Tennessee Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 13, 2026
Tennessee is one of the most hunting-rich states in the Southeast, offering everything from trophy whitetail deer in the river bottomlands to spring turkey on Appalachian ridges and waterfowl in the Mississippi Flyway. Before you head into the field, though, you need to make sure your paperwork is in order.
Understanding the hunting license requirements in Tennessee is not complicated, but the system does have layers — base licenses, supplemental permits, age-based rules, and exemptions that catch many hunters off guard. This guide walks you through every piece of that puzzle so you can hunt legally and confidently.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Tennessee
If you take, or attempt to take, fish or game by any method — or if you assist someone else to do so — you must have a valid fishing or hunting license. That rule applies whether you are a resident or a visitor, and whether you are hunting deer, squirrels, or migratory birds.
Age is the primary factor that determines whether you need a license at all. The following applies to both resident and nonresident juvenile hunters: those under the age of 10 may hunt without a license anywhere in Tennessee, but must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.
Tennessee residents and non-residents ages 10 to 12 need only a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents ages 13 to 15 must have a junior hunting license.
All Tennessee residents age 13 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required depending on the species you plan to pursue and where you plan to hunt.
Important Note: Giving false information to obtain a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and loss of license. Licenses are not transferable between individuals.
If you plan to hunt on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), additional WMA permits are typically required on top of your base license. Think of Tennessee hunting access as a stack, not a single one-size-fits-all permit. Buying the cheapest option does not always mean you are fully legal for the hunt you planned — deer and turkey hunters often need more than the base credential, waterfowl hunters often need state and federal items, and WMA hunters often need a separate public-land permit.
If you also plan to fish while in Tennessee, check out the fishing license requirements in Tennessee for a full breakdown of what anglers need.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Tennessee
Several categories of hunters are exempt from the standard license requirement, though they must still follow all other regulations — including season dates, bag limits, and legal methods of take.
Landowners, their spouses, children, and children’s spouses who fish or hunt on their own farmland can download the TWRA Farmland Owner License Exemption form. The aforementioned must be residents of Tennessee but need not reside on the land. This license exemption does not apply if the farmland is owned jointly or in common by unrelated persons.
Tenants, their spouses, and their dependent children who fish or hunt on farmland that is owned by an individual or a family are also exempt. The aforementioned must be residents of Tennessee and must actually reside on the land and have permission from the landowner to fish or hunt. A tenant is a person who, for money, free rent, and other considerations, cares for farmland. The tenancy must be agricultural in nature.
Resident grandchildren (under the age of 16) and resident great-grandchildren (under the age of 16) who fish or hunt on farmland owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents are also covered under the farmland exemption.
Persons hunting without a license under a resident farmland owner exemption must complete and sign a statement attesting where the property is located and how this land qualifies for a landowner exemption. Persons may complete the form in advance and carry it with them while hunting, or they may complete the form when requested in the field by a TWRA official or when checking game.
Landowners and their children hunting on their parent’s land under this exemption are also exempt from Hunter Education Certification requirements and blaze orange/pink requirements.
Additional exemptions from the standard license requirement include:
- No license is required if you were born before March 1, 1926.
- Residents born before March 1, 1926 (with proof of age and residency) and military personnel on leave carrying leave papers are exempt.
- Tennessee residents who are 100% permanent and totally disabled from a service-connected cause, or who are 30% or more disabled by reason of service in any war, are authorized a sport fishing and hunting license with a one-time $10 fee.
Pro Tip: Even if you qualify for a farmland exemption, you are still subject to all season dates, bag limits, and legal equipment requirements. The exemption covers the license fee only — not the rules of the hunt.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Tennessee
Your residency status has a major impact on which licenses you can purchase and what you will pay. A resident is a person who has a valid Tennessee driver’s license or who does not have a driver’s license but has lived in Tennessee for at least 90 days.
Persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID issued by the Department of Safety qualify as residents. Tennessee state law requires drivers to obtain a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days of residency. Out-of-state driver’s licenses are only accepted for Military Personnel and Students meeting the criteria below.
Non-resident full-time students who have attended an institution in Tennessee for at least six months and active-duty military members are considered residents.
Tennessee also has a unique provision for people who were born in the state but now live elsewhere. Nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses. These licenses provide non-residents born in the state but no longer residing in the state the opportunity to purchase annual Tennessee hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at the same cost as a resident. First-time applicants must submit their application using the Native Tennessean Annual License Application.
Proof of Tennessee birth — typically a birth certificate — is required. This unusual provision preserves long-standing ties to the state for Tennessee natives who moved away and reflects Tennessee’s strong hunting culture and heritage identity. It is one of the few states in the US offering resident-rate licensing to non-residents based on birthplace.
If you hunt across state lines, it helps to know what neighboring states require. See our guides on fishing license requirements in Alabama and fishing license requirements in North Carolina for context on what southern and eastern neighbors ask of hunters and anglers.
