Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-504 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-504
Investment policy - Delegation of responsibility for investment and reinvestment of trust funds - Expenditures - Protection of assets, income, and distributions of trust
Status: in_force

(a) The trustees shall adopt, in writing, an investment policy or policies authorizing how assets in the trust may be invested. The trust may invest in any security or investment in which the Tennessee consolidated retirement system is permitted to invest; provided, that investments by the trust must be governed by the investment policies and guidelines adopted by the trustees in accordance with this part. The trustees shall delegate to the state treasurer the responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of trust funds in accordance with the policies and guidelines established by the trustees. (b) (1) (A) The corpus of the trust shall not be expended for any purpose. (B) For purposes of this part, the corpus of the trust means: (i) The proceeds from the sale of lifetime sportsman licenses that occurred prior to April 28, 2023; (ii) The proceeds from cash donations or donations of property converted or to be converted to cash; (iii) Such other sources as may be deemed appropriate, including sources that may be specified by law; and (iv) The initial deposit of assets held in the wildlife management endowment fund previously created in accordance with § 70-1-501 as such section existed prior to April 14, 2022, less income existing at the time of the initial deposit. (2) The income received and accruing from the investments of the trust must be spent only for the exclusive benefit of lifetime sportsman license holders, as prescribed in the trust instrument, and to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in administering and investing the trust assets. Income from the trust means all earnings from the trust's investment portfolios from whatever source derived, including, but not limited to, interest, dividends, realized capital gains or losses, and any income previously applied to the corpus of the trust. (c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all assets, income, and distributions of the trust must be protected against the claims of creditors of the state, plan administrators, and plan participants, and are not subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, the operation of bankruptcy, the insolvency laws or other process whatsoever, and any assignment thereof is not enforceable in any court. (d) The funds transferred to the trust may be commingled with, co-invested with, and invested or reinvested with other assets transferred to the trust. All or a portion of the trust may be invested, reinvested, and co-invested with other funds, not a part of the trust, held by the state treasurer, including, but not limited to, assets of the Tennessee consolidated retirement system and the state pooled investment fund established pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 6. The state treasurer shall account for such trust funds in one (1) or more separate accounts in accordance with this section and other law. (e) The trust has the powers, privileges, and immunities of a corporation, and all of its business must be transacted, all of its funds invested, and all of its cash and securities and other property held in trust for the purpose for which received. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 874, s 4, eff. 4/14/2022. Acts 1998, ch. 610, § 2.
(a) The trustees shall adopt, in writing, an investment policy or policies authorizing how assets in the trust may be invested. The trust may invest in any security or investment in which the Tennessee consolidated retirement system is permitted to invest; provided, that investments by the trust must be governed by the investment policies and guidelines adopted by the trustees in accordance with this part. The trustees shall delegate to the state treasurer the responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of trust funds in accordance with the policies and guidelines established by the trustees.
(b) (1) (A) The corpus of the trust shall not be expended for any purpose. (B) For purposes of this part, the corpus of the trust means: (i) The proceeds from the sale of lifetime sportsman licenses that occurred prior to April 28, 2023; (ii) The proceeds from cash donations or donations of property converted or to be converted to cash; (iii) Such other sources as may be deemed appropriate, including sources that may be specified by law; and (iv) The initial deposit of assets held in the wildlife management endowment fund previously created in accordance with § 70-1-501 as such section existed prior to April 14, 2022, less income existing at the time of the initial deposit. (2) The income received and accruing from the investments of the trust must be spent only for the exclusive benefit of lifetime sportsman license holders, as prescribed in the trust instrument, and to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in administering and investing the trust assets. Income from the trust means all earnings from the trust's investment portfolios from whatever source derived, including, but not limited to, interest, dividends, realized capital gains or losses, and any income previously applied to the corpus of the trust.
(1) (A) The corpus of the trust shall not be expended for any purpose. (B) For purposes of this part, the corpus of the trust means: (i) The proceeds from the sale of lifetime sportsman licenses that occurred prior to April 28, 2023; (ii) The proceeds from cash donations or donations of property converted or to be converted to cash; (iii) Such other sources as may be deemed appropriate, including sources that may be specified by law; and (iv) The initial deposit of assets held in the wildlife management endowment fund previously created in accordance with § 70-1-501 as such section existed prior to April 14, 2022, less income existing at the time of the initial deposit.
