In Tennessee, all hunters, resident or nonresident, born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess proof that they have successfully completed a Hunter Education course. Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states. Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.
Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Tennessee hunting license:
- Step 1: Complete a Hunter Education Certification course and obtain a state-issued Hunter Education Card
- Step 2: Select your license type and complete the application
- Step 3: Buy your Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license through an online purchase or in-person through a licensed agent.
TN Hunter Education Certification
How do I get my Hunter Education Certificate (Card)
You have 3 options to complete your hunter education requirements to hunt in Tennessee. The first 2 options are presented by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The last option through HunterSafetyUSA, is the fastest & can be used to hunt across the US.
- Complete an in-person course. Most classes generally last 8-14 hours of instruction plus a written examination. In addition to the test, students must participate in a live-fire session or a firearm handling demonstration to become certified.
- An online course through a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency partner. These courses will require you to read through content, as well as watch some videos.
- Or complete our 3-hour online-only, all-video-based Hunter Education Course with HunterSafetyUSA (Adults 17 and older only). We are an International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) approved provider. The IHEA & TPWD Hunter Education Card you will receive after our course is valid for life and is accepted in all 50 US States and any additional territories or countries that share reciprocity with the IHEA. No in-person requirements are required for our course.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website states that "Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states."
What makes our course the best?
First and foremost, we offer the best technology experience among all the courses on the market. We have students who opt to take our course even though they already hold their Hunter Education Card, as they simply love it that much.
Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.
After completing the HunterSafetyUSA course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.
We submit your course results to TPWD. They will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card) in 24 hours (this can take 3-4 days when completed outside of hunting season, April-July); however, when taken during peak hunting season, August-March, it's processed in 24 hours. This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Tennessee), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.
Select Your TN Hunting License
Tennessee offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.
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.
Below is an overview of the primary license types available:
Resident Licenses
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. All Tennessee residents age 13 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required.
- Hunting & Fishing License – Required for residents aged 16–64 to hunt small game and fish statewide.
- Sportsman License – An all-inclusive license covering hunting, trapping, and fishing without the need for additional permits or supplemental licenses (excluding the North Cumberland OHV Riding Permit).
- Senior Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes base hunting and fishing privileges and supplemental licenses.
- Senior Sportsman License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; an all-inclusive license covering hunting, trapping, and fishing without the need for additional permits or supplemental licenses (excluding the North Cumberland OHV Riding Permit).
- Lifetime Sportsman License – Provides lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for residents; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
- Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption – Allows residents aged 10 and older to hunt without completing a hunter education course; must be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
Non-Resident Licenses
All non-residents age 13 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses and permits may be required.
- Annual Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 13 and older to hunt small game statewide.
- 7-Day All Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt all game species for seven consecutive days.
- 3-Day All Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt all game species for three consecutive days.
- Hunting and Fishing Combination License – Provides non-residents with hunting and sport fishing privileges (excluding trout) for one year.
- Non-Resident Junior Hunt – All Game – Available for non-residents aged 13–15; allows hunting of all game species for one year.
- Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption – Allows non-residents aged 10 and older to hunt without completing a hunter education course; must be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
- Non-Resident Native Tennessean License – Available to non-residents born in Tennessee; provides hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges at resident rates.
Youth Licenses & Requirements
- Youth Exempt – Residents under age 10 may hunt without a license but must be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
- Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License – Available for residents and non-residents aged 13–15; allows hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.
- Youth Sportsman License – An all-inclusive license for residents aged 13–15; covers hunting, trapping, and fishing without the need for additional permits or supplemental licenses.
- Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license. Youth under age 10 may hunt without hunter education certification if accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
Senior Licenses & Discounts
- Senior Hunting & Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes base hunting and fishing privileges and supplemental licenses.
- Senior Sportsman License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; an all-inclusive license covering hunting, trapping, and fishing without the need for additional permits or supplemental licenses (excluding the North Cumberland OHV Riding Permit).
- Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License – Available to residents born before March 1, 1926; includes hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.
Lifetime Licenses
- Lifetime Sportsman License – Provides lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for residents; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
- Non-Resident Native Tennessean License – Available to non-residents born in Tennessee; provides hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges at resident rates.
Disability & Military Licenses
- Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License – Available to resident veterans certified by the VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected; includes hunting and fishing privileges.
- Wheelchair Hunt/Fish License – Available to residents permanently confined to a wheelchair or who have suffered an amputation of 75% or more of a lower limb; includes hunting and fishing privileges.
- Sport Fishing Certified Blind License – Available to residents certified as legally blind; includes sport fishing privileges.
- Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Disabled Fishing License – Available to residents receiving Supplemental Security Income due to intellectual disability; includes sport fishing privileges.
- Active-Duty Military Privileges – Active-duty military members stationed in Tennessee may purchase hunting licenses at resident rates. Tennessee residents on active duty but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave.
Required Endorsements & Tags
- Deer Supplemental License – Required to hunt deer; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Turkey Supplemental License – Required to hunt turkeys; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Bear Supplemental License – Required to hunt bears; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Elk Supplemental License – Required to hunt elk; available through a quota drawing system; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Waterfowl Supplemental License – Required to hunt waterfowl; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Migratory Bird Permit (HIP) – Required to hunt migratory birds; must be renewed annually.
- Federal Duck Stamp – Required for all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older; must be purchased in addition to the Waterfowl Supplemental License.
- Archery Supplemental License – Required to hunt during archery seasons; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- Muzzleloader Supplemental License – Required to hunt during muzzleloader seasons; must be purchased in addition to the Hunting & Fishing License.
- WMA Permit – Required to hunt on Wildlife Management Areas; must be purchased in addition to other required licenses.
- Reelfoot Preservation Permit – Required for all users of Reelfoot Lake except those under 16 years of age and residents 65 years or older.
- North Cumberland OHV Riding Permit – Required for off-highway vehicle use on the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area; must be purchased in addition to other required licenses.
TN 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 your Tennessee Hunting License
To hunt in Tennessee, you can buy your license either online through the licensing platform Go Outdoors Tennessee or in person through a licensing agent, all listed here on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license agent locator.
Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Tennessee:
- Bass Pro Shops – Memphis, TN Address: 1 Bass Pro Dr, Memphis, TN 38105 Phone: (901) 291-8200
- Academy Sports + Outdoors – Nashville, TN Address: 2424 Gallatin Pike N, Madison, TN 37115 Phone: (615) 612-6840
- Walmart Supercenter – Knoxville, TN Address: 7550 Norris Freeway, Knoxville, TN 37938 Phone: (865) 922-6031
- Rural King – Morristown, TN Address: 305 W Economy Rd, Morristown, TN 37814 Phone: (423) 587-4691
FAQs
How early should I sign up for the course before the hunting season?
Ideally, take your course by summer so you don’t miss out during the license purchase rush in late summer and fall.
How much does it cost to get your Hunter Education Certificate?
$29 with HunterSafetyUSA. We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, all major credit cards, and signature debit cards. We also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Will the Texas Hunter Education Card (Certificate) be accepted in Tennessee?
Yes, the permanent Texas Parks & Wildlife Hunter Education Card (Certification) is recognized by all other states and provinces with mandatory hunter education requirements due to reciprocity agreements with the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website states that "Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states."
What age do you have to have a hunter safety course in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, all hunters, resident or nonresident, born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess proof that they have completed a Hunter Education course. Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states. Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.