Tennessee Duck Season
2026–2027
Season dates by zone, bag limits, youth days, and license requirements — verified against the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
- Earliest opener
- Nov 28
- Latest close
- Jan 31
- Daily bag
- 6 ducks
- Possession
- 18 ducks
Statewide
Statewide
Species limits apply
3× daily bag
Statewide opens in
65 days
Start your Tennessee log — free. MarshHQ counts every species against these limits as you log, and shows legal shooting light for the spot you’re hunting.
Email only. No card. The log stays free.
Season dates by zone
Duck season. Always confirm shooting hours with TWRA.
Statewide
60 days
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Full boundary ↓Hide ↑
Tennessee regulates waterfowl statewide. The former separate Reelfoot Lake duck zone was merged into a single statewide duck hunting zone beginning with the 2022-23 season; there is no East/West or North/South zone split for ducks or geese for 2026-27. Reelfoot Lake retains separate permanent-blind registration and WMA quota-hunt administrative rules but shares the statewide open-season dates and bag limits.
Other waterfowl seasonsCoot, Early teal, Early Canada goose, Canada goose (regular), White-fronted goose, Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s), Light goose conservation order, Brant, Additional season
Coot
Statewide
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Early teal
Statewide
- Sep 12 – Sep 16, 2026
Early Canada goose
Statewide
- Sep 1 – Sep 20, 2026
Canada goose (regular)
Statewide
- Oct 10 – Oct 22, 2026
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027
White-fronted goose
Statewide
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027
Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s)
Statewide
- Sep 1 – Sep 20, 2026
- Oct 10 – Oct 22, 2026
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027
Light goose conservation order
Statewide
- Feb 15 – Mar 31, 2027
Brant
Statewide
- Sep 1 – Sep 20, 2026
- Oct 10 – Oct 22, 2026
- Nov 28 – Nov 29, 2026
- Dec 5, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027
Additional season
Statewide
- Feb 7, 2027
- Feb 14, 2027
Youth & special days
Youth waterfowl
- Statewide:
- Feb 6, 2027 · Feb 13, 2027
Bag limits
Daily limit is 6 ducks total. Within those, no more than:
Light geese: 20 daily.
Light goose (snow, blue, Ross’s)
Light geese: No daily limit daily.
Light goose conservation order
Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession.
Scaup: 1, then 2 daily, 6 in possession.
What you need to hunt ducks in Tennessee
Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit — Required of resident and nonresident hunters, in addition to a valid hunting license.
Nontoxic shot — Lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl nationwide.
- Lifetime and Sportsman License holders must still obtain this permit, at no additional charge.
- Landowners hunting their own property, Tennessee residents under 13, and military personnel on leave are exempt but encouraged to obtain it.
License and permit names and exemptions are set by the state and can change without notice, and fees aren’t listed here for the same reason. MarshHQ is not responsible for errors or out-of-date information — confirm current requirements directly with TWRA (opens in a new tab) before you hunt.
Disclaimer: Bag limits and season dates are for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify with USFWS and your state wildlife agency before hunting. Dates and limits above reflect the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s published 2026–2027 waterfowl regulations as checked on 2026-07-23. Confirm with the official source before you hunt: tn.gov (opens in a new tab)
Not affiliated with any state wildlife agency.