Image: tn_wildlife_license

Those who want to hunt, fish or boat in Tennessee will pay more for licenses beginning July 1. (Photo by Christopher J. Barger)

Beginning July 1, 2025, outdoor enthusiasts will pay more to hunt, boat and fish in Tennessee. According to wbir.com, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is increasing prices for licenses by an average of 28% across the board.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission voted for the increase after funding challenges for the state wildlife agency, which has cited a Consumer Price Index increase of 32%.

"Even coming out of the pandemic, expenses just continued to grow," said Emily Buck, the TWRA director of public relations. "We were operating in about a $15 million annual deficit."

License sales provide approximately 70% of TWRA’s funding. As a part of the budget proposal, it also asked Governor Bill Lee for an increase of $30 million, but only $5 million in additional funding was approved.

"While we would have loved to see that $30 million, we fully understand the need for the governor's office and for the General Assembly to create a budget that is sustainable and works for the state," Buck said. "And we will take that $5 million and put it to good use."

The agency said boating registration fees will increase by 22%. A resident Sportsman License, which is the all-inclusive fishing and hunting license, will increase by approximately 12%, from $165 to $185. A Lifetime License will also increase by 12%. A basic hunting license will increase from $33 to $42, according to foxchatanooga.com.

The TWRA said a limited budget makes it tough to staff officers.

"We've held approximately 20 law enforcement positions vacant," Buck said. "Which means if there is a boating accident on the water, we may be slower to respond. If there's an accident in the field, we may be slower to respond. Poachers may go uncaught."

In addition, a new law will allow two safety visibility colors for hunters to wear during certain seasons, such as deer firearms seasons: blaze orange and blaze pink. Buck said it's a nod to Tennessee's prevalent female hunters and anglers.