The 2025 Tennessee velvet hunt is in the books, and the hunt once again saw a strong turnout of hunters across the state. Bowhunters from all over the south took part in this unique hunt that provides an early season opportunity at a buck still in velvet on private lands, as well as a few Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) where the hunt is permitted.
Unlike later seasons, which often focus on rutting behavior, this early hunt requires a different strategy. Hunters typically rely on trail camera intel and long-distance scouting with optics to pattern bucks in their summer feeding areas.
For many, the 2025 hunt was a huge success. Social media feeds and hunting forums were filled with photos of successful hunts, showcasing a variety of bucks of all sizes, as well as a number of “first deer” photos for new hunters.
Weather and temperatures were mild for this year’s hunt compared to recent years that found hunters battling scorching heat, tornados and torrential downpours.
Deer certainly seemed to be more active for this year’s hunt, making their way to an abundance of bean fields and natural food sources across the state.
What is a Velvet Buck?
The name comes from the velvet-covered antlers of the deer. This soft, vascular tissue is full of nerves and blood vessels, providing the necessary nutrients for antler growth.
By late August, a buck’s antlers are fully developed, and the velvet is on the verge of shedding. This narrow window makes for an exciting and time-sensitive hunt, and the archery-only opportunity adds to the challenge for bowhunters each season.
Why hunt a velvet buck? The true measure of success is the experience itself and the quality of the buck a bowhunter can potentially harvest at this time of year.
This year’s hunt found many hunters celebrating personal bests and the culmination of months of scouting and preparation. For others, the hunt simply provided an early-season opportunity to kick off the 2025-2026 deer hunting season.
Anders Blixit made the drive over from Virginia for his third year of hunting velvet weekend in Tennessee. This year, it finally paid off for him and his buddy, Hunter Schmittou.
“We’ve been watching a few bucks this summer, keeping tabs on them and getting closer and closer as the season got closer,” says Blixit. “We got settled at our spot about 10 minutes before light, and anticipation was very high as we’ve been seeing bucks almost every day on camera. About 30 minutes after first light, we caught movement in front of us and three bucks slowly worked their way into range. When one of the bucks got broadside at 15 yards, I let the arrow fly. We heard a hard crash and after a short blood trail, I was holding my first Tennessee velvet whitetail.”
Justin Curtis reaped the rewards on this year’s velvet hunt after giving one of his target bucks a pass in the previous hunting season.
“What a day! This deer has been one I have watched all summer. Last year he was a main frame 8 with double split G2s. He was a great deer, but I felt like he needed another year. Man, am I glad he got one! This year he blew up into an absolute giant!”
Longtime bowhunter, Nicole Larson, checked in and shared photos of the first deer for her son, Chase.
“There are no words! My nine-year old son’s first deer! My first deer was a dang button buck!”
A big congrats to all the bowhunters who found success this weekend on the Tennessee velvet buck hunt. It’s been another great kickoff to bow season here in the south.
