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Tennessee Hunting License 2026-27
License prices, hunter education, blaze orange, shooting hours and check-in rules from the TWRA guide.
License prices
| License | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Sportsman (16-64) | $165 | All-inclusive hunt/fish/trap; no supplemental licenses or non-quota permits needed; WMA permits included. |
| Resident Senior Sportsman (65+) | $49 | |
| Resident Combo Hunt/Fish (16-64) | $33 | Base license; covers small game. Supplementals needed for deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl. |
| Resident Big Game Gun supplemental | $33 | |
| Resident Big Game Archery supplemental | $33 | |
| Resident Big Game Muzzleloader supplemental | $33 | |
| Resident Waterfowl supplemental | $37 | |
| Resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap (13-15) | $9 | WMA big game permits extra. |
| Resident Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 | Permanent version $49. |
| Nonresident Annual All Game | $305 | |
| Nonresident 7-Day All Game | $214 | |
| Nonresident Annual Small Game/Waterfowl | $110 | |
| Nonresident 7-Day Small Game/Waterfowl | $61 | |
| Nonresident Annual Junior All Game | $41 | 7-day version $26. |
| WMA Big Game (Non-Quota) | $24 | Required for WMA non-quota big game hunts, residents and nonresidents. |
| WMA Small Game and Waterfowl | $61 | 1-day version $12; small game only $20. |
| Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit | $1 | Free for Sportsman and Lifetime holders; expires June 30. |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.50 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+. |
| Deer Bait Privilege License (new) | $50 resident / $100 nonresident | Required to hunt deer over bait on private land; not valid in CWD zone or positive counties. No exemptions. |
| Apprentice Hunter Education Permit | $11 | Age 10+, in lieu of hunter ed for 1 year; max 3 years. |
Prices from the 2026-27 TWRA guide (license fees), checked October 9, 2026. Buy online at GoOutdoorsTennessee or from a license agent.
Rules every Tennessee hunter needs
Hunter education
Everyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, resident or nonresident, must carry proof of a completed hunter education course; other states' certificates accepted. Under age 10 is exempt but must be accompanied by an adult 21+ in position to take control of the gun. Ages 9+ may complete it online with no field day. The Apprentice Hunter Education Permit ($11, age 10+) substitutes for one year, up to three years in a lifetime, and requires an accompanying adult 21+ who meets hunter ed requirements. Landowners hunting their own land under the farmland exemption are exempt.
Blaze orange
Big game hunters must wear at least 500 sq in of daylight fluorescent orange or pink on the upper body and head, visible front and back, except on archery-only and turkey hunts. Archers must wear it when archery-only deer season overlaps another big game gun season (e.g., bear). A hat plus vest satisfies the rule. On WMAs, small game hunters must also wear it during big game muzzleloader and gun hunts, and a ground blind of man-made material needs orange attached within 25 ft. Landowners hunting their own land under the farmland exemption are exempt.
Shooting hours
Big and small game: 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset. Turkey and migratory birds end at official sunset. Sandhill crane: sunrise to 3 p.m. Opening day of dove season starts at noon. Exceptions: bullfrogs, raccoon, opossum, fox/rabbit chasing, and the night coyote/bobcat season. Centerfire rifles and handguns may not be used from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Check-in and tagging
Tag before you drag: before moving big game (deer, turkey, bear, elk), check it in on the TWRA On The Go app (works without signal and counts as tagging) or attach a Temporary Transportation Tag from your license. Must be checked in by midnight on the day of harvest and before gifting or leaving the state, via the app, online, or a check-in station. Keep the harvest confirmation number until final processing. Applies to everyone including landowners and license-exempt hunters. Turkeys must stay intact until checked in. Elk quota harvests must be checked at the North Cumberland WMA office the day of harvest. Sandhill cranes checked by end of day of harvest. Bear hunters must mail a premolar tooth by Feb 15, 2027.
License questions
How much is a Tennessee hunting license?
The resident Combo Hunt/Fish base license is $33, and the resident Annual Sportsman is $165. Nonresident prices are higher.
Who needs hunter education?
Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969.
Can I hunt without hunter ed?
With an Apprentice Hunter Education Permit, up to three years, alongside a qualified adult.
Where do I buy a license?
Online at GoOutdoorsTennessee, in the TWRA On The Go app or at license agents.
Do landowners need a license?
Landowners hunting their own land under the farmland exemption are exempt from licenses and hunter ed, but must still check in big game.
What is the Annual Sportsman license?
An all-in-one resident license covering hunting, fishing, trapping and WMA permits.
Do I need a duck stamp?
Yes, the federal duck stamp plus Tennessee waterfowl privileges for ages 16 and up.
How much blaze orange do I need?
500 square inches on the upper body and head, visible front and back.