Tennessee residents are allowed to hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 23, which coincides with the opening day of squirrel season.
Free Hunting Day is an annual event provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) in hopes of increasing interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of Tennessee’s oldest and favorite traditions. The day serves as an excellent opportunity for people to experience the enjoyment of the sport.
The TWRA encourages regular hunters to introduce friends and family members (young and old) to the outdoor sport. It is also an excellent opportunity for people who have not tried hunting in a while to be reintroduced to the sport.
In addition to the opening of squirrel season, the three-day archery-only antlered deer hunt on private lands and selected Unit 1 wildlife management areas (WMAs) is set for Aug. 22-24. Check individual WMAs for regulations. Due to the removal of Unit CWD, guns and muzzleloaders are no longer allowed during the August season.
On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and WMA permit requirements. Many of the WMAs are open to hunters seeking public access on Aug. 23. Hunters are asked to check the 2025-26 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Guide for specific WMA regulations. Hunters are required to ask for permission to access private lands.
Hunters can harvest up to 10 squirrels a day from the opening day of squirrel season through March 15, 2026. Each hunting day begins a half-hour before sunrise and ends a half-hour after sunset.
Hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, is required to have completed a hunter education course. An Apprentice Hunter Permit is required for those born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, if the hunter education course has not been completed.
This permit exempts the hunter from the mandatory hunter education law for one year from the date of purchase but may only be purchased for up to three consecutive years during the lifetime of the hunter. Youth under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Visit www.tnwildlife.org to complete hunter education online or find a listing of scheduled classes.
For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit TWRA’s website at www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA regional office.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
—TWRA—
