bear hunt zone · Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Bear Hunt Zone 3
Tennessee, United States
The map opens on this unit. Turn on Hunting units in Layers to see its boundary with public land, your pins and the forecast.
About Bear Hunt Zone 3
Bear Hunt Zone 3 is a bear hunt zone in Tennessee, United States, set by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It covers about 2,972 km² (1,147 mi²). Towns inside it include Sweetwater and Madisonville.
HuntGrid draws its boundary from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's data for the 2026 season. The agency uses this unit system for American black bear.
- Unit code
- 3
- Area
- 2,972 km²
- Area (miles)
- 1,147 mi²
- Boundaries
- 2026
Public and protected land mapped inside it
HuntGrid's public land layers map about 1,276 km² of public or protected land inside it, 43% of the unit. Some protected land is privately owned (a conservation group's, for one). By manager, as the source names it:
| Manager | km² | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Service Region 08 Southern | 1,240 | 42% |
| Joint | 522 | 18% |
| Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency | 20 | under 1% |
| Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) | 10 | under 1% |
| Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation | 3.7 | under 1% |
| State Fish and Wildlife | 3.1 | under 1% |
| Non-Governmental Organization | 2.6 | under 1% |
| TNC/CNF | 2.0 | under 1% |
| Other or unnamed managers | 1.1 | under 1% |
Boundaries are approximate and aren't legal descriptions. Public land doesn't always mean you can hunt there: check your local regulations and posted signs.
Public land: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1
Seasons and regulations
Seasons for this unit that a person has checked against Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's regulations:
| Species | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| American black bear | Oct 31, 2026 to Nov 1, 2026 | firearm, BHZ 3: Monroe and Polk counties and McMinn east of US 411, except South Cherokee WMA source |
| American black bear | Nov 2, 2026 to Nov 6, 2026 | firearm, BHZ 3: Monroe and Polk counties and McMinn east of US 411, except South Cherokee WMA source |
| American black bear | Nov 21, 2026 to Nov 24, 2026 | firearm, BHZ 3: Monroe and Polk counties and McMinn east of US 411, except South Cherokee WMA source |
| American black bear | Nov 30, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 | firearm, BHZ 3: Monroe and Polk counties and McMinn east of US 411, except South Cherokee WMA source |
| American black bear | Dec 31, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 | firearm, BHZ 3: Monroe and Polk counties and McMinn east of US 411, except South Cherokee WMA source |
The official regulations have the final word: check them before you hunt.
Units around it
Next to it in the same unit system
Other hunting units that cover part of it
What HuntGrid shows for Bear Hunt Zone 3
- Its boundary on the map; tap inside it for the unit's card with the agency's regulations link.
- Public land and the other hunting units in the same view, each with its source.
- Season dates once a person has checked them, and legal shooting hours where the rule is checked.
- Hourly wind with a scent cone for every stand, and official weather alerts.
- Offline maps: download the area and use the map, your pins and the forecast with no signal.
Questions
How big is Bear Hunt Zone 3?
About 2,972 km² (1,147 mi²), as HuntGrid maps Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's boundary.
How much public or protected land is in Bear Hunt Zone 3?
HuntGrid's public land layers map about 1,276 km² of public or protected land, 43% of the unit; the largest share is managed by Forest Service Region 08 Southern. Public land doesn't always mean you can hunt there.
Where are the season dates for Bear Hunt Zone 3?
This page lists 5 seasons a person has checked against Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's regulations; the official regulations have the final word.
Which units are next to Bear Hunt Zone 3?
In the same unit system: Bear Hunt Zone 2 and Transitional Zone.
More on huntgrid.net
Sources
Unit boundary: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (zone definition); U.S. Census Bureau. Licence: Zones defined in the 2026-27 Tennessee hunting guide and Proclamation 26-11 (TWRA); geometry public domain (U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line). Boundaries for the 2026 season.
HuntGrid isn't affiliated with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The official regulations and maps have the final word.