(A) The corpus of the trust shall not be expended for any purpose.
(B) For purposes of this part, the corpus of the trust means: (i) The proceeds from the sale of lifetime sportsman licenses that occurred prior to April 28, 2023; (ii) The proceeds from cash donations or donations of property converted or to be converted to cash; (iii) Such other sources as may be deemed appropriate, including sources that may be specified by law; and (iv) The initial deposit of assets held in the wildlife management endowment fund previously created in accordance with § 70-1-501 as such section existed prior to April 14, 2022, less income existing at the time of the initial deposit.
(i) The proceeds from the sale of lifetime sportsman licenses that occurred prior to April 28, 2023;
(ii) The proceeds from cash donations or donations of property converted or to be converted to cash;
(iii) Such other sources as may be deemed appropriate, including sources that may be specified by law; and
(iv) The initial deposit of assets held in the wildlife management endowment fund previously created in accordance with § 70-1-501 as such section existed prior to April 14, 2022, less income existing at the time of the initial deposit.
(2) The income received and accruing from the investments of the trust must be spent only for the exclusive benefit of lifetime sportsman license holders, as prescribed in the trust instrument, and to pay the reasonable expenses incurred in administering and investing the trust assets. Income from the trust means all earnings from the trust's investment portfolios from whatever source derived, including, but not limited to, interest, dividends, realized capital gains or losses, and any income previously applied to the corpus of the trust.
(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all assets, income, and distributions of the trust must be protected against the claims of creditors of the state, plan administrators, and plan participants, and are not subject to execution, attachment, garnishment, the operation of bankruptcy, the insolvency laws or other process whatsoever, and any assignment thereof is not enforceable in any court.
(d) The funds transferred to the trust may be commingled with, co-invested with, and invested or reinvested with other assets transferred to the trust. All or a portion of the trust may be invested, reinvested, and co-invested with other funds, not a part of the trust, held by the state treasurer, including, but not limited to, assets of the Tennessee consolidated retirement system and the state pooled investment fund established pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 6. The state treasurer shall account for such trust funds in one (1) or more separate accounts in accordance with this section and other law.
(e) The trust has the powers, privileges, and immunities of a corporation, and all of its business must be transacted, all of its funds invested, and all of its cash and securities and other property held in trust for the purpose for which received.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 2, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 874, s 4, eff. 4/14/2022.
Acts 1998, ch. 610, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-403 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-403
Classifications of wildlife
Status: in_force

Live wildlife, kept and maintained for any purpose, shall be classified in the following five (5) classes: (1) Class I - This class includes all species inherently dangerous to humans. These species may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators, except as otherwise provided in this part. The commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class I wildlife by promulgating rules and regulations. The following is a listing of animals considered inherently dangerous: (A) Mammals: (i) Primates - Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons; (ii) Carnivores: (a) Wolves - All species; (b) Bears - All species; and (c) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars - All species; (iii) Order Proboscidia: Elephants - All species; (iv) Order Perissodactyla: Rhinoceroses - All species; and (v) Order Artiodactyla: Hippopotamus, African buffalo; (B) Reptiles: (i) Order Crocodylia: Crocodiles and alligators - All species; and (ii) Order Serpentes: Snakes - All venomous species; and (C) Amphibians: All poisonous species; (2) Class II - This class includes native species, except those listed in other classes; (3) Class III - This class requires no permits except those required by the department of agriculture, and includes all species not listed in other classes and includes, but is not limited to, those listed in subdivisions (3)(A)-(Q). The commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class III wildlife by promulgating rules and regulations: (A) Nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians except caimans and gavials; (B) Rodents - Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks; (C) Rabbits, hares, moles and shrews; (D) Ferrets