Getting Started

The first thing any new hunter must have is a license. Annual hunting and fishing licenses are issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The license year runs from March 1 through the last day of February of the following year. Licenses are readily available year-round at hundreds of licensing agents statewide, or online. Agents include almost any retail facility that sells outdoor equipment or through any of the four TWRA regional offices.

The TWRA offers a variety of licenses, including Senior and Lifetime licenses, but for the beginning hunter, the basic Type 001 Hunting and Fishing Combination license ($28.00) is probably the best choice. This license is good for most small game such as squirrels, doves and rabbits and also includes the right to fish.

A Junior Hunt/Trap/Fish license—Type 002 ($8.00)—is available for hunters ages 13 to 15. No license is required for youngsters under the age of 13, although an adult must accompany those hunters.

Hunters wishing to hunt migratory birds such as doves must also possess a Type 006 Migratory Bird Permit, which is also available from license agents or TWRA offices at a cost of $2.00.

Supplemental licenses are required to hunt waterfowl and big game animals such as deer, bear, wild boar or wild turkey.  Additional permit or license fees may be required for the right to hunt on the state’s wildlife management areas, or to add to your time afield during special primitive weapons seasons for big game.

If you like “one stop shopping” consider the Type0 004 Sportsman’s license ($136.00), which includes everything you need to hunt or fish year-round. The Sportsman’s license is convenient, allows you to enter several special hunt drawings at no extra charge, and includes an annual subscription to Tennessee Wildlife magazine. (You will need a federal Waterfowl Stamp to hunt ducks and geese.)

Resident hunting and fishing licenses may be purchased by:

• Persons who possess a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
• Persons who have lived in Tennessee for at least 90 consecutive days with the intent of making Tennessee their permanent home.
• Military personnel on active duty in the state and their immediate families who reside with them regardless of resident status.
• Students enrolled in a Tennessee school, college or university for at least six months.
• A valid Social Security number is also required.

It is important to note that all hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, beginning at age 10, must possess proof of satisfactory completion of an approved hunter education course before hunting any species in Tennessee. Click here for a current list of hunter education classes

Basic Deer Hunting Equipment

What Do I Need For Archery Deer Hunting In Tennessee?

• Long bow, recurve bow, compound bow or a crossbow
• Archery accessories (arrows, broadheads, quiver)
• Appropriate license/ permits

What Do I Need For Muzzleloader Deer Hunting In Tennessee?

• Muzzleloader that is at least a .40 caliber
• Muzzleloading accessories (bullet starter, bullets, powder, primers)
• Blaze orange vest and hat containing 500 square inches of fluorescent orange
• Appropriate license/ permits