Types of Hunting Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee organizes its hunting licenses into resident and non-resident tiers, with age-based subcategories and specialty options for seniors, disabled veterans, and lifetime holders.
Resident License Types
The Hunting and Fishing License is required for residents aged 16–64 to hunt small game and fish statewide. If you want to pursue deer, turkey, bear, or elk, you will need to add supplemental big game licenses on top of this base credential.
The Resident Sportsman license eliminates the need for any supplements and bundles all hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges into one all-inclusive package. This is the most straightforward option if you hunt multiple species throughout the year.
Ages 13 to 15 pay $9 for a Junior license that covers all privileges including big game without supplements. Children under 13 do not need a license but must follow all other regulations and supervision rules.
No license is required if you were born before March 1, 1926. Residents born after that date may purchase a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license (Type 166) when they reach their 65th birthday. This license may be obtained from any TWRA license agent. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required.
Non-Resident License Types
Non-residents have several options depending on how long they plan to hunt and which species they are targeting:
- The Annual Hunting License is required for non-residents aged 13 and older to hunt small game statewide.
- The 7-Day All Game License allows non-residents to hunt all game species for seven consecutive days.
- The 3-Day All Game License allows non-residents to hunt all game species for three consecutive days.
- The Hunting and Fishing Combination License provides non-residents with hunting and sport fishing privileges (excluding trout) for one year.
- The Non-Resident Junior Hunt All Game license is available for non-residents aged 13–15 and allows hunting of all game species for one year.
- The Non-Resident Native Tennessean License is available to non-residents born in Tennessee and provides hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges at resident rates.
A quality Hunting Backpack with Rifle Holder is a smart investment whether you are a resident heading to your local WMA or a non-resident making a multi-day trip into Tennessee’s backcountry.
Key Insight: The Lifetime Sportsman License is available to any individual who has resided in Tennessee continuously for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase. It covers all hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for the holder’s lifetime and cannot be purchased at general license agents — you must apply through a TWRA regional office.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Tennessee
As of the 2025–2026 license year (March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026), Tennessee’s license fees remain at their pre-increase levels. TWRA withdrew a previously approved fee increase in June 2025 after the Joint Government Operations Committee committed to seeking alternative funding for wildlife conservation. Current fees remain unchanged.
With the rule withdrawn, the current license fees will continue to be effective and there will be no increase to hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting/Fishing Combo | $33 | N/A |
| Sportsman License (All-Inclusive) | $165 | N/A |
| Junior License (Ages 13–15) | $9 | $9 |
| Annual All Game License | N/A | $305 |
| 7-Day All Game License | N/A | $214 |
| Senior Permanent License (65+) | $49 (one-time) | N/A |
| Big Game Gun Supplement | $33 | Included in All Game |
| Archery Supplement | $15 | Included in All Game |
| Muzzleloader Supplement | $15 | Included in All Game |
| Trapping Supplemental License | $33 | N/A |
Processing fees of $0.50 to $5.00 apply to all purchases. Factor these in when budgeting your license costs, especially if purchasing multiple add-ons.
For context on how Tennessee’s fees compare regionally, neighboring states vary widely: Virginia charges $23 resident/$110 non-resident, North Carolina $30/$119, Georgia $15/$100, Alabama $34.35/$399.50, Missouri $12/$77, and Kentucky $27/$160.
Hunters in neighboring states may find our guides on fishing license requirements in Missouri and fishing license requirements in Arkansas useful for planning cross-border trips.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Tennessee
Your base hunting license is just the starting point. Depending on the species, location, and equipment you use, you will likely need one or more additional permits.
Big Game Supplements
The Resident Hunting/Fishing Combo license costs $33 and covers small game and fishing but requires additional Big Game supplements for deer and turkey. Each supplement — Resident Big Game Gun ($33) and Resident Big Game Archery ($33) — must be purchased separately. A muzzleloader supplement is also available at the same price point.
Waterfowl Permits and the Federal Duck Stamp
Federal law requires each waterfowl hunter, age 16 and over, to carry on his or her person, in addition to a hunting license and state migratory bird permit, a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp).
The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 modifies provisions regarding the Duck Stamp, now allowing an individual to carry their E-stamp certification for the entire waterfowl hunting season rather than for just 45 days post-purchase. The Federal Duck Stamp costs $27, and HIP registration is also required for waterfowl.
WMA Permits
Hunting on public Wildlife Management Areas requires a separate WMA permit in addition to your base license. The Reelfoot WMA permit is required for all users of Reelfoot WMA, except those under 16 years of age, residents 65 years or older, and Sportsman license holders.
Elk Tags
Tennessee offers a very limited elk hunt in the eastern part of the state on the North Cumberland Plateau. Tags are awarded by lottery draw with a $20 application fee. Only a handful of permits are issued annually.
