CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee hunters who plan to hunt deer over bait this season will soon need a new license.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) says its new Deer Bait Privilege License goes on sale July 22 through GoOutdoorsTennessee.com and the TWRA On the Go app.
The license will cost $50 for Tennessee residents and $100 for non-residents.
TWRA says every hunter who wants to hunt white-tailed deer over bait must buy the license, even if they already have a lifetime hunting license or qualify for other exemptions.
The license is valid for 365 days and applies only to privately owned or leased property.
Hunters still won’t be allowed to use bait on Wildlife Management Areas, inside the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone or in counties where chronic wasting disease has been confirmed.
The agency also reminds hunters that there are restrictions on the types and amounts of bait that can be used.
TWRA says baiting wildlife can increase the spread of diseases including chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
Officials also warn that bait can attract unwanted wildlife such as raccoons, feral hogs and black bears while poor-quality grain can be harmful to other species, including wild turkeys and quail.
The new license stems from legislation approved by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2025 session and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee.
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