Tennessee Bear Seasons & Regulations
Regulations
The limit of bears for any person participating in the statewide or managed hunts or both shall not exceed one (1) bear per calendar year.
Cubs or female bears with cubs at side may not be taken at any time. A cub is defined as any bear weighing seventy-five (75) pounds or less.
All harvested bears must be checked out at an official checking station (excluding internet). Bears may be whole or field dressed, but must weigh 75 pounds or greater when checked in.
The reproductive sex organs shall remain attached to each bear harvested at least until the bear has been officially checked out at an official bear checking station.
Prohibited Acts
Hunting private property without landowners permission.
Hunting prohibited over a site where bait has been placed to feed or attract wildlife unless the bait has been removed at least 10 days prior to hunting.
It is illegal to hunt, shoot at, chase, or kill any wild animal, wild bird, or wildfowl from a public road right-of-way, or from any motorized vehicle, or to shoot any firearms across or from any public road or vehicle.
Bear Reserves
Bear hunting is not permitted in bear reserves unless a special exception is provided by proclamation.
2011 Bear Seasons (No Dogs Permitted)
Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of Hwy. 411) Johnson, Monroe, Polk (that portion east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington - Archery Only - September 24 - October 21, 2011. One per year, either sex.
Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Monroe, Polk (east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington - G/M/A - November 24-27, 2011. One per year, either sex.
2011 Bear Seasons (Dogs Permitted)
Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of Hwy.411), Johnson, Monroe, Polk (that portion east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington. G/M/A - October 31 - November 3, 2011 / December 1-14, 2011. One per year, either sex.
Blount, Cocke (south of I-40), Jefferson (east of Hwy. 411), Sevier. G/M/A - September 26 - October 2, 2011. One per year, either sex.
Monroe, Polk (east of 411 & north of 64)- G/M/A - October 1-2, 8-9, 2011. One per year, either sex.
2011 Bear Dog Training Season
Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of 411), Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington. August 27 - September 18, 2011. No bears may be taken. No weapons may be possessed.
Monroe, Polk (that portion east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64). September 8-13, 2011. No bears may be taken. No weapons may be possessed.
Young Sportsman Bear Hunt
Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of 411), Johnson, Monroe, Polk (that portion east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington. No dogs.
October 29-30, 2011 - 1 per year, either sex
Youths 6-16 years of age may participate. Young sportsmen must be accompanied by a non-hunting, adult, 21 years of age or older, who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device and who must also comply with fluorescent orange regulations, as specified for legal hunters. Multiple youths may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.
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