The Guide to the Tennessee Rabbit Hunting Season 2026
There's something special about chasing rabbits through frosty brush on a late-winter Tennessee morning. Whether you're hunting solo or running beagles, the Tennessee rabbit hunting season offers long days, generous limits, and good times. Affordable and accessible, it's also a perfect way to introduce new hunters to hunting.
To help you get started, we're going to cover the basics of rabbit hunting in Tennessee. You're about to discover everything you need to know about season dates, licenses, equipment, habitat, safety, and a few tips I've learned over the years.
Why Hunt Rabbits in Tennessee
Rabbits are plentiful across Tennessee. You don't need a lease, a cabin, or family land to hunt rabbits in this state. A basic shotgun and some good boots will do.
Rabbit hunting is low-pressure and high-excitement, with lots of shooting. The long season also gives you time to scout, try new spots, and learn the layout of where you hunt.
Best of all, when you head home, you have some of the leanest, tastiest wild game around. Fried rabbit is my personal favorite, but don't be afraid to try new rabbit recipes.
Season Dates and Bag Limits
Rabbit Season TN 2025-2026 Possession Limit
Tennessee's daily bag limit is five rabbits per hunter. Total possession limits may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the most recent Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations before your hunt.
Remember that these limits can change from year to year based on population trends and wildlife surveys.
Licensing and Legal Requirements
To hunt rabbits in Tennessee, you'll need a valid state hunting license. That applies no matter whether you're hunting on public or private land, with one exception (more on that later). Youth hunters may qualify for reduced-cost licenses, and seniors have other options as well.
Hunters must follow all state regulations, including blaze orange requirements during overlapping firearm seasons. If you're new to hunting, you'll also need to complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
Hunting Methods and Equipment
Shotguns are the go-to choice. You can use a 20-gauge or a 12-gauge with No. 6 or No. 7.5 shot. I prefer a .410 with 7.5 shot. It's light, easy to carry all day, and great for rabbits.
An improved cylinder or even a skeet choke will help shotgunners with fast, close shots. Some hunters prefer small-caliber rifles, but you'll need more time to get a shot off and clear, safe shooting lanes.
If you're running beagles, they'll do the heavy lifting of flushing rabbits from dense cover and following them on the run. Even without dogs, success is possible if you hunt slowly and quietly.
Habitat and Hunting Locations
Rabbits love edges such as old fields, overgrown fencerows, briar thickets, and young timber stands. You can rabbit hunt without dogs if you look for spots with thick ground cover and signs of activity. Busy feeding areas will have droppings, tracks, or tunnels under brush.
Scout during midday when rabbits are holed up in cover. Then plan to hunt early in the morning or just before dusk when they become active. A predawn drizzle or light frost can improve scenting conditions for dogs, making those days ideal for a longer hunt.
Can I Hunt on My Own Land Without a License in Tennessee?
Yes, landowners and their immediate family (spouses and children) are allowed to hunt their own farmland without a license. It must be a working farm owned by you or your parents and covered by an agricultural exemption.
Current tenants can hunt on land without a license if they have the landowner's written permission. Any guest or non-family member needs to have a valid hunting license. All hunters, licensed or not, must follow TWRA season dates, bag limits, and safety rules.
Safety Considerations
Safety starts with taking the Tennessee hunter education course. Not only will the information you learn help you stay safe for a rabbit hunt (or any hunt), Tennessee requires all hunters to carry a hunter safety certification.
At a close second in order of importance, safety requires visibility and muzzle awareness. If you're hunting during overlapping big game seasons, blaze orange is required (though required or not, it's always a good idea).
When learning to hunt, be aware of safe carry methods, such as cradle carry. Above all, only shoot when you have a clear view.
Rabbit Hunting Tips
Here are a few tips on how I work rabbits.
- Move slowly: Scan the brush carefully, since rabbits may freeze until you're nearly on top of them.
- Pay attention: When a rabbit bolts, it will often return to its original hiding spot.
- Stand still: Don't pace while the dogs are working. It will cause the rabbit to change course mid-run.
- Dog hunting: Learn the feel of dog hunting. Pause and listen, because dogs' vocal patterns can tell you a lot.
- Hunt smart: Hunt during light rains or cold snaps, when rabbits move more, and dogs detect scent better.
- Without dogs: Walk the edges and, when they're flushed, whistle loudly and quickly to make rabbits stop dead in their tracks.
Even if you're new to small game hunting, the Tennessee rabbit hunting season rewards observation and patience. Learn to read the terrain, and you'll start finding rabbits where others don't.
Plan for a Safe, Successful Tennessee Rabbit Hunting Season
The Tennessee rabbit hunting season is one of the best-kept secrets in the state. Long dates, low cost, and high action make it a favorite for both veteran hunters and first-timers. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to the sport or you've been hunting rabbits your whole life, rabbit hunting is a fun way to stock up on some unbeatable table fare.
Study the rules, scout ahead of time, and take the time to enjoy the whole process.
Before you head out, taking the hunter safety course for Tennessee through Hunter-Ed can also give you the tools to learn more about responsible, effective rabbit hunting in Tennessee. Plus, a hunter safety certification is required before you can hunt in the state.
Hunt rabbits legally and safely in Tennessee!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to common questions about Tennessee rabbit hunting season.
Q: When can you hunt rabbits in Tennessee?
A: Tennessee rabbit season typically runs November 1 through February 28 statewide with a valid license.
Q: What animals can you hunt year-round in Tennessee?
A: In Tennessee, certain unprotected or nuisance species may be hunted year-round, including coyote, beaver, groundhog, striped skunk, and armadillo. All hunting is subject to regulations and land access rules.
Q: Where can you hunt rabbits in Tennessee?
A: In Tennessee, rabbits may be hunted on private land with landowner permission and on public Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that allow small-game hunting during the season. Always check area-specific rules.
