Tennessee residents will have the opportunity to hunt without a license on Saturday, August 24, aligning with the opening day of squirrel season

Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has designated this day as Free Hunting Day to promote interest in hunting and introduce new participants to the sport.

Free Hunting Day is an annual initiative by the TWRA aimed at sparking interest in hunting, a tradition deeply rooted in Tennessee’s culture.

The day provides a chance for individuals to experience the sport of squirrel hunting, one of the state’s longstanding outdoor activities.

The TWRA encourages seasoned hunters to bring friends and family, regardless of age, to share in the experience. It also offers a chance for those who have not hunted recently to reconnect with the sport.

In addition to the start of squirrel season, the TWRA will also kick off a three-day archery-only season for antlered deer on private lands and select wildlife management areas (WMAs) from August 23-25.

Hunters should consult individual WMAs for specific regulations. The removal of Unit CWD means that guns and muzzleloaders will no longer be permitted during the August season.

On Free Hunting Day, state residents are exempt from hunting license and WMA permit requirements. Many WMAs will be open for public access on August 24, and hunters should refer to the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for details on specific areas. Permission is required to hunt on private lands not owned by the hunter.