MEMPHIS-The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) voted to approve rule changes to adjust license prices and simplify license structure among other business here at its final 2024 meeting held at the Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters.

More than 70 percent of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operating budget comes from license sales and federal grants based on the number of hunters in the state.

Since the last broad license fee increase in 2015, the Consumer Price Index has seen a 31.6 percent inflation, putting the agency in a significant operational deficit.

The new approved rules increase boating registration fees by 22 percent and most of the hunting and fishing license prices by 28 percent. Sportsman and Lifetime license fees are increased by 12 percent.

Following public comment on the proposed Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) fees for North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, the Commission voted to set a three-year gradual permit increase with options for daily, three-day, seven-day, and annual permits.

Price changes will take effect July 1, 2025.

In addition to price increases, the ruling adjusts the license structure to simplify regulations.

Hunting device type supplemental licenses (gun, archery, muzzleloader) will change to species type supplemental licenses (deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl).

The trout supplemental license (stamp) is now part of the base hunting and fishing combination license, so no additional license is needed.

Multiple Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permits have been combined into one single WMA permit.

There are no changes to resident disability licenses or changes to fees for TWRA lakes.

A complete list of the license fees and permits will be available on the TWRA website prior to implementation in 2025.