When most people think of Tennessee, they tend to think of the Grand Ole Opry in the state capital of Nashville (aptly nicknamed “music city”), or the scenic Smoky Mountains.  Many, however, are not as aware of the vast hunting opportunities available in the “volunteer state.”

The widely varying topography and resulting habitat types present are some of the most diverse of any state in the nation. The state has plenty of wild critters to offer, ranging from the Black Bear that call the mountains of east Tennessee home, to the re-introduced bugling elk on the Cumberland Plateau, to the waterfowl that migrate down the Mississippi River flyway. 

The state boasts a wide variety of small and big game species that are legal to hunt, depending on the season, such as mourning dove, squirrel, rabbit, quail, white-tailed deer, turkey, bear, elk, and many others.  There aren’t many places in the nation that offer so many species and types of hunting opportunities for the hunter to pursue as Tennessee!

Even if you don’t have access to hunting land, Tennessee has nearly 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. These WMAs vary in size from 53 to 625,00 acres, and are available to the public for hunting and trapping. There are also over 7,000 acres of other public hunting lands that are available for use by hunters.

The great state of Tennessee has a lot to offer, including ample hunting opportunities. Consider taking a trip to this beautiful state the next time you are looking for a hunting adventure!