and chinchillas; (E) Llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicunas, camels, giraffes and bison; (F) Avian species not otherwise listed, excluding North American game birds, ostriches and cassowary; (G) Semi-domestic hogs, sheep and goats; (H) All fish held in aquaria; (I) Bovidae not otherwise listed; (J) Marsupials; (K) Common domestic farm animals; (L) Equidae; (M) Primates not otherwise listed; (N) Bobcat/domestic cat hybrids; (O) Hybrids resulting from a cross between a Class II species and a domestic animal or Class III species; (P) Cervidae except white-tailed deer and wild elk. Elk originating from a legal source while held in captivity for the purpose of farming shall be regarded as Class III wildlife. All other elk shall be wild elk and shall be regarded as Class II wildlife. No person shall possess elk in captivity within the eastern grand division of the state as defined in § 4-1-202 without having documentary evidence indicating the origin of the elk being held. This documentary evidence will be presented to the agents of the department of agriculture or the wildlife resource agency upon request. Sale documentation of offspring of purchased elk is not required; and (Q) Furbearing mammals, including those native to Tennessee, raised solely for the sale of fur; (4) Class IV - This class includes those native species that may be possessed only by zoos and temporary exhibitors; provided, that rehabilitation facilities may possess Class IV wildlife as provided by rules established by the commission if authorized by a letter from the director of the agency: (A) Black bear ( Ursus americanus ); (B) White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ); (C) Wild turkey ( Meleagris gallapavo ), including the eggs of wild turkey; (D) Hybrids of a Class IV species other than bobcat shall be Class IV; and (E) Animals that are morphologically indistinguishable from native Class IV wildlife shall be Class IV; and (5) Class V - This class includes such species that the commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may designate by rules and regulations as injurious to the environment. Species so designated may only be held in zoos under such conditions as to prevent the release or escape of such wildlife into the environment. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 636,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1; 1996, ch. 992, § 1; 2001, ch. 103, § 5.
Live wildlife, kept and maintained for any purpose, shall be classified in the following five (5) classes:
(1) Class I - This class includes all species inherently dangerous to humans. These species may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators, except as otherwise provided in this part. The commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class I wildlife by promulgating rules and regulations. The following is a listing of animals considered inherently dangerous: (A) Mammals: (i) Primates - Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons; (ii) Carnivores: (a) Wolves - All species; (b) Bears - All species; and (c) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars - All species; (iii) Order Proboscidia: Elephants - All species; (iv) Order Perissodactyla: Rhinoceroses - All species; and (v) Order Artiodactyla: Hippopotamus, African buffalo; (B) Reptiles: (i) Order Crocodylia: Crocodiles and alligators - All species; and (ii) Order Serpentes: Snakes - All venomous species; and (C) Amphibians: All poisonous species;
(A) Mammals: (i) Primates - Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons; (ii) Carnivores: (a) Wolves - All species; (b) Bears - All species; and (c) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars - All species; (iii) Order Proboscidia: Elephants - All species; (iv) Order Perissodactyla: Rhinoceroses - All species; and (v) Order Artiodactyla: Hippopotamus, African buffalo;
(i) Primates - Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons;
(ii) Carnivores: (a) Wolves - All species; (b) Bears - All species; and (c) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars - All species;
(a) Wolves - All species;
(b) Bears - All species; and
(c) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars - All species;
(iii) Order Proboscidia: Elephants - All species;
(iv) Order Perissodactyla: Rhinoceroses - All species; and
(v) Order Artiodactyla: Hippopotamus, African buffalo;
(B) Reptiles: (i) Order Crocodylia: Crocodiles and alligators - All species; and (ii) Order Serpentes: Snakes - All venomous species; and
(i) Order Crocodylia: Crocodiles and alligators - All species; and
(ii) Order Serpentes: Snakes - All venomous species; and
(C) Amphibians: All poisonous species;
(2) Class II - This class includes native species, except those listed in other classes;
