Tennessee's 2024 Free Hunting Day Aims to Boost Participation as Squirrel Season Kicks Off

Photo byJoshua J. CottenonUnsplash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee’s annual Free Hunting Day is set for Saturday, August 24, offering residents the chance to hunt without a license, coinciding with the much-anticipated opening of squirrel season. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) hopes the event will encourage more people to participate in the state’s hunting traditions amid a national decline in hunters.

Squirrel hunting, one of Tennessee’s oldest outdoor traditions, remains a popular pursuit despite changes in hunting demographics. Free Hunting Day provides an ideal opportunity for seasoned hunters to introduce newcomers to the sport or for those who have not hunted in years to rediscover the thrill.

The event comes as the state continues to see a shift in hunting participation. Over the past decade, the number of hunters in Tennessee has declined, reflecting a national trend. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the number of hunting licenses sold in the United States has decreased by more than 2 million since 2011, with Tennessee also experiencing a noticeable drop. The TWRA reported that the state had approximately 340,000 licensed hunters in 2023, down from about 380,000 in 2013.

Photo bycourtesy of Tennessee State Government/TWRA

The decline in hunting has raised concerns about its impact on wildlife management and conservation efforts, which rely heavily on funds generated from hunting licenses and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. In response, initiatives like Free Hunting Day have been introduced to reverse this trend by making it easier for people to engage in the sport.

In addition to squirrel hunting, the weekend will feature a three-day archery-only hunt for antlered deer on private lands and selected wildlife management areas (WMAs) from August 23-25. Hunters are encouraged to check regulations for individual WMAs, mainly as changes have been implemented this year. Notably, the removal of Unit CWD means that guns and muzzleloaders will no longer be allowed during the August season, a significant change aimed at managing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the state’s deer population.

On Free Hunting Day, Tennessee residents can hunt without the usual requirement for hunting licenses and WMA permits. Many of the state’s WMAs will be open to the public, offering hunters a range of options. However, the TWRA reminds hunters to consult the 2024-25 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide for specific regulations and to obtain permission before hunting on private lands.

While the license requirement is waived for the day, hunter-education mandates remain effective. Those born on or after January 1, 1969, must have completed a hunter education course unless they possess an apprentice license, which provides a one-year exemption. Young hunters under ten must accompany an adult aged 21 or older.

Tennessee’s squirrel season will run through March 15, 2025, with hunters allowed to harvest up to 10 squirrels daily. The season’s start is a reminder of the state’s rich hunting heritage, even as the number of active hunters has fluctuated over the years. Like many other game species in Tennessee, Squirrel populations are closely monitored by the TWRA to ensure sustainable harvests and healthy wildlife populations.

For more details on Free Hunting Day and other hunting opportunities in Tennessee, visit the TWRA’s website or contact a regional office.

Sources:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Hunting License Data
• Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Hunting and Trapping Guide 2024-25