Photo credit
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing veterans at Rapidan Camp, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Photo: N. Lewis, National Park Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tennessee fishing licenses for veterans
What Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says about free or reduced fishing licenses for veterans, disabled veterans, service members and their families.
What the agency says
National Guard and Reserve
No-cost all-inclusive Sportsman License for Tennessee National Guard members in good standing.
A Tennessee National Guard service member in good standing is eligible to apply for a Tennessee National Guard Sportsman License at no cost
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, read October 20, 2026Disabled veterans
Reduced-fee resident disabled veteran hunting and fishing licence for VA-certified veterans.
Available to resident veterans certified by the VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, read October 20, 2026Residents serving away, home on leave
Military on leave are listed under licence exemptions and must carry leave orders.
On military leave, carry a copy of your leave orders. A pass does not meet this requirement.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, read October 20, 2026Service members stationed in the state
Active-duty personnel in Tennessee, and children living with them, may buy resident licences.
Military personnel on active duty in Tennessee and children under 16 years of age who reside with them, regardless of Tennessee resident status.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, read October 20, 2026
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: licenses
Quoted from the agency's own page; rules, ratings and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you buy.
Fishing in Tennessee
Veteran-owned and veteran-serving guides and shops in Tennessee