(3) Class III - This class requires no permits except those required by the department of agriculture, and includes all species not listed in other classes and includes, but is not limited to, those listed in subdivisions (3)(A)-(Q). The commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class III wildlife by promulgating rules and regulations: (A) Nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians except caimans and gavials; (B) Rodents - Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks; (C) Rabbits, hares, moles and shrews; (D) Ferrets and chinchillas; (E) Llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicunas, camels, giraffes and bison; (F) Avian species not otherwise listed, excluding North American game birds, ostriches and cassowary; (G) Semi-domestic hogs, sheep and goats; (H) All fish held in aquaria; (I) Bovidae not otherwise listed; (J) Marsupials; (K) Common domestic farm animals; (L) Equidae; (M) Primates not otherwise listed; (N) Bobcat/domestic cat hybrids; (O) Hybrids resulting from a cross between a Class II species and a domestic animal or Class III species; (P) Cervidae except white-tailed deer and wild elk. Elk originating from a legal source while held in captivity for the purpose of farming shall be regarded as Class III wildlife. All other elk shall be wild elk and shall be regarded as Class II wildlife. No person shall possess elk in captivity within the eastern grand division of the state as defined in § 4-1-202 without having documentary evidence indicating the origin of the elk being held. This documentary evidence will be presented to the agents of the department of agriculture or the wildlife resource agency upon request. Sale documentation of offspring of purchased elk is not required; and (Q) Furbearing mammals, including those native to Tennessee, raised solely for the sale of fur;
(A) Nonpoisonous reptiles and amphibians except caimans and gavials;
(B) Rodents - Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, squirrels and chipmunks;
(C) Rabbits, hares, moles and shrews;
(D) Ferrets and chinchillas;
(E) Llamas, alpacas, guanacos, vicunas, camels, giraffes and bison;
(F) Avian species not otherwise listed, excluding North American game birds, ostriches and cassowary;
(G) Semi-domestic hogs, sheep and goats;
(H) All fish held in aquaria;
(I) Bovidae not otherwise listed;
(J) Marsupials;
(K) Common domestic farm animals;
(L) Equidae;
(M) Primates not otherwise listed;
(N) Bobcat/domestic cat hybrids;
(O) Hybrids resulting from a cross between a Class II species and a domestic animal or Class III species;
(P) Cervidae except white-tailed deer and wild elk. Elk originating from a legal source while held in captivity for the purpose of farming shall be regarded as Class III wildlife. All other elk shall be wild elk and shall be regarded as Class II wildlife. No person shall possess elk in captivity within the eastern grand division of the state as defined in § 4-1-202 without having documentary evidence indicating the origin of the elk being held. This documentary evidence will be presented to the agents of the department of agriculture or the wildlife resource agency upon request. Sale documentation of offspring of purchased elk is not required; and
(Q) Furbearing mammals, including those native to Tennessee, raised solely for the sale of fur;
(4) Class IV - This class includes those native species that may be possessed only by zoos and temporary exhibitors; provided, that rehabilitation facilities may possess Class IV wildlife as provided by rules established by the commission if authorized by a letter from the director of the agency: (A) Black bear ( Ursus americanus ); (B) White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ); (C) Wild turkey ( Meleagris gallapavo ), including the eggs of wild turkey; (D) Hybrids of a Class IV species other than bobcat shall be Class IV; and (E) Animals that are morphologically indistinguishable from native Class IV wildlife shall be Class IV; and
(A) Black bear ( Ursus americanus );
(B) White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus );
(C) Wild turkey ( Meleagris gallapavo ), including the eggs of wild turkey;
(D) Hybrids of a Class IV species other than bobcat shall be Class IV; and
(E) Animals that are morphologically indistinguishable from native Class IV wildlife shall be Class IV; and
(5) Class V - This class includes such species that the commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may designate by rules and regulations as injurious to the environment. Species so designated may only be held in zoos under such conditions as to prevent the release or escape of such wildlife into the environment.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 636,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1; 1996, ch. 992, § 1; 2001, ch. 103, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-502 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-502
Prohibition
Status: in_force

A person may not engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting if the wildlife being hunted is located in this state. Acts 2005, ch. 96, § 1.
A person may not engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate facilities for computer-assisted remote hunting if the wildlife being hunted is located in this state.
