Tennessee Officials Pull Back on Hunting and Fishing License Fee Increase

In a world where we are used to hearing government agencies and officials flip-flop their way through new policy, the reversal of a proposed increase in fees for consumers can be a breath of fresh air. Despite most hunters and anglers supporting a fee increase (we never mind pitching in) that was announced back in December, Tennessee’s Wildlife and Resource Agency suddenly announced that they would be rescinding the new fee hikes.

The decision, announced on June 18th, comes as a relief to hunters and anglers but still leaves the agency grappling with an $8 million budget deficit.

The TWRA, which operates primarily on revenue from license sales and federal excise taxes rather than state general funds, proposed the fee increase to address rising operational costs and a 31.6% rise in the Consumer Price Index since the last fee adjustment in 2015. The plan, initially approved by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission in December, would have raised most hunting and fishing license fees by 28% and boating registration fees by 22%, effective July 1, 2025.

To mitigate its financial challenges, the TWRA had already implemented cost-saving measures, including, holding over 20 staff positions vacant, reducing publications, canceling wildlife research funding and deferring maintenance projects.

Despite these efforts, the agency argued that the fee increase was necessary to maintain its programs and services.

Last Wednesday while presenting the fee increase to the Joint Government Operations Committee, TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon faced immediate pushback from lawmakers who viewed the hike as a burden on Tennessee’s hunters and anglers. Committee members, including Sen. Sara Kyle and Rep. Monty Fritts, emphasized the importance of hunting and fishing as affordable recreational activities and critical food sources for many residents.

Lawmakers suggested exploring alternative funding models, such as redirecting a portion of sales tax revenue to the TWRA, a strategy employed by states like Missouri, Georgia, and Arkansas. In response to the opposition, Maxedon withdrew the fee increase proposal, ensuring that current hunting and fishing license fees remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. 

“State wildlife agencies from across the country are dealing with this issue and have created different funding models that serve as potential inspiration for how Tennessee can solve this challenge," TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon said. "We are grateful for the support expressed and look forward to working with the General Assembly to keep prices affordable for hunters and anglers. In the meantime, agency leadership will work to minimize the impact the budget deficit will have on constituents who benefit from the services provided by the agency."

Despite the reprieve for fishing and hunting license increases, a separate 22% increase in boat registration fees will proceed as planned on July 1st.

TWRA officials have stated that they are committed to working with the General Assembly to explore sustainable funding solutions that continue to balance the agency’s needs with the interests of Tennessee’s hunters and anglers.