Tennessee Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Tennessee hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through TWRA.
Tennessee Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $33.00 — Non-Resident: from $305.00
- Managed by: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military, landowner
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://gooutdoorstennessee.com/
Tennessee Lifetime, Sportsman, WMA, And Go Outdoors Questions
Tennessee searches mix Lifetime Sportsman price, annual Sportsman coverage, senior rows, WMA permits, nonresident all-game licenses, and Go Outdoors Tennessee account actions. Use this page for the broad license rows, then route exact lifetime-price questions to the TWRA application checklist.
| Search intent | Fast planning answer | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee lifetime hunting license price | TWRA Lifetime Sportsman is age-tiered: $320 under 3, $659 ages 3-6, $988 ages 7-12, $1,976 ages 13-50, $1,153 ages 51-64, and $329 ages 65+. | Open Tennessee lifetime checklist |
| Annual Sportsman vs Lifetime Sportsman | Annual Sportsman is the closest comparison row because it covers state supplemental licenses; WMA, quota, leftover, federal and stamp items can still matter. | Compare lifetime break-even |
| Tennessee senior hunting license | Senior users need to distinguish the $4 annual senior row, $49 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap row, and $329 Lifetime Sportsman senior tier. | Compare senior lifetime paths |
| Tennessee nonresident hunting license | Nonresidents should use annual or 7-day all-game rows and should not treat resident Lifetime Sportsman as a discount path. | Estimate a nonresident trip |
| Tennessee WMA or quota hunt | Sportsman and lifetime status can reduce state supplemental needs, but WMA permits, quota or leftover fees and property rules can remain separate. | Review Tennessee fee rows |
| Go Outdoors Tennessee account | Use Go Outdoors Tennessee for ordinary purchase, print/view, account and harvest-report actions; Lifetime Sportsman remains application-bound. | Open Go Outdoors Tennessee |
Tennessee Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Tennessee is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Tennessee uses a supplemental license system: the resident Hunting and Fishing Combination ($33) is the minimum license for fishing and small game, while deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl, and trapping require the applicable supplemental licenses unless the hunter uses a qualifying Sportsman or Lifetime Sportsman product. TWRA lists the Annual Sportsman License at $165 for ages 16-64 and describes it as covering state supplemental licenses and non-quota permits, while WMA permits, quota or leftover permit fees, federal permits, and Federal Duck Stamp proof can still be separate. Non-residents pay $305 for an annual all-game hunting license or $214 for a 7-day all-game hunting license. Seniors 65+ can buy an Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $4 or a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $49. Tennessee resident Lifetime Sportsman prices are application-based and age-tiered.
| 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 | TWRA describes this as valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits; WMA permits, quota or leftover permit fees, and federal permits can still apply |
| 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 | |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (under 3) | $320.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25; resident-only with parent or guardian residency documents for applicants under 16 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (3-6) | $659.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (7-12) | $988.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (13-50) | $1976.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (51-64) | $1153.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25 |
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman (65+) | $329.00 | — | Lifetime | TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25; distinct from the $49 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.50 | $30.50 | 1 year |
Prices from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Last verified: 2026-06-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Tennessee license expire? See our license validity guide →
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 listed by the state agency.
- 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
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Tennessee Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 26 | October 30 | 2026 dates; also Jan 4-11, 2027 |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | November 21 | January 3, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | November 7 | November 20 | 2026 dates |
| Turkey | Spring | April 11 | May 24 | 2026 dates |
| Turkey | Fall | October 10 | October 23 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | General | October 5 | January 1, 2027 | Eastern counties only |
| Dove | General | September 1 | January 15 | Annual dates |
| Duck | General | November 21 | January 25, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
View full Tennessee season regulations on TWRA
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
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. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Blaze orange hat or vest required during gun deer season — minimum 500 sq inches above waist.
- Hunting over bait (corn, grain, etc.) is now legal on private lands in Tennessee.
- Harvest reporting required via GoOutdoorsTennessee within 24 hours.
- Native Tennessean licenses available for non-residents born in Tennessee at resident rates.
Read full Tennessee regulations on TWRA
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Tennessee Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guideHunting in Nearby States
Tennessee Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Tennessee?
The resident Hunting/Fishing Combination costs $33 and covers fishing and small game. Big game supplementals are $33 each, the Waterfowl Supplemental is $37, and TWRA lists the Annual Sportsman License at $165 for ages 16-64. Non-residents pay $305 for annual all-game hunting or $214 for a 7-day all-game license.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Tennessee?
Yes, hunter education is required for all first-time buyers. The Apprentice Hunter Education Permit ($11) allows up to 3 years to complete the course.
Can non-residents hunt in Tennessee?
Yes. Non-residents need an Annual Hunting License ($305 all game) or 7-Day option ($214). Small game/waterfowl only licenses are $110 annual or $61 for 7 days.
What is the deer season in Tennessee?
Archery runs late September through October. Muzzleloader in November. Gun season from late November through early January.
Are there free hunting licenses in Tennessee?
Totally disabled veterans qualify for free or reduced resident licenses depending on the TWRA disability category. Seniors 65+ pay $4 for the Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license or $49 for the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license. Children under 13 may hunt without a license when supervised, but license exemptions do not automatically remove every WMA, quota, federal, or species-specific requirement.
How much is a Tennessee lifetime hunting license?
For the resident Lifetime Sportsman License, TWRA application WR-0760 Rev. 09/25 lists $320 under age 3, $659 ages 3-6, $988 ages 7-12, $1,976 ages 13-50, $1,153 ages 51-64, and $329 ages 65+. It is application-based and should be confirmed with TWRA before purchase.
Can I buy a Tennessee hunting license online?
Yes, through GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, the On The Go mobile app, TWRA licensed agents, or regional offices.