Tennessee Duck Season 2026-27: Dates, Limits and Blind Draws
Tennessee ducks, Oct. 25, 2026
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Nov. 28
Duck season
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (first segment) | Statewide | Nov. 28, 2026 to Nov. 29, 2026 | Opens in 34 days |
| Regular Season (second segment) | Statewide | Dec. 5, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027 | Opens in 41 days |
One statewide season: Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-Jan. 31, for ducks, coots and mergansers.
Wood duck and teal, youth and veterans hunts
| Season | Zone | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Duck and Teal | Statewide | Sept. 12, 2026 to Sept. 16, 2026 | Closed |
| Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunt | Statewide | Feb. 6, 2027 | Opens in 104 days |
| Veterans and Active Military Hunt | Statewide | Feb. 7, 2027 | Opens in 105 days |
| Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunt (second day) | Statewide | Feb. 13, 2027 | Opens in 111 days |
| Veterans and Active Military Hunt (second day) | Statewide | Feb. 14, 2027 | Opens in 112 days |
Daily bag limits
| Species | Daily limit |
|---|---|
| Total ducks | 6 |
| Mallards (hens) | 4 (2) |
| Wood ducks | 3 |
| Pintails | 3 |
| Canvasbacks | 2 |
| Redheads | 2 |
| Black ducks | 2 |
| Mottled ducks | 1 |
| Scaup | 1, then 2 |
| Mergansers (hooded) | 5 (2) |
| Coots | 15 |
Scaup are 1 a day Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 5-17, and 2 a day from Dec. 18 through Jan. 31. Youth and veterans hunts use the regular limits.
Youth and veterans hunts in February
After the regular season closes, Tennessee holds a Youth Sportsman Waterfowl Hunt on Feb. 6 and 13, 2027, and a Veterans and Active Military Personnel Hunt on Feb. 7 and 14. The TWRA page gives two different ages for the adult accompanying youth (18 and 21), so confirm with TWRA before the hunt.
Public blind applications
| Draw | Applications | Hunt days |
|---|---|---|
| Season-long | June 24-July 15 | Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-Jan. 31 |
| Early | Sept. 23-Oct. 13 | Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-21 |
| Mid | Oct. 21-Nov. 10 | Dec. 22-Jan. 11 |
| Late | Nov. 18-Dec. 8 | Jan. 12-31 |
September wood duck and teal
Sept. 12-16, 6 ducks a day with no more than 2 wood ducks.
Federal waterfowl rules
- Only approved nontoxic shot may be used or possessed for ducks and coots.
- Shotguns may hold no more than three shells unless plugged with a one-piece filler.
- Hunting over bait and using live birds as decoys are prohibited.
Frequently asked questions
When does duck season open in Tennessee?
Nov. 28, 2026. The first segment is Nov. 28-29, and the season reopens Dec. 5 through Jan. 31.
When is the Tennessee youth waterfowl hunt?
Feb. 6 and 13, 2027, after the regular season. Veterans and active military hunt Feb. 7 and 14.
How many scaup can you shoot in Tennessee?
One a day through Dec. 17, then two a day from Dec. 18 to Jan. 31.
When can I apply for a Tennessee duck blind?
The mid-season draw takes applications Oct. 21-Nov. 10 for Dec. 22-Jan. 11, and the late draw Nov. 18-Dec. 8 for Jan. 12-31.
Duck season in other states
Texas · Pennsylvania · Michigan · Wisconsin · Ohio · Georgia · New York · Missouri · Minnesota · Indiana · Virginia · North Carolina · Kentucky · Alabama.
Deer seasons are on the Tennessee deer season page, and turkey seasons on the Tennessee turkey season page.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunting. Federal rules: 50 CFR 20.21 and 20.108.
Verified on Oct. 24, 2026.
Reelfoot and other WMAs have their own waterfowl rules and hours. Check TWRA before hunting.