Whitetail deer

Big Game

Tennessee’s big game license system is gear-based: hunters need a base license covering big game plus supplemental licenses depending on the weapon/season - each supplemental license allows taking big game with that method. There is also an “All Season” / “All Game” option which covers all weapons for Deer, Bear, & Turkey.

Deer: Tennessee has bag limits set by unit. A hunter must have the appropriate license for the season but does not need individual deer tags. Your license permits you to harvest up to the limit. Harvests must be reported via Tennessee’s online/phone check system.

Turkey: Requires the same base license and supplemental licenses as other big game. Spring turkey bag limit is 2 gobblers (statewide). Fall turkey (in limited counties) also requires applicable licenses. No special turkey stamp is required beyond the big game privilege. Turkeys must be checked in after harvest.

Black Bear: Requires a Big Game license as well as the appropriate license for the season (archery/muzzleloader/gun). Additionally, there are areas with restricted bear hunting. The annual bag limit is 1 bear. Bears must be checked in and tagged at checking stations.

Elk: Tennessee has a very limited elk hunt by quota drawing. Hunters must apply in a lottery to get an Elk Permit, but only a small portion of them are set aside for non-residents.

Small Game

Tennessee small game requires at minimum a State Hunting License – licenses are over-the-counter.

However, certain small game activities need additional permits:

• Waterfowl: Hunters must have a Federal Duck Stamp and a Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit and HIP validation. Also, many WMAs require a free/distributed WMA Waterfowl Permit via lottery or daily draw to hunt from managed blinds.

• Migratory birds (Doves, Woodcock, etc.): require the TN Migratory Bird Permit (HIP).

• Hogs: there’s no general open season except controlled hog hunts on certain WMAs. On private land, landowners can eradicate hogs year-round.

• Furbearers: Coyotes, armadillos, groundhogs can be taken with just a basic license year-round. Bobcat, fox, etc., require a hunting license and fall under small game bag limits (bobcat requires tagging of pelt).

Documents Needed

• Base Hunting License
• Supplemental Big Game License
• Deer/Turkey Harvest Record
• Bear Tag
• Elk Quota Permit
• Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) and Federal Duck Stamp
• WMA Permits, if applicable.
• Hunter Education Certificate

Minimum Hunter Age

Tennessee has no strict minimum age for hunting, but young hunters have special rules. Hunters <13 do not need a license but must be with an adult. Ages 13–15 need a junior license and usually supervision. At 16, full privileges with required education.

More Information

• https://www.tn.gov/twra.html (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)