Tennessee Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Tennessee hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or a Tennessee–approved agent.

Types of Tennessee Hunting Licenses

Tennessee Resident

A resident is a person who has a valid Tennessee driver’s license or who does not have a driver’s license but has lived in Tennessee for at least 90 days. Non-resident full-time students who have attended an institution in Tennessee for at least six months and active-duty military members are considered residents. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for more information about residency requirements.

All Tennessee residents age 13 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required.

Non-Resident

All non-residents age 13 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required.

Youth Hunting License

Tennessee residents and non-residents ages 10 to 12 need only a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents ages 13 to 15 must have a junior hunting license. Additional permits may be required. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for more information about youth hunting.

Senior Hunting License

Tennessee residents age 65 or older are eligible for the reduced-fee Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License or the Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap License. Additional permits may be required. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for more details.

Disability License

Tennessee residents with a disability may be eligible for specialty licenses. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Tennessee may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are Tennessee residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave.

Resident veterans who are 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected disabled may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. Tennessee residents age 13 to 64 and all non-residents must purchase the Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit. The permit is proof of Harvest Information Program (HIP) participation. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for exceptions.

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from the date of purchase until the last day of February of the next year. Tennessee residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Tennessee Hunting License

• Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
• Access the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency On the Go mobile app.
• Call 1-888-814-8972.
• Visit a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency office, a county clerk office, or an approved license agent.