As a senior citizen living in Tennessee, you may be wondering about the cost of a lifetime fishing license. In 2024, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) offers several options for senior anglers, each with its own unique benefits and price tag. Let’s dive into the details and explore which license might be the best fit for your fishing adventures.
Lifetime Sportsman License for Seniors
The Lifetime Sportsman License is an all-inclusive license valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any supplemental state licenses or permits. It allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee. For seniors aged 65 and older, the cost of this license is $329.00.
To be eligible for the Lifetime Sportsman License, you must be a Tennessee resident and provide proof of residency, such as a valid Tennessee driver’s license or other documentation showing at least 12 months of residency. If you are under the age of 16 and do not have a Tennessee driver’s license, you can still apply by including a copy of a parent’s or guardian’s Tennessee driver’s license and your birth certificate.
Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License
If you prefer an annual license, the Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License is available for $4.00. This license is only available to Tennessee residents who have reached their 65th birthday and can be purchased from any license agent. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required.
While this license is valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing, it does not include any supplemental licenses. You will need to purchase additional permits, such as a WMA permit, to fish on Wildlife Management Areas.
Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License
Another option for senior anglers is the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License, which costs $49.00. This license is available to Tennessee residents who have reached their 65th birthday and can be purchased from any license agent. Similar to the Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License, a valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required.
The Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License does not require any supplemental licenses, but additional permits may be necessary for certain fishing locations.
Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License
For seniors who want an all-inclusive annual license, the Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License is available for $49.00. This license is valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without any state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. It also allows holders to apply for quota permits at no additional fee.
The Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman License can be purchased from any license agent by Tennessee residents who have reached their 65th birthday.
Reduced-Fee Permanent Licenses for Seniors with Disabilities
In addition to the standard senior licenses, Tennessee offers reduced-fee permanent licenses for residents with certain disabilities. These licenses cost only $10.00 and are available to seniors who are legally blind, permanently confined to a wheelchair, intellectually disabled, receiving SSI benefits due to intellectual disability, or disabled veterans with a 30% war service or 100% service-connected disability.
To apply for these licenses, you must visit the TWRA office in Nashville and provide the necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s statement or proof of disability.
When choosing a senior fishing license in Tennessee for 2024, consider your specific needs, budget, and fishing preferences. The Lifetime Sportsman License offers the most comprehensive coverage but requires a larger upfront investment. The annual and permanent licenses provide more affordable options, but you may need to purchase additional permits depending on your fishing locations.
Regardless of which license you choose, your support helps fund Tennessee’s fish and wildlife management programs, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the state’s abundant natural resources.