Acts 2005, ch. 96, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-3-101 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 3 / Section 70-3-101
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1937, ch. 84, §§ 42, 69; 1937, ch. 252, § 3; 1945, ch. 37, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 5178.51, 5178.78 (Williams, §§ 5176.43, 5176.70); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 9; Acts 1979, ch. 179, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-301; Acts 1989, ch. 486, § 15.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, §§ 42, 69; 1937, ch. 252, § 3; 1945, ch. 37, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 5178.51, 5178.78 (Williams, §§ 5176.43, 5176.70); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 9; Acts 1979, ch. 179, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 11; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-301; Acts 1989, ch. 486, § 15.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-5-107 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 5 / Section 70-5-107
Construction and maintenance of state parks - Reelfoot Lake facilities - Wildlife management areas designated - Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The supervision and control over all, or any part, of the lands belonging to the state and vested in this chapter in the executive director, with the exception of such lands as may have been or may hereafter be acquired by the use of federal aid funds, may, at any time hereafter, be transferred by the wildlife resources agency, with the approval of the governor and the commissioner of environment and conservation, to the division of parks and recreation, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining state parks. (2) In the event of any such transfer, the agency may retain joint use of any office buildings or facilities situated on such lands as may be transferred and necessary for its use. (3) The commissioner of environment and conservation has the same power and authority to grant leases of property transferred to the department of environment and conservation upon the same conditions and terms as provided in this chapter for the executive director. (b) Leases executed under this section shall be approved by the governor and the attorney general and reporter. (c) Prior to the construction of any facility or improvement on state lands at Reelfoot Lake, the plans and specifications for the construction shall be presented to the department or agency having jurisdiction over the lands, which shall authorize such construction as is deemed appropriate, and such authorization shall be evidenced by written supplements to the leases. The executive director, under the supervision of the agency, is authorized to permit the construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities deemed necessary for the best utilization of Reelfoot Lake in the public interest, such facilities or developments to include, but not be limited to, boat docks, fishing piers, camp sites, trailer camps, picnic areas, hotels, motels, restaurants, fish markets and other retail stores, and to grant leases of lands for a period of twenty (20) years or less upon such terms and for such purposes as may be deemed reasonable in the public interest. The leases may contain a provision giving the lessee the option of renewing the lease upon like terms and conditions and for the same term. The leaseholds may be sold; provided, that the sale has been approved by the executive director, the governor, and the attorney general and reporter, but a sale made without their approval shall be void. Furthermore, the executive director has the power to remove any person or persons, at any time, from any of the islands or other lands on Reelfoot Lake belonging to the state who fail to observe the laws, rules and regulations governing the islands or waters of the lake, or who violate any of the provisions of any agreement or lease entered into with the executive director. All revenues collected pursuant to such leases by the agency shall be set aside by the agency to be used exclusively for habitat and resource development at Reelfoot Lake. (d) (1) All lands owned in fee simple by the state of Tennessee or by condemnation or by lease, surrounding the waters of, or which are surrounded by, the waters of Reelfoot Lake, are hereby designated as a state wildlife management area, except for those properties operated by the division of parks and recreation, as the Reelfoot Lake state resort park, including noncontiguous day use areas, and consisting of approximately two hundred seventy-nine and twenty-three hundredths (279.23) acres. (2) It is hereby declared that the ordinary high water mark of Reelfoot Lake is two hundred eighty-five feet (285') mean sea level. (3) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, exclusive control over the water level in Reelfoot Lake is hereby vested in the executive director. (e) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 54, 56; 1953, ch. 255, § 4 (Williams, §§ 5178.83, 5178.85); 1955, ch. 59, § 1; 1955, ch. 205, § 1; 1957, ch. 28, § 1; 1957, ch. 169, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 11; impl. am. Acts 1963, ch. 169, §3; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-607; Acts 1984, ch. 540, § 1; 1984, ch. 548, § 5; 1985, ch. 350, §§ 9, 11; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
(a) (1) The supervision and control over all, or any part, of the lands belonging to the state and vested in this chapter in the executive director, with the exception of such lands as may have been or may hereafter be acquired by the use of federal aid funds, may, at any time hereafter, be transferred by the wildlife resources agency, with the approval of the governor and the commissioner of environment and conservation, to the division of parks and recreation, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining state parks. (2) In the event of any such transfer, the agency may retain joint use of any office buildings or facilities situated on such lands as may be transferred and necessary for its use. (3) The commissioner of environment and conservation has the same power and authority to grant leases of property transferred to the department of environment and conservation upon the same conditions and terms as provided in this chapter for the executive director.
(1) The supervision and control over all, or any part, of the lands belonging to the state and vested in this chapter in the executive director, with the exception of such lands as may have been or may hereafter be acquired by the use of federal aid funds, may, at any time hereafter, be transferred by the wildlife resources agency, with the approval of the governor and the commissioner of environment and conservation, to the division of parks and recreation, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining state parks.
