Image: tn_baiting

Beginning August 1, 2026, Tennessee hunters will be allowed to bait deer and use drones for deer recovery on private land. (Photo by Jim Cumming)

Tennessee hunters will be allowed to bait deer and use drones to recover wounded deer on private land for the 2026-27 season.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says the new Deer Bait Privilege License will take effect August 1, 2026. The license will cost $50 for residents and $100 for nonresidents. Baiting remains illegal until that date except under a TWRA-approved wild hog depredation permit.

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According to rocketcitynow.com, drone use is also still illegal until August 1, 2025. And, while hunters will be allowed to use drones to track wounded deer, the TWRA must first finalize rules on where and how the drones can be used. The law does not apply to scouting and hunting. It will only apply to private property for recovery purposes.

TWRA plans to share updates and full rules once they are finalized, and it encourages hunters to stay informed before using bait or drones this season.