HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License is required in the state of Tennessee to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of license types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. 

Hunting License Exemptions:

• Residents of the state who were born before March 1, 1926 
• Military personnel on leave who possess leave papers
• Landowners and their immediate family (spouses and children), who hunt on their own farmland
• Resident grandchildren or great-grandchildren who are under the age of 16, and are hunting on land owned by their grandparents or great grandparents

Additional exemptions may apply – for more information on hunting license exemptions in Tennessee, visit the TWRA website. 

HUNTING LICENSE TYPES

Tennessee Resident Hunting License

There are a variety of resident license types available. Resident licenses only may be obtained by legitimate residents of the state. For information on who may obtain a resident hunting license type visit the TWRA Website

Types of resident hunting licenses include:

• Hunting and fishing combination license
• Junior hunt/trap/fish license
• Annual Sportsman License

Non-resident Hunting License

Non-resident hunting license types are available to residents of states other than Tennessee, including:

• Annual junior hunt (all game)
• Annual hunting license (all game)
• Trapping License
• Small Game and Waterfowl License

HUNTING PERMITS

Hunters may be required to purchase a permit, in addition to required licenses, to hunt in specific areas or for specific game animals. Special permits are required for any hunter to take game within a Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Migratory Game Bird permits are also required to hunt any waterfowl or other migratory game bird. 

GAME SPECIES

Anyone hunting in Tennessee will have a variety of game animals to choose from, and hunting opportunities for all ages, skills levels and hunting interests. The state’s landscape offers a variety of natural habitats and ecosystems for plenty of game animals, including big and small game species, furbearers, upland game and waterfowl. 

Game species in Tennessee include:

• Big game including white-tailed deer, bear, elk and turkey.
• Small game including woodcock, rails, coot, snipe and crow.
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, geese, dove and sandhill cranes.
• Furbearers including beaver, bobcat, fox, minc, and coyote among others. 

NON-GAME SPECIES

The TWRA defines a nongame species as “any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wildlife not ordinarily taken for sport, fur, food or other commercial use”. Unless otherwise specified no person is permitted to take, attempt to take, possess or transport any nongame species within the state. 

Additionally, some wildlife species in Tennessee may be designated as endangered, protected, or threatened. It is unlawful to hunt any endangered, protected or threatened species within the state. Some examples of these species include various types of bat, the piping plover, and the least tern, in addition various plants, fish, and mussels. 

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State of Tennessee, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in Tennessee include Asian Carp, Asian longhorn tick, brown marmorated stink bug, and gypsy moths, in addition to a long list of other plants, animals, fish, insects, and invertebrates. 

In order to protect Tennessee’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Tennessee visit the US Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center. 

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Tennessee is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. 

SPECIAL REGULATIONS AREAS

Certain lands within the state of Tennessee may have additional regulations that apply to hunters or other recreational land users – this may include wildlife refuges and federally owned lands. 

Regulations may be imposed on vehicle use, firearm types, use of dogs to hunt certain game animals, campsite regulations, and baiting just to name a few. It is critical that hunters understand and follow any additional regulations that may apply in these areas in order to ensure that they continue to be open to hunting. 

PUBLIC LAND

The state of Tennessee offers over 7000 acres of public lands which are open to hunters including lands managed by the TWRA, designated Wildlife Management Areas, State Natural Areas and Wildlife Refuges. Hunters should note that public hunting lands may be restricted – this may include firearms restrictions and bag limits. Not all game animals may be hunted within public hunting areas, and regular seasons dates still apply. Hunters should learn about the rules and regulations the apply within the region they plan to hunt prior to heading to the area. 

Some of the land within the state is only available for hunters as a result of cooperative agreements between the TWRA and private landowners. Hunters who plan to hunt these areas must abide by any regulations stipulated by the landowner.

For additional information on public hunting areas within the state, including contact information and public land regulations, visit the Tennessee Hunting and Trapping eRegulations Guide. 

What Are Wildlife Management Areas?

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages nearly 100 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and wildlife refuges across the state – some of which are larger than 650,000 acres. These spaces are open to public hunting and trapping, in addition to various other recreational outdoor activities. 

WMA Regulations

Specific rules and regulations apply to hunters, trappers and other recreational users within WMAs. It’s important for hunters to understand the regulations that apply within various WMAs, as they may vary by county.  Some example of additional regulations that apply in WMA’s include: 

• Bag limit regulations
• Alcohol restrictions
• Firearm type and transportation restrictions, within certain areas
• Motorized vehicle restrictions
• Varying designated hunting hours