(2) In the event of any such transfer, the agency may retain joint use of any office buildings or facilities situated on such lands as may be transferred and necessary for its use.
(3) The commissioner of environment and conservation has the same power and authority to grant leases of property transferred to the department of environment and conservation upon the same conditions and terms as provided in this chapter for the executive director.
(b) Leases executed under this section shall be approved by the governor and the attorney general and reporter.
(c) Prior to the construction of any facility or improvement on state lands at Reelfoot Lake, the plans and specifications for the construction shall be presented to the department or agency having jurisdiction over the lands, which shall authorize such construction as is deemed appropriate, and such authorization shall be evidenced by written supplements to the leases. The executive director, under the supervision of the agency, is authorized to permit the construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities deemed necessary for the best utilization of Reelfoot Lake in the public interest, such facilities or developments to include, but not be limited to, boat docks, fishing piers, camp sites, trailer camps, picnic areas, hotels, motels, restaurants, fish markets and other retail stores, and to grant leases of lands for a period of twenty (20) years or less upon such terms and for such purposes as may be deemed reasonable in the public interest. The leases may contain a provision giving the lessee the option of renewing the lease upon like terms and conditions and for the same term. The leaseholds may be sold; provided, that the sale has been approved by the executive director, the governor, and the attorney general and reporter, but a sale made without their approval shall be void. Furthermore, the executive director has the power to remove any person or persons, at any time, from any of the islands or other lands on Reelfoot Lake belonging to the state who fail to observe the laws, rules and regulations governing the islands or waters of the lake, or who violate any of the provisions of any agreement or lease entered into with the executive director. All revenues collected pursuant to such leases by the agency shall be set aside by the agency to be used exclusively for habitat and resource development at Reelfoot Lake.
(d) (1) All lands owned in fee simple by the state of Tennessee or by condemnation or by lease, surrounding the waters of, or which are surrounded by, the waters of Reelfoot Lake, are hereby designated as a state wildlife management area, except for those properties operated by the division of parks and recreation, as the Reelfoot Lake state resort park, including noncontiguous day use areas, and consisting of approximately two hundred seventy-nine and twenty-three hundredths (279.23) acres. (2) It is hereby declared that the ordinary high water mark of Reelfoot Lake is two hundred eighty-five feet (285') mean sea level. (3) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, exclusive control over the water level in Reelfoot Lake is hereby vested in the executive director.
(1) All lands owned in fee simple by the state of Tennessee or by condemnation or by lease, surrounding the waters of, or which are surrounded by, the waters of Reelfoot Lake, are hereby designated as a state wildlife management area, except for those properties operated by the division of parks and recreation, as the Reelfoot Lake state resort park, including noncontiguous day use areas, and consisting of approximately two hundred seventy-nine and twenty-three hundredths (279.23) acres.
(2) It is hereby declared that the ordinary high water mark of Reelfoot Lake is two hundred eighty-five feet (285') mean sea level.
(3) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, exclusive control over the water level in Reelfoot Lake is hereby vested in the executive director.
