wildlife populations with breathtaking natural beauty.
What are popular hunting methods and the required gear to hunt turkey in Tennessee?
One of the most favored techniques is calling, where hunters use a range of devices like box calls, slate calls, or diaphragm calls to mimic the sounds of a hen and lure in gobblers. Decoy placement is another important strategy often employed during spring season when turkeys are breeding. Hunters set up realistic decoys to attract males within shooting range. Camouflage is essential in turkey hunting as these birds have excellent vision; hence, hunters wear camo from head-to-toe and even use camo-covered shotguns.
The gear required for turkey hunting includes a reliable shotgun—often 12-gauge—with an effective range of at least 40 yards. Shot size typically ranges from No. 4 to No. 6. A comfortable, portable blind can be beneficial for those long waits in the field. Additionally, binoculars are useful for spotting distant turkeys without disturbing them.
Beyond spring, fall turkey hunting offers a different challenge and requires slightly different tactics and gear. Instead of luring in love-struck gobblers with hen calls, fall hunters often try to scatter family groups of hens and young birds then call them back together with kee-kee runs or lost yelp calls.