Tennessee Hunting License Guide
Complete guide to Tennessee hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through TWRA.
Tennessee Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Tennessee is a premier hunting destination in the mid-South, managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The Volunteer State offers diverse terrain from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River bottomlands in the west, supporting excellent populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, black bear (in eastern mountains), and small game. Tennessee uses a supplemental license system — the base Hunting and Fishing Combination ($33) covers small game, with additional supplemental licenses needed for big game ($33 each for gun, archery, muzzleloader), waterfowl ($37), and trapping ($33). The Annual Sportsman License ($165) is the all-inclusive option that waives supplemental requirements. Tennessee is known for its generous deer bag limits and long seasons. Non-residents pay $305 for an annual all-game license. Seniors 65+ can purchase a permanent hunt/fish/trap license for $49. Licenses are generally valid for 365 days from purchase.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting/Fishing Combination | $33.00 | — | 1 year | Small game only; supplementals needed for big game |
| NR Annual Hunting (All Game) | — | $305.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 7-Day Hunting (All Game) | — | $214.00 | 7 days | |
| Resident Annual Sportsman | $165.00 | — | 1 year | All-inclusive — no supplementals needed |
| Big Game Supplemental (Gun) | $33.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Big Game Supplemental (Archery) | $33.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Big Game Supplemental (Muzzleloader) | $33.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Waterfowl Supplemental | $37.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Small Game/Waterfowl (No Big Game) | — | $110.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 7-Day Small Game/Waterfowl | — | $61.00 | 7 days | |
| Junior Hunt/Trap/Fish (13-15) | $9.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $49.00 | — | Lifetime | |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.50 | $30.50 | 1 year |
Prices from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Last verified: 2026-03-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice Hunter Education Permit ($11) allows up to 3 years to complete.
How to Buy a Tennessee Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Tennessee.
Need help? Call Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at 615-781-6500
Tennessee Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 27 | October 31 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | November 22 | January 4 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | November 8 | November 21 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 5 | May 11 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 25 | November 7 | |
| Black Bear | General | October 6 | January 1 | Eastern counties only |
| Dove | General | September 1 | January 15 | |
| Duck | General | November 22 | January 26 |
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced ($4/year or $49 lifetime) | Tennessee residents aged 65 and older |
| Youth | Reduced ($9) | Junior licenses for ages 13-15; under 13 may hunt without a license when supervised |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Totally disabled Tennessee veterans |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Tennessee |
| Landowner | Exempt on own land | Resident landowners hunting on their own property |
Tennessee Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Tennessee official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange/pink clothing may be required during firearms seasons. Check Tennessee specific requirements.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
Recommended Gear for Tennessee Hunting
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Hunting in Nearby States
Tennessee Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Tennessee?
A resident hunting license in Tennessee starts at $33.00. Non-resident licenses start at $305.00. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice Hunter Education Permit ($11) allows up to 3 years to complete. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Tennessee?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Tennessee hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $305.00. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Tennessee?
Archery: September 27 – October 31. Gun: November 22 – January 4. Muzzleloader: November 8 – November 21
Are there free hunting licenses in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee offers free or reduced-cost licenses for: disabled-veteran (Totally disabled Tennessee veterans).
Can I buy a Tennessee hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Tennessee hunting license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website at https://gooutdoorstennessee.com/. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.