(e) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 54, 56; 1953, ch. 255, § 4 (Williams, §§ 5178.83, 5178.85); 1955, ch. 59, § 1; 1955, ch. 205, § 1; 1957, ch. 28, § 1; 1957, ch. 169, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 11; impl. am. Acts 1963, ch. 169, §3; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-607; Acts 1984, ch. 540, § 1; 1984, ch. 548, § 5; 1985, ch. 350, §§ 9, 11; 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-116 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-116
Hunting, killing and possession of deer, bear, wild elk and wild turkey - Transporting - Tagging - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any law or any public or private act to the contrary, it is unlawful for any person to hunt or take deer, bear or wild elk with any shotgun using ammunition loaded with more than one (1) solid ball or rifled slug, or with any rifle using rim-fire cartridges. Bows and arrows are prohibited except as prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission. (b) It is unlawful to hunt, pursue, capture, possess, transport or store any deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk either male or female, in this state, at any time or in any area other than at times and within the area designated by the commission in its promulgation of open seasons, as provided by this title. (c) Subsections (a)-(c) do not apply when such deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk has been killed outside the boundaries of this state. Possession of such game in any closed season or boundary, except as provided in subsection (e), is prima facie evidence of guilt under this section. Any person found in possession of a deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk and claiming that it was killed outside the state shall present to the executive director, or to any court hearing a cause pursuant to this title, sufficient proof to establish that the animal was so killed. (d) (1) Any person killing or possessing, or both, a deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk shall tag the animal in accordance with procedures set out in the proclamation. Any deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk that has not been tagged in accordance with this chapter or any proclamation promulgated in accordance with this title may be confiscated and disposed of as provided by law. (2) The commission is authorized to issue special quota harvest tags for certain species, or sexes of species, requiring limited harvest. The commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations that would permit granting to landowners special consideration in the issuance of special quota harvest tags. (3) A violation of this subsection (d) is a Class C misdemeanor. (e) (1) A violation of subsections (a)-(c) is a Class B misdemeanor except that a violation of any of these subsections relative to wild elk shall be a Class A misdemeanor. It is mandatory upon the court to impose the prison sentence, upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense, and the prison sentence is not subject to suspension. (2) In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or presentment must allege the prior conviction for violating any of the provisions of subsections (a)-(c), setting forth the time and place of each such prior conviction. The court shall prohibit such convicted person, either a first or subsequent offender, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year. (f) (1) In addition to the punishments authorized by this title, any court that convicts a person of killing or possessing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, or wild elk in violation of this title may order that person to pay restitution for the animal to the agency in the following amount: (A) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild turkey; (ii) White-tailed deer with no antlers; and (iii) Antlered white-tailed deer with less than eight (8) antler points; (B) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild elk with no antlers; and (ii) Antlered wild elk with less than eight (8) antler points; (C) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (D) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (E) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (F) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; and (G) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per animal, for each bear that is illegally killed or possessed and for each bear cub that is orphaned by the illegal killing or possession of a bear. (2) (A) If the conviction is based on the killing or possession of a wild elk and the court orders restitution pursuant to subdivision (f)(1), in addition to any other relevant factors to consider when determining the amount of restitution, the court shall also include the costs associated with the reintroduction of a wild elk. (B) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a farmland owner, lessee, or designee may take an elk found within a "no elk zone" when the owner, lessee, or designee reasonably believes the elk is causing or has caused damage to the owner's property. In all other situations, the farmland owner, lessee, or designee shall first provide the agency an opportunity to relocate the elk. The "no elk zone" shall be defined by the commission. (g) In addition to the punishments authorized by this title, any court that convicts a person of killing or possessing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, or wild elk in violation of this section shall revoke any license that was issued to the person under this title until the person has paid in full all restitution that the court ordered the person to pay. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 370,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 42, 43, 47; 1953, ch. 226, § 3 (Williams, §§ 5178.71, 5178.72, 5178.76); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 6; 1957, ch. 384, § 1; 1959, ch. 145, § 4; 1961, ch. 198, §§ 2, 3; 1970, ch. 597, § 1; 1973, ch. 288, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 244, § 1; 1976, ch. 681, § 1; 1978, ch. 626, § 1; 1979, ch. 198, § 1; 1980, ch. 644, § 1; 1982, ch. 701, §§ 4-6; 1982, ch. 738, § 20; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-425, 51-426, 51-429; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 4; 1984, ch. 551, § 1; 1985, ch. 310, § 1; 1988, ch. 592, §§ 1-3; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 14; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 1999, ch. 91, § 1; 2001, ch. 103, §§ 1 - 4; 2006, ch. 615, § 1; 2008, ch. 715, § 1; 2011, ch. 283, §§ 2-5; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
(a) Notwithstanding any law or any public or private act to the contrary, it is unlawful for any person to hunt or take deer, bear or wild elk with any shotgun using ammunition loaded with more than one (1) solid ball or rifled slug, or with any rifle using rim-fire cartridges. Bows and arrows are prohibited except as prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission.
(b) It is unlawful to hunt, pursue, capture, possess, transport or store any deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk either male or female, in this state, at any time or in any area other than at times and within the area designated by the commission in its promulgation of open seasons, as provided by this title.
