Tennessee · Whitetail rut
Whitetail rut dates in Tennessee.
Tennessee runs a noticeably later rut than its northern neighbors — peak conception clusters around November 18–25.
Nov 18 – Nov 25 → Nov 23 – Dec 1 · Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Tennessee's rut is later than most southern states because of how the state's deer herd was historically restored — much of the foundation stock came from North Carolina and Wisconsin imports, and that genetic mix shifted peak conception by 7–10 days. Eastern Tennessee bucks often peak last, with Middle and Western regions running slightly earlier.
Zone
West Tennessee
- Pre-rut
- Nov 5 – Nov 17
- Peak breeding
- Nov 18 – Nov 25
- Post-rut
- Nov 26 – Dec 8
- Late rut
- Dec 13 – Dec 25
Zone
Middle Tennessee
- Pre-rut
- Nov 7 – Nov 19
- Peak breeding
- Nov 20 – Nov 28
- Post-rut
- Nov 29 – Dec 11
- Late rut
- Dec 16 – Dec 28
Zone
East Tennessee
- Pre-rut
- Nov 10 – Nov 22
- Peak breeding
- Nov 23 – Dec 1
- Post-rut
- Dec 2 – Dec 14
- Late rut
- Dec 19 – Dec 31
Source
Data sourced from TWRA deer-program reports and TWRA fetal-rate studies of harvested does across all three grand divisions.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency →Bield Hunt earns its predictions.
14-day free trial. No credit card. Cancel anytime.