Tennessee Considers Allowing Deer Baiting Starting 2026-2027 Hunting Season
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee is on the verge of permitting deer baiting for hunters, a practice that has been prohibited in the state for years. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) recently released proposed regulations that would allow baiting in the 2026-2027 hunting season, pending public feedback.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), overseen by the TFWC, has historically opposed baiting due to concerns over wildlife health and fair chase ethics. Currently, hunters must avoid hunting within 250 yards of any baited area. However, after legislative pressure—partly influenced by similar laws passed in neighboring Alabama—Tennessee officials are now tasked with developing detailed baiting regulations.
Public Input and Licensing Requirements
The proposed rules, unveiled during the TFWC meeting on a recent Friday, seek public comments through November 14, 2025. The commission will then take a formal vote on the measure. Stakeholders can submit feedback via email at [email protected] with “Deer Baiting Rule” in the subject line, or attend the December 4-5 meeting at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.
The new baiting system requires hunters to obtain a “Deer Baiting Privilege License,” priced at $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. This license is distinct from the standard Sportsman or Lifetime licenses and is mandatory even for private landowners using bait on their property. Importantly, baiting will be authorized solely on private or leased lands and does not extend to hunting other species, such as feral hogs.
Projected Impact and Wildlife Considerations
Looking at Alabama’s baiting program as a reference point, approximately 68% of their deer hunters purchased a baiting license, generating significant revenue. Tennessee officials estimate the new license could yield around $6.5 million for TWRA, funds that are typically used for habitat restoration, wildlife management, and conservation efforts.
From a biological standpoint, baiting alters natural deer behaviors by attracting animals to concentrated food sources. While this can increase hunter success rates, wildlife experts caution it may also impact deer health and disease transmission, particularly chronic wasting disease (CWD) risks. The longstanding restrictions in Tennessee aimed to minimize these concerns by maintaining natural foraging behaviors and spatial distribution of deer populations.
Other Regulatory Actions
Additionally, the TFWC previewed a proposal for a North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (WMA) off-highway vehicle (OHV) permit, intended to fund the upkeep of 350 miles of roads within the WMA. Public input on this proposal is also being solicited via the TWRA’s official platforms.
Additional reporting and sources from: Deer baiting rules in Tennessee spark debate: Hunters, landowners asked to weigh insbg-envelope
