TFWC Approves TWRA’s Recommendation to Ban Baiting in CWD Management Zone or CWD-Positive Counties

During its final meeting of the year, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission (TFWC) heard rules pertaining to the Deer Bait Privilege License. Enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly, the license is only for white-tailed deer and for private and leased land. The law requires the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to promulgate rules by establishing acceptable bait, the amount of bait that may be used, and the conditions under which the license may be used. The TFWC approved the TWRA’s recommendation not to allow baiting in the CWD Management Zone or any additional CWD-positive counties. The rule takes effect Aug. 1, 2026, and the license will be valid beginning with the 2026-27 hunting season. The Deer Bait Privilege License will cost $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents.  The Deer Baiting Privilege License rule now moves to the Tennessee Attorney General and Joint Government Operations before becoming final.