License Expiration Dates: Annual licenses and permits are valid 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Example: If you purchase an annual license on February 1 that license expires on February 1 the following year. Some items, such as Migratory Bird Permits, have fixed expiration dates regardless of the date of purchase. Please take note of the effective and expiration dates of the licenses in the cart prior to checkout.
Renewal Eligibility: Existing licenses must be within 10 days of expiration in order to be eligible for renewal.
Seasons are subject to change & license fees are subject to change. The exceptions to the change are Captive Wildlife Permits, Migratory Bird Permits, and Federal Duck Stamp which will expire on June 30 of each year. Purchased GoOutDoorsTennessee.
Slat Basket Tags will expire on June 30 of each year and can be purchased online at GoOutDoorsTennessee.
Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Tennessee. With an estimated population of around 300,000 wild turkeys, there are ample opportunities across the state for hunters who have the proper licenses and permits. But what license exactly do you need to hunt turkey legally in Tennessee? Let’s break it down.
Resident Turkey Hunting License Requirements
For Tennessee residents, a basic hunting and fishing combination license is required as a starting point for turkey hunting. This license allows you to hunt small game, but not big game animals like turkey. To hunt turkey, you’ll need to add a supplemental turkey license.
There are a few options for supplemental turkey licenses depending on the type of weapon you plan to use:
- Supplemental Archery License – $33, allows archery equipment including crossbows
- Supplemental Gun License – $33, allows shotguns and muzzleloaders
- Supplemental Muzzleloader License – $33, allows muzzleloader firearms only
So in total, Tennessee residents need the $33 hunting and fishing combination license plus a $33 supplemental turkey license to hunt turkeys legally. Expect to spend around $66 annually as a resident.
Non-Resident Turkey Hunting License Requirements
For non-residents, the process is similar but the licenses are a bit more expensive You’ll first need a basic non-resident hunting and fishing combination license for $158 Then add one of the supplemental licenses
- Supplemental Archery License – $178, allows archery equipment including crossbows
- Supplemental Gun License – $178, allows shotguns and muzzleloaders
- Supplemental Muzzleloader License – $178, allows muzzleloader firearms only
So as a non-resident, you can expect to spend around $336 annually to hunt turkeys in Tennessee.
Additional Turkey Hunting Permits
A basic hunting license and supplemental turkey license allow you to hunt on private or public land with regular statewide seasons and bag limits. However, if you want to hunt on certain wildlife management areas or participate in quota permit hunts, additional permits will be required.
For wildlife management areas, you’ll need to purchase a WMA permit for $26-40 depending on the area. These can be bought in addition to your regular hunting license.
For quota hunts, you must apply ahead of time and be selected from a random computerized drawing. Approved hunters will then need to buy a $12 permit for each quota hunt. Leftover permits go on sale after the drawing for $12 each.
So be aware, your basic hunting license is just the beginning if you want to access special hunts and areas for turkeys in Tennessee. Additional permits or applications may be needed.
License Exemptions
There are a few situations where no turkey hunting license is required in Tennessee:
- Youth hunters under age 13 can hunt turkey without a license. They must be supervised by an adult over 21 years old.
- Landowners hunting on their own property, and their direct family members, do not need a hunting license.
- Tenants and their family members who live and farm leased land can hunt turkey without a license on that property.
However, even exempt hunters must abide by seasons, bag limits, and regulations. And supplemental licenses for quota or WMA hunts would still be required.
Where to Buy a Turkey Hunting License
Turkey hunting licenses, permits, and quota hunt applications can be purchased:
- Online at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website
- In person at any TWRA license agent such as sporting goods stores
- Over the phone by calling 1-888-814-8972
- Through the TWRA On the Go app
Purchasing online or through the app allows you to print out your license on any printer or save a digital copy on your phone. Agents can print your license for you on site.
When to Buy Your Turkey Hunting License
Licenses are valid from the purchase date for one year. So timing your purchase depends on when the turkey hunting seasons take place in Tennessee:
- Spring season – April through May
- Fall season – Late September through October
You’ll want to buy your license and supplemental turkey permit a few weeks ahead of the opening day for the season you plan to hunt. Quota hunt applications must be submitted in early October. Leftover permits go on sale in late November.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your turkey hunting license! Processing and mailing times could leave you empty-handed when the season opens. Plan ahead and purchase licenses well ahead of your planned hunting dates.
Turkey Hunting in Tennessee is an Exciting Tradition
From the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the dense hardwood forests of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee offers amazing turkey hunting opportunities. With the right licenses and permits, you can fully enjoy spring and fall turkey seasons and continue the treasured tradition of turkey hunting in Tennessee.
Wildlife Management Area Permits (resident and nonresident)
This permit is required for all users of Reelfoot WMA, except those under 16 years of age, residents 65 years or older, and Sportsman license holder. The Permit cost is the same for residents and non-residents.
Land Between the Lakes
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Hunter Use Permit All Hunters 16 years and older are required to purchase Land Between the Lakes Hunter Use Permit. Available for purchase On The Go APP, GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office, | $50.00 |
TWRA: New turkey hunting regulations for 2023
FAQ
What is a Type 94 license in Tennessee?
What hunting license do I need in Tennessee?
How many turkeys are you allowed in Tennessee?
How do you tag a turkey in Tennessee?
Do I need a license to hunt in Tennessee?
A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required. No supplemental licenses are required, but WMA permits will need to be purchased in addition to this license. Fees apply when applying for quota hunt permits and “leftover” permits.
How many turkeys can you hunt in Tennessee?
However, the limit on harvesting turkey is no more than 1 per day and 2 per season. Tennessee doesn’t offer a separate license to hunt turkeys. Instead, locals have the chance to get the Hunting and Fishing Combination license, which is $61 for the year. Without the license, you can’t hunt small game or even fish.
How do I get a turkey hunting license?
Finally, a hunting and fishing combination (Type 001), plus a supplemental big game license, or a sportsman license is required for the spring turkey hunting season. To buy a license online, go to www.gooutdoorstennessee.com. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved.
Where can I get a hunting permit in Tennessee?
Available for purchase On The Go APP , GoOutDoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent or at a Regional Office , This permit is required for Tennessee National Refuge and Cross Creeks National Refuge for all hunters including Lifetime and Annual Sportsman license holders.