Tennessee honors the service of military personnel with several special provisions and discounts for fishing licenses. Whether you’re an active-duty service member on leave, stationed in Tennessee, or a disabled veteran, understanding these benefits can save you money and simplify your fishing adventures in the Volunteer State.
Military Leave/Furlough Exemptions
Active-duty military personnel on leave or furlough are exempt from Tennessee fishing license requirements. This valuable benefit allows service members to enjoy Tennessee’s abundant fishing opportunities during their time off without additional expenses.
Key points about this exemption:
- The exemption applies to both Tennessee residents and non-residents in the armed forces
- It covers both hunting and fishing privileges during the appropriate seasons
- This provision is specifically for personnel on temporary military leave of absence or furlough
To qualify for this exemption, you must:
- Be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces currently on furlough or temporary military leave of absence
- Carry a copy of your furlough papers or military orders showing you’re officially on leave
- Present these documents if requested by wildlife resources officers
Important: Standard military passes do not satisfy this requirement – you must have official leave or furlough papers.
Resident Rates for Non-Resident Military
If you’re a non-resident service member permanently stationed in Tennessee, you qualify for resident pricing on fishing licenses. This provision extends to:
- All active-duty military personnel stationed in Tennessee
- Dependents under age 16 who live with the service member
This benefit provides substantial savings, as non-resident license fees are typically significantly higher than resident rates.
Disabled Veteran Benefits
Tennessee offers special considerations for disabled veterans:
| Disability Rating | Benefit | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| 30%+ Service-Connected | $10 Lifetime Hunting/Fishing License | VA Disability Certification |
| 100% Service-Connected | Fee Exemptions for Licenses/Permits | VA Disability Certification |
The DAV Sportsman – Exempt status is available free with a Tennessee or Kentucky DAV license. This is part of Tennessee’s commitment to supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Required Documentation
Always carry proper documentation when utilizing military exemptions or discounts:
- For active-duty personnel on leave: Official furlough/leave papers (not standard passes)
- For non-resident military stationed in TN: Military ID and proof of Tennessee station assignment
- For disabled veterans: VA disability certification showing qualification percentage
Wildlife officers may request to examine these documents at any time, so keeping them accessible while fishing is essential.
How to Obtain Military Licenses and Exemptions
For active-duty service members on leave with a state exemption, you can obtain a free permit for fishing and environmental recreation at Fort Campbell. This permit:
- Is valid for 5-day increments
- Must be renewed according to your leave papers
- Does not include hunting privileges
E1-E4 military personnel can also access free Hunting/Fishing permits through proper channels.
Additional License Exemptions in Tennessee
While not specific to military personnel, it’s worth noting Tennessee offers other exemptions that might apply to you or family members:
- Residents or non-residents under 13 years of age
- Landowners fishing on their own farmland (and their family members under certain conditions)
- Residents born before March 1, 1926
- Free Fishing Day (June 7, 2025) and Free Fishing Week for children 15 and younger (June 7-13, 2025)
Upcoming License Changes (2025-26)
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has announced changes to license structure and fees for 2025-26. However, military exemptions will remain in place despite these changes. The new structure includes:
- Updated fees for various license types
- Revised regulations for certain fishing areas
- New license categories for specialized fishing activities
For the most current information, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website.
Does a military ID alone qualify me for fishing license exemptions in Tennessee?
No, a military ID alone is insufficient. For exemptions, active-duty personnel must have official leave/furlough papers, not just standard passes.
Can military dependents fish without a license in Tennessee?
Only dependents under 16 of non-resident military stationed in Tennessee qualify for resident rates. They do not receive complete exemptions unless they qualify under other provisions (like being under 13).
Do veterans need to reapply annually for disabled veteran fishing benefits?
No, qualifying disabled veterans can obtain lifetime licenses at reduced rates or, in some cases, completely free depending on disability rating.
Where can I find more information about Tennessee fishing regulations?
Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for complete information or check the US Fishing Licenses Tennessee guide for additional details.
Understanding Tennessee’s military fishing license provisions ensures you can enjoy the state’s excellent fishing opportunities while maximizing your military benefits. Whether you’re stationed at Fort Campbell, visiting family during leave, or settling in Tennessee after service, these special provisions honor your military service with tangible benefits for your fishing adventures.
For more information about fishing licenses in neighboring states, visit the US Fishing Licenses website, which provides comprehensive guides for each state’s fishing regulations and military provisions.
