License and Permit Requirements

The licenses and permits you need depend on the game you are hunting and the equipment you are using.

• To hunt small game, you need a Hunting and Fishing Combination license.
• To hunt migratory game birds, you need:
  • Hunting and Fishing Combination license
  • Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit (HIP permit)
• To hunt waterfowl, you need:
  • Hunting and Fishing Combination license
  • Waterfowl Supplemental license
  • Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit (HIP permit)
  • Federal Duck Stamp
• To hunt big game (bear, deer, and turkey), you need:
  • Hunting and Fishing Combination license
  • Annual big game supplemental license—gun, archery, or muzzleloader, depending on the type of equipment you are using
• To hunt elk after being selected for the annual elk quota hunt, you need:
  • Hunting and Fishing Combination license
  • Resident Elk license
• To trap furbearers, you need a Trapping license.

For details regarding the sportsman, senior citizen, permanent, and nonresident licenses, review the Hunting License information on the TWRA website. This website also gives more information on the Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit