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Tennessee

Tennessee Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Tennessee hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $33 General hunting
Non-Resident License $305 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1969-01-01
Online Purchase Yes Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Tennessee Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Hunting/Fishing Combo $33
Resident Big Game Gun Supplement $33
Resident Big Game Archery Supplement $33
Resident Sportsman $165
Resident Junior (13-15) $9
Resident Senior (65+) Permanent $49

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Annual All Game $305
Non-Resident 7-Day All Game $214
Non-Resident 3-Day Small Game $66
Non-Resident Junior All Game (Under 16) $41
Native Tennessean $33

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer Free Free
Turkey Free Free
Elk $20 $20
Bear Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

WMA Big Game Non-Quota Permit $24 Required for big game on WMAs
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Tennessee Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit gooutdoorstennessee.com. Create account or sign in (SSN required). Select Hunting/Fishing Combo + Big Game supplements or Sportsman. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Local sporting goods stores, TWRA regional offices

3

Buy By Phone

Call 615-781-6500. $3 handling fee may apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Tennessee hunting license is online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Tennessee

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1969
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 9 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Tennessee?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 13) Free No license required; must hunt with licensed adult
Youth (13-15) $9 Junior Full privileges with Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap; no supplements
Senior (65+) $49 lifetime One-time permanent license covering all privileges
Disabled Veteran Free 100% disabled veterans receive free lifetime licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in TN hunt at resident rates
SEASONS

Tennessee Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 27 – Nov 7 Bow and crossbow
White-tailed Deer Gun Nov 22 – Jan 4 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Nov 8 – Nov 21 Muzzleloader
Turkey (Spring) Spring Apr 5 – May 11 Shotgun, bow
Turkey (Fall) Fall Nov 8 – Nov 21 Shotgun, bow, rifle
Elk Lottery Hunt Sep-Dec – Varies Rifle, bow, muzzleloader (draw only)
Black Bear General Oct 11 – Jan 1 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader (east TN only)
BAG LIMITS

Tennessee Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 2-3 antlered + antlerless by unit CWD zone restrictions apply in some counties
Turkey (Spring) 1 4 Bearded turkeys only; one of the highest spring limits
Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex
Black Bear 1 1 One per year; Great Smoky Mountains area
Elk 1 1 Draw permit only
COMPARE

How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Tennessee?

The base Hunting/Fishing Combo costs $33, plus $33 per Big Game supplement (gun, archery, or muzzleloader). The Sportsman license at $165 covers everything with no supplements needed. Non-residents pay $305 for All Game or $214 for 7-day.

Did Tennessee raise hunting fees in 2025?

No. 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.

Can I hunt elk in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee offers a very limited elk hunt in the eastern part of the state (North Cumberland Plateau). Tags are awarded by lottery draw with a $20 application fee. Only a handful of permits are issued annually.

How many turkeys can you harvest in Tennessee?

Tennessee has one of the highest spring turkey limits in the country: up to 4 bearded gobblers per spring season. The fall limit is 1 per season. The Sportsman license covers all turkey privileges.

What is the Native Tennessean license?

If you were born in Tennessee but now live in another state, you can purchase hunting and fishing licenses at resident rates ($33 instead of $305 for All Game). Apply with proof of Tennessee birth.

Can I buy a Tennessee hunting license online?

Yes, at GoOutDoorsTennessee.com or at TWRA-licensed agents, Walmart, and Bass Pro Shops. A Social Security Number is required. Licenses go on sale in February each year.

Do seniors get lifetime licenses in Tennessee?

Yes, residents 65+ can purchase a one-time Senior Permanent license for $49 that covers all hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for life. No supplements or annual renewals needed.

What are CWD zones in Tennessee?

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zones apply restrictions in certain counties. Check TWRA's CWD map before hunting. CWD zones may require mandatory harvest reporting and restrict carcass transport.

Ready to Get Your Tennessee Hunting License?

Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website to purchase your license online today.