Are you prepared for an exciting turkey hunting trip in the gorgeous state of Tennessee? Make sure you have the right license before you go into the woods. This thorough guide will take you step-by-step through the process of acquiring a Tennessee hunting license, covering everything from types of licenses and fees to eligibility requirements.
Who Needs a Turkey Hunting License in Tennessee?
All individuals aged 16 and older who plan to hunt turkeys in Tennessee must possess a valid hunting license. This includes both residents and non-residents of the state.
Exemptions:
- Landowners and their children: Landowners and their children who hunt turkeys on their own land are exempt from purchasing a license. However, they must still comply with all other hunting regulations.
- Military personnel on leave: Active-duty military personnel on leave in Tennessee are exempt from purchasing a license. They must carry their leave papers as proof of their status.
Types of Turkey Hunting Licenses in Tennessee
Tennessee offers various turkey hunting licenses to cater to the needs of different hunters, Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
Resident Licenses
- Hunting and Fishing Combination License: This is the minimum license required for residents who wish to hunt turkeys. It also allows them to fish for all species in Tennessee.
- Big Game Supplemental License: This license is required in addition to the Hunting and Fishing Combination License for hunting deer, bear, feral hogs, turkeys, and waterfowl. You can choose from three types of Big Game Supplemental Licenses: Gun, Archery, or Muzzleloader, depending on your preferred hunting method.
- Annual Sportsman License: This all-inclusive license grants access to hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without requiring any additional state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. It also allows holders to apply for quota permits at no extra cost.
Non-Resident Licenses
- 7-Day Junior Hunt – All Game: This license is available to non-resident youths aged 13-15 who wish to hunt all game, including turkeys.
- Annual Junior Hunt – All Game: This license is valid for one year and allows non-resident youths aged 13-15 to hunt all game, including turkeys.
- 7-Day Hunting – All Game: This license grants non-resident adults the permission to hunt all game, including turkeys, for a period of 7 days.
- Annual Hunting – All Game: This license is valid for one year and allows non-resident adults to hunt all game, including turkeys.
How to Obtain a Turkey Hunting License in Tennessee
You can obtain a Tennessee turkey hunting license in several ways:
- Online: The most convenient method is to purchase your license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) GoOutdoorsTennessee website. You can pay using a credit card or electronic check.
- License Agents: You can also purchase a license at authorized TWRA license agents, including sporting goods stores, county clerks, and marinas.
- TWRA Regional Offices: Alternatively, you can visit a TWRA Regional Office to purchase your license in person.
License Fees
Depending on your residency status and the kind of license you select, Tennessee turkey hunting license prices vary. Here’s a table summarizing the fees:
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting and Fishing Combination | $33.00 | N/A |
| Big Game Supplemental (Gun, Archery, or Muzzleloader) | $33.00 | N/A |
| Annual Sportsman | $165.00 | N/A |
| 7-Day Junior Hunt – All Game | $26.00 | $41.00 |
| Annual Junior Hunt – All Game | $41.00 | $61.00 |
| 7-Day Hunting – All Game | $214.00 | $305.00 |
| Annual Hunting – All Game | $305.00 | $455.00 |
Additional Information
- Hunter Education: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1969, must possess proof of completing a Hunter Education course. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents.
- Turkey Hunting Seasons: Turkey hunting seasons in Tennessee vary depending on the zone and the type of turkey you’re hunting. It’s crucial to consult the TWRA’s website or hunting guide for the most up-to-date information on season dates and bag limits.
- WMA Permits: If you plan to hunt turkeys on a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), you’ll need to purchase a WMA permit in addition to your hunting license. WMA permits are available online, at license agents, and at TWRA Regional Offices.
Obtaining a Tennessee turkey hunting license is a straightforward process. You will be well-prepared to hunt turkeys in the Volunteer State legally and morally if you adhere to the procedures described in this guide. While having fun on your hunting excursions, never forget to put safety first and abide by wildlife regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to hunt turkeys in Tennessee; is it possible to use my hunting license from another state?
A: No, you are unable to hunt turkeys in Tennessee with an out-of-state hunting license. All non-resident hunters must purchase a Tennessee turkey hunting license.
Q: Do I need a separate license for each type of turkey (e.g., Eastern, Osceola)?
A: No, regardless of the kind of turkey you’re hunting, you only need one license to hunt turkeys.
Q: Can I hunt turkeys on private land without the landowner’s permission?
A: No, you must obtain permission from the landowner before hunting turkeys on private land.
Q: What should I do if I lose my hunting license?
A: You can replace your lost license online, at a license agent, or at a TWRA Regional Office for a fee of $8.00.
Q: Where can I find more information about turkey hunting in Tennessee?
A: You can visit the TWRA’s website or consult their hunting guide for comprehensive information on turkey hunting regulations, seasons, and safety tips.
Spring Turkey Quota Draw
The application period for 2024 Spring Turkey Hunts will be December 20, 2023 – January 10, 2024. Find out how to apply on the Quota Hunt Page.
General Turkey Hunting Regulations
Legal Hunting Hours
- Thirty minutes before legal sunrise to legal sunset.
Legal Hunting Equipment
- Shotguns using ammunition with No. 4 shot or smaller. No restriction on the number of rounds in the magazine.
- Archery equipment (longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows).
- Sighting devices including scopes are legal. Using infrared, night vision, or other artificial light-based devices to locate wildlife is prohibited.
- During the state’s turkey gun seasons, any hunter may use an Airbow, a pre-charged pneumatic gun that fires an arrow.
Prohibited Acts (see General Regulations for more details)
- It is forbidden to use or possess an electronic call device, use handguns, own rifles, bait, use live decoys, and load ammunition larger than No. 4 shot.
- It is forbidden to shoot or stalk turkeys from a boat in the counties of Dyer, Haywood, Lauderdale, Obion, Shelby, and Tipton.
Special Regulations
- Although they are not permitted to carry turkey hunting weapons, licensed hunters who have reached their bag limit or do not have a valid permit for a quota hunt may still accompany another hunter who does and assist them in making calls. This is especially true on WMAs where hunting is prohibited.
- When participating in a Young Sportsman Hunt, minors must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old and is not hunting. This adult does not require a license, but they must be able to seize the hunting gear right away. Multiple youths may be accompanied by a single qualifying adult.
- Turkeys must remain intact until tagged and checked in.
- The state’s bag limits apply to all turkeys taken during hunts on public land (details are in the WMA section).
- Fanning or reaping turkeys on WMAs is prohibited. (See WMA General Regulations for more detail) .
Wildlife Management Areas
- While some WMAs have restricted dates or quota hunts, the majority are open with bag limits and statewide seasons.
- It is prohibited to call turkeys or attempt to call them using any device that mimics the sounds made by turkeys on any WMA from March 1 until the first day of the spring turkey hunt.
- Go to the Quota Hunt page to find out when applications for the turkey quota hunt open.