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Squirrel and Small Game Checklist
Tennessee's fall squirrel season opens in late August and runs to mid-March, with rabbit season from November through February. It is a good way to start new hunters.
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Rimfire scope
A scope on a .22 makes clean head shots on squirrels in tall hardwoods easier.
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Small game vest
A small game vest carries shells or rounds and has a pouch for game.
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Squirrel call
A squirrel call can get quiet squirrels moving and barking.
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Binoculars
Glassing the edges helps you spot deer early enough to get ready for a shot.
Seat cushion
Sitting still at the base of a tree near nut trees is one of the best squirrel tactics.
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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.
Permethrin clothing spray
Ticks are heavy in Tennessee woods and fields in April and May; treat clothing with permethrin before the season.
Game shears
Shears make fast work of cleaning a limit of doves.
Field dressing gloves
Gloves keep you cleaner and reduce contact with blood and body fluids.
Cooler
Ice down birds quickly in September heat to keep the meat from spoiling.
Hearing protection
Electronic muffs protect your hearing at the range and still let you hear deer walking.
Spending more on a squirrel and small game setup?
Checklists for hunts other than squirrel and small game
Season dates and limits: Squirrel, Rabbit and Small Game. Legal weapons and blaze orange: Tennessee hunting laws.
Squirrel and Small Game checklist questions
What do I need for squirrel and small game in Tennessee?
The 12 items above, starting with rimfire scope, small game vest and squirrel call.
What gear does Tennessee law require?
Nothing on this list is required by law, but licenses, hunter education and blaze orange rules still apply; see the laws page.
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 Squirrel, Rabbit and Small Game for 2026-27 dates.