Tennessee Deer Forecast: ‘Rocky Top' Hunting is Better than You Think

• This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of Tennessee is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States

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Expect a Strong Season in the Volunteer State

Tennessee doesn’t get the whitetail credit it deserves. As an overlooked southeastern states, it’s certainly better than its reputation. Ol’ Rocky Top has some great deer hunting, if you’re willing to travel and find it.

Currently, the Tennessee deer herd stands between 800,000 and 900,000 whitetails, and approximately 150,000 to 170,000 hunters head afield each year. Those make for decent odds of a good hunt.

Tennessee is tied for 27th in Game & Fish’s "America’s Top Whitetail States” rankings, but harvest numbers are solid and the herd is stable and growing.

• Did You Know? Tennessee’s five-year deer harvest average is 147,808 deer per year.

Overall, expect a strong 2024 deer season. Whitetails are doing well throughout most of the state, and buck age structure seems to be improving. The mast crop appears to be quite average this season. All things considered, hunters should expect a good year for deer hunting.

There are numerous changes this season. Perhaps the biggest is the removal of Unit CWD. Now, the state has six deer management units. As a result, some counties are in units they weren’t in before. Check the hunting regulations to determine which unit your hunting property, or public hunting destination, is in.

• That’s a Fact: Last year, Tennessee hunters killed more than 150,000 whitetails, which was down from 163,000 the previous year.

Get more info: Buy your hunting licenses, deer permits, etc. here. Check out the 2024 deer season dates here.

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