TWRA Raise License Cost

At its last 2024 meeting, which was held at the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) agreed to accept rule amendments to modify licensing costs and streamline license structure, among other things. Based on the number of hunters in the state, federal funding and license sales account for more than 70% of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s (TWRA) operational budget. The agency has a large operational deficit as a result of the 31.6 percent inflation in the Consumer Price Index since the last comprehensive license fee hike in 2015. The newly adopted regulations raise the cost of most hunting and fishing licenses by 28% and boat registration costs by 22%. The lifetime and sportsman license prices have gone up by 12%. The Commission decided to establish a three-year gradual permit increase with options for daily, three-day, seven-day, and annual licenses after receiving feedback from the public regarding the proposed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) pricing for the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. Changes to prices will be implemented on July 1, 2025. There have also been multiple rule changes in the different styles of hunting. Check out the TWRA website for more detailed information.