New for 2025: Tennessee Hunters Can Now Bait Deer
Effective July 1, 2025, hunters in Tennessee can now purchase a special bait license and hunt deer and hogs over a corn pile on private land. The bill, SB869, passed in the state legislature and allows for the creation of a special bait license (in addition to a hunting license). KEY POINTS: The bait license will cost $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. The TWRA can suspend bait privileges on a county, regional, or statewide basis to manage wildlife populations and prevent the spread of disease, namely chronic wasting disease. This law applies to hunting and baiting on private land and leased private land. Baiting is NOT permitted on any public lands in Tennessee.