TENNESSEE BLOOD
TRAILING NETWORK
Connecting hunters with experienced trackers
across the Volunteer State
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DEER
RECOVERED LAST YEAR
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BEAR
RECOVERED LAST YEAR
200,000 FIREARM DEER HUNTERS
100,000 ARCHERY DEER HUNTERS
? ACTIVE DEER/BEAR TRACKERS
TRACKING LAWS* FOR THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
Know the rules before you track. These Tennessee laws help insure ethical recovery, respect for landowners, and the future of our hunting rights.
Tennessee allows the use of tracking dogs to help locate wounded deer. Dogs used for recovery must remain on a leash and under control of the handler throughout the track. Tracking dogs may only be used to recover wounded deer and cannot be used to chase or hunt healthy deer.
Hunters and tracking teams must follow Tennessee’s fluorescent orange requirements during seasons where those rules apply. If hunter orange is required during the open season, tracking handlers should also wear orange while assisting with the recovery for safety.
Tennessee does not require a separate tracking dog handler license or certification. If a hunter uses a tracking dog handler, the hunter must accompany the handler during the recovery. The handler assisting the hunter is not required to possess a hunting license while providing tracking services.
Tracking dogs may be used during an open deer season. Tennessee requires the appropriate TWRA regional office to be notified before beginning a tracking effort with a dog. If tracking after legal shooting hours, weapons are not allowed during the recovery.
Using a tracking dog does not give hunters permission to enter another person's property. If a wounded deer crosses onto property where the hunter does not have permission, landowner approval must be obtained before continuing the recovery.
Drones may be used only to recover a deer that is reasonably believed to be mortally wounded. Drone operation is limited to 30 minutes after sunset through 3:00 AM and must occur only over private property with full landowner permission.
* Disclaimer: The information provided by TRAKR is intended as a general summary of state tracking laws and regulations and is not legal advice. Because laws and regulations may change, hunters and trackers should always verify current statutes, regulations, and agency guidance before using dogs, drones, or other recovery methods in their state.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TENNESSEE BLOOD TRAILING NETWORK
Tennessee Blood Trailing Network has become one of the primary resources for hunters looking to connect with tracking dog handlers across the Volunteer State. The group exists to help hunters locate trained blood-trailing dogs when a wounded deer or other game animal becomes difficult to recover
The network brings together tracking teams throughout Tennessee who share a common goal of reducing lost game and promoting ethical recovery. Tennessee’s combination of mountains, hardwood forests, farmland, and thick southern cover creates conditions where tracking dogs can be extremely valuable.
Size and Impact
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The group provides a centralized resource for Tennessee hunters looking for tracking dog assistance.
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The network connects hunters with handlers willing to help locate wounded or deceased game animals.
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Tennessee’s long deer season creates a high demand for experienced tracking teams.
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The group helps promote ethical recovery and responsible use of tracking dogs.
Why Tennessee Requires Leashes
Tennessee historically prohibited using dogs to pursue deer. The leash requirement creates a clear difference between recovering a wounded animal and illegally hunting deer with dogs. Keeping the tracking dog leashed allows handlers to follow the trail of a specific wounded deer while maintaining control of the dog and protecting wildlife.
Certification and Training
Tennessee does not require state-issued tracking dog certification. However, many dedicated handlers improve their skills through training, mentorship, real-world recoveries, and organizations such as American Blood Trackers and United Blood Trackers. Experience understanding wounded deer behavior, scent conditions, and dog handling are important parts of becoming a successful tracking team.
Interesting Facts About Tennessee Blood Trailing Network
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Tennessee Blood Trailing Network was built around a simple mission — helping hunters find tracking dogs when they need recovery assistance.
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The group uses an organized statewide approach instead of leaving hunters to randomly search for available trackers.
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The community is not only a place to find trackers but also a resource where handlers share knowledge and help improve recovery practices.
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Tennessee Blood Trailing Network represents the growth of modern tracking communities — combining experienced handlers, trained dogs, social media, and platforms like TRAKR to make finding recovery help faster and easier.