Deer Over Bait License
Tennessee changed its baiting rules effective July 1, 2025. You can now hunt deer over bait, but you need a special license. The license costs $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Every person in your hunting party must have this license if you are hunting over bait.
Pair your permits with the right optics for a more productive season. A reliable pair of Hunting Binoculars makes a real difference when glassing fields and ridgelines for deer and turkey.
Hunter Education Requirements in Tennessee
Hunter education is a mandatory requirement for most hunters in the state. In Tennessee, all hunters, resident or nonresident, born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess proof that they have successfully completed a Hunter Education course.
You must carry proof of your certification when hunting. You cannot leave it at home or in your truck. A wildlife officer can ask to see it in the field at any time.
Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states. If you completed a certified course in another state, you do not need to retake it in Tennessee.
Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.
The TWRA offers a traditional eight-hour hunter education course. These courses focus on firearms safety and are always free of charge. To locate a traditional hunter education course near you, call your local TWRA office or visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
An Apprentice Hunter Education Permit is also available as an alternative for hunters who have not yet completed the full course. This permit allows non-residents aged 10 and older to hunt without completing a hunter education course, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
Common Mistake: Many hunters assume their hunter education card is stored digitally and accessible without the physical card. TWRA requires you to carry proof of certification on your person while hunting — a screenshot or verbal claim is not sufficient.
Visibility requirements also apply during gun seasons. Fluorescent pink now meets the blaze color requirement in Tennessee. Starting in 2025, you can wear pink instead of orange if you prefer. A well-fitted Blaze Orange Hunting Safety Vest satisfies the visibility requirement and keeps you safe during firearm seasons.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Tennessee
Tennessee offers multiple convenient ways to purchase your hunting license, and the process is straightforward once you know which license type you need.
Online
You can purchase a Tennessee hunting license through the official TWRA website called GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. You will need to create an account or sign in, and a Social Security Number is required. Licenses go on sale February 18th each year.
In Person
Most licenses, except the Lifetime Sportsman License and specialty licenses such as Wheelchair, Disabled Veteran, Intellectually Disabled, and Blind Fishing licenses, are available online, at most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, boat docks, and from all TWRA offices.
Via Mobile App
You can also use the TWRA mobile app or go online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com to manage your licenses and check in harvested game. The app also allows you to access a digital copy of your license in the field.
For Lifetime Sportsman Licenses
The Lifetime Sportsman License cannot be purchased at general license agents. Applications for this license may be obtained by calling the TWRA Nashville Office at (615) 781-6500 or any of the four regional offices.
All licenses, including lifetime licenses, can be accessed, emailed, and printed at no cost anytime through the Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system.
Step-by-step, here is how to get your license:
- Complete a Hunter Education course if you were born on or after January 1, 1969 (or obtain an Apprentice Hunter Education Permit)
- Determine your residency status and the species you plan to hunt
- Select the appropriate base license and any required supplements or permits
- Visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, a TWRA office, or a licensed agent to complete your purchase
- Carry your license and all required permits on your person while hunting
If you plan to pursue deer with a rifle, a quality Hunting Rifle Scope is worth investing in before the season opens.
Hunters who also fish in other states may want to review our guides on fishing license requirements in Florida or fishing license requirements in Texas for multi-state trip planning.
License Validity and Renewal in Tennessee
Tennessee’s licensing system uses a rolling validity period rather than a fixed calendar year for most license types. Licenses are valid from the date of purchase until 365 days after purchase for most license types.
All annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, unless otherwise noted. This means you can buy your license at any point in the year and it will remain valid for a full 12 months from that purchase date.
The Lifetime Sportsman License is available to any individual who has resided in Tennessee continuously for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the purchase of the Lifetime Sportsman License. These are available for a one-time fee and are valid for the rest of the license holder’s life.
To replace a lost Hunter Education Card, contact your TWRA Regional Office during normal business hours, verify that your Hunter Education number has been updated in the TWRA license system, and then go to a TWRA license agent or GoOutdoorsTennessee to purchase a Hunter Education Card Replacement.
Pro Tip: Because licenses run 365 days from purchase rather than expiring on a fixed date, buying early in the year gives you maximum flexibility. Renewing before your current license expires ensures you are never caught in the field without valid credentials.
Renewal is handled through the same channels as your initial purchase — online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, through the TWRA mobile app, at county clerk offices, or at licensed sporting goods retailers. License fees are subject to change, so check the TWRA website before each renewal to confirm current pricing.
Hunters who also pursue fish in neighboring states can find additional licensing guidance in our articles on fishing license requirements in West Virginia, fishing license requirements in Ohio, and fishing license requirements in Indiana.
Tennessee’s hunting license system is designed to be accessible, with options for every age group, residency status, and budget. The key is knowing exactly which combination of licenses, supplements, and permits your specific hunt requires — and carrying all of them on your person every time you go afield. When in doubt, verify directly with the TWRA license information page before your season begins.