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Deer Rifle Hunting Checklist
Tennessee's statewide deer gun season runs from late November into early January. Blaze orange is the one item the law requires on every gun hunt.
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Required by Tennessee law for this hunt: blaze orange vest and blaze orange hat.
Blaze orange vest
Not needed on archery-only hunts, but Tennessee requires 500 sq in of orange or pink when an archery-only deer season overlaps a big game gun season such as bear, and during combined muzzleloader or gun seasons.
Blaze orange hat
The 500 sq in orange or pink requirement covers the head as well as the upper body, so a hat is part of meeting the rule.
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Full-body safety harness
Tree stand falls cause many serious hunting injuries; a full-body harness worn from the ground up keeps a slip from becoming a fall.
Binoculars
Glassing the edges helps you spot deer early enough to get ready for a shot.
Rangefinder
Archery shots are short and steep from a stand, and an angle-compensated reading keeps you from shooting over a deer.
Shooting sticks
A steady rest from a ground set or blind tightens groups more than any scope upgrade.
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Rifle sling
A sling frees your hands for climbing, dragging and walking in the dark.
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Hearing protection
Electronic muffs protect your hearing at the range and still let you hear deer walking.
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Headlamp
You walk in before legal shooting light, 30 minutes before sunrise, and out after dark.
Insulated hunting boots
Late-season stand sits in December and January are cold; insulated boots keep you on stand longer.
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Hand warmer muff
Warm hands make for a steadier, safer trigger pull in late-season cold.
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Field dressing knife
Field dress promptly to cool the meat, especially on warm September and October evenings.
Field dressing gloves
Gloves keep you cleaner and reduce contact with blood and body fluids.
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Deer drag harness
A drag harness makes it easier to move a deer out to a truck or ATV trail.
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Spending more on a deer rifle hunting setup?
Checklists for hunts other than deer rifle hunting
Season dates and limits: White-tailed Deer. Legal weapons and blaze orange: Tennessee hunting laws.
Deer Rifle Hunting checklist questions
What do I need for deer rifle hunting in Tennessee?
The 14 items above, starting with blaze orange vest, blaze orange hat and full-body safety harness.
What gear does Tennessee law require?
For this hunt: blaze orange vest and blaze orange hat.
Do these links cost more?
No. Affiliate links do not change the price.
Do you test this gear?
No. Each item links to a search of current listings.
Where can I buy locally?
See the archery and sporting goods directory.
Is blaze orange required?
For big game during gun and muzzleloader hunts, 500 square inches on the upper body and head.
Are crossbows legal?
Yes, in every deer, bear, elk and turkey season.
When is the season?
See White-tailed Deer for 2026-27 dates.