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When Is the Rut in Middle Tennessee?

Tennessee rut phase dates for the 2026 season. Middle Tennessee is one of 3 distinct rut zones in Tennessee — timing here runs on its own schedule.

Short answer: peak rut in Middle Tennessee typically runs Nov 7 to Nov 16.
Compared with the rest of Tennessee: peak rut in Middle Tennessee runs about 6 days earlier than East Tennessee and about 6 days later than West Tennessee.

Middle Tennessee Rut Phases

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
Middle Tennessee Oct 18 – Oct 29 Oct 29 – Nov 7 Nov 7 – Nov 16 Nov 16 – Nov 26

Every Rut Zone in Tennessee

Hunting a different part of the state? Peak dates shift.

Region Pre-Rut Seeking Peak Rut Post-Rut
West Tennessee Oct 10 – Oct 22 Oct 22 – Nov 1 Nov 1 – Nov 12 Nov 12 – Nov 25
Middle Tennessee ← you are here Oct 18 – Oct 29 Oct 29 – Nov 7 Nov 7 – Nov 16 Nov 16 – Nov 26
East Tennessee Oct 24 – Nov 5 Nov 5 – Nov 13 Nov 13 – Nov 22 Nov 22 – Dec 1
How to use these dates. Rut timing is driven mainly by photoperiod, so these windows hold up well year to year. What moves is visible daylight activity — cold fronts, wind, and hunting pressure shift when deer move inside the window. Use the dates to pick your week, then the daily forecast to pick your morning. Always verify seasons with your state agency.
Check today's hunting conditions → All Tennessee rut dates

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Tennessee rut overviewTennessee season dates 2026–27Taxidermists in TennesseePlan a hunt in Tennessee