Tennessee legalizes deer baiting with new license expected to raise millions for wildlife agency

By The Redemption Project Newsroom
Civic / Government Desk

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee hunters can now buy a new annual license allowing them to hunt white-tailed deer over bait on qualifying private or leased land, marking a major shift in a state that has long prohibited hunting wildlife over bait.

The Deer Bait Privilege License went on sale July 22 through GoOutdoorsTennessee and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s mobile app. The privilege applies during the 2026-27 deer season.

The license costs $50 for Tennessee residents and $100 for nonresidents.

It is not a property license. It follows the hunter. Every person hunting deer over bait must have the privilege license, including landowners, youth hunters, senior hunters, lifetime-license holders and others who may otherwise be exempt from buying a standard hunting license.

The new policy was created through Senate Bill 869 and House Bill 938, which became Public Chapter 444 after Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill in May 2025.

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The law does not legalize baiting for turkey, bear, elk, feral hogs or other game. An earlier version of the legislation included wild-appearing swine, but that language was removed before final passage.

The change is being presented as a regulated option for private-land deer hunters.

It is also a significant new revenue system.