Tennessee residents can hunt without a license on Saturday, Aug. 24, which also is the opening day of squirrel season.
The day also falls during the August private lands, archery-only deer season.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency sponsors Free Hunting Day annually to increase interest in hunting. Squirrel hunting is one of the state's oldest and favorite traditions, according to the TWRA, and is an opportunity for people to experience the enjoyment of the sport.
On Free Hunting Day, state resident hunters are exempt from hunting licenses and Wildlife Management Area permit requirements. Many of the WMAs are open to hunters seeking public access on Aug. 24. Hunters are asked to check about particular WMAs in the 2019-20 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. Sportsmen are reminded to ask for permission to hunt on private lands.
Also, hunter education requirements are not waived for Free Hunting Day. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, is required to have successfully completed a hunter education course. There is an exemption for hunter ed in the form of the apprentice license available for purchase, according to the TWRA.
Hunters may harvest up to 10 squirrels a day from the opening day of squirrel season through Feb. 29, 2020, with each hunting day beginning a half-hour before sunrise and ending a half-hour after sunset.
In addition to squirrels, other species that have a year-round season will be open as well. The year-round species include armadillos, beavers, coyotes, groundhogs and striped skunks.
For more information about hunting in Tennessee, visit the TWRA's website at www.tnwildlife.org or contact your nearest TWRA regional office.