(c) Subsections (a)-(c) do not apply when such deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk has been killed outside the boundaries of this state. Possession of such game in any closed season or boundary, except as provided in subsection (e), is prima facie evidence of guilt under this section. Any person found in possession of a deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk and claiming that it was killed outside the state shall present to the executive director, or to any court hearing a cause pursuant to this title, sufficient proof to establish that the animal was so killed.
(d) (1) Any person killing or possessing, or both, a deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk shall tag the animal in accordance with procedures set out in the proclamation. Any deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk that has not been tagged in accordance with this chapter or any proclamation promulgated in accordance with this title may be confiscated and disposed of as provided by law. (2) The commission is authorized to issue special quota harvest tags for certain species, or sexes of species, requiring limited harvest. The commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations that would permit granting to landowners special consideration in the issuance of special quota harvest tags. (3) A violation of this subsection (d) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) Any person killing or possessing, or both, a deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk shall tag the animal in accordance with procedures set out in the proclamation. Any deer, wild turkey, bear or wild elk that has not been tagged in accordance with this chapter or any proclamation promulgated in accordance with this title may be confiscated and disposed of as provided by law.
(2) The commission is authorized to issue special quota harvest tags for certain species, or sexes of species, requiring limited harvest. The commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations that would permit granting to landowners special consideration in the issuance of special quota harvest tags.
(3) A violation of this subsection (d) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(e) (1) A violation of subsections (a)-(c) is a Class B misdemeanor except that a violation of any of these subsections relative to wild elk shall be a Class A misdemeanor. It is mandatory upon the court to impose the prison sentence, upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense, and the prison sentence is not subject to suspension. (2) In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or presentment must allege the prior conviction for violating any of the provisions of subsections (a)-(c), setting forth the time and place of each such prior conviction. The court shall prohibit such convicted person, either a first or subsequent offender, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year.
(1) A violation of subsections (a)-(c) is a Class B misdemeanor except that a violation of any of these subsections relative to wild elk shall be a Class A misdemeanor. It is mandatory upon the court to impose the prison sentence, upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense, and the prison sentence is not subject to suspension.
(2) In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or presentment must allege the prior conviction for violating any of the provisions of subsections (a)-(c), setting forth the time and place of each such prior conviction. The court shall prohibit such convicted person, either a first or subsequent offender, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year.
(f) (1) In addition to the punishments authorized by this title, any court that convicts a person of killing or possessing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, or wild elk in violation of this title may order that person to pay restitution for the animal to the agency in the following amount: (A) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild turkey; (ii) White-tailed deer with no antlers; and (iii) Antlered white-tailed deer with less than eight (8) antler points; (B) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild elk with no antlers; and (ii) Antlered wild elk with less than eight (8) antler points; (C) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (D) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (E) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (F) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; and (G) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per animal, for each bear that is illegally killed or possessed and for each bear cub that is orphaned by the illegal killing or possession of a bear. (2) (A) If the conviction is based on the killing or possession of a wild elk and the court orders restitution pursuant to subdivision (f)(1), in addition to any other relevant factors to consider when determining the amount of restitution, the court shall also include the costs associated with the reintroduction of a wild elk. (B) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a farmland owner, lessee, or designee may take an elk found within a "no elk zone" when the owner, lessee, or designee reasonably believes the elk is causing or has caused damage to the owner's property. In all other situations, the farmland owner, lessee, or designee shall first provide the agency an opportunity to relocate the elk. The "no elk zone" shall be defined by the commission.
(1) In addition to the punishments authorized by this title, any court that convicts a person of killing or possessing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, or wild elk in violation of this title may order that person to pay restitution for the animal to the agency in the following amount: (A) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild turkey; (ii) White-tailed deer with no antlers; and (iii) Antlered white-tailed deer with less than eight (8) antler points; (B) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild elk with no antlers; and (ii) Antlered wild elk with less than eight (8) antler points; (C) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (D) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (E) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; (F) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; and (G) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per animal, for each bear that is illegally killed or possessed and for each bear cub that is orphaned by the illegal killing or possession of a bear.
(A) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild turkey; (ii) White-tailed deer with no antlers; and (iii) Antlered white-tailed deer with less than eight (8) antler points;
(i) Wild turkey;
(ii) White-tailed deer with no antlers; and
(iii) Antlered white-tailed deer with less than eight (8) antler points;
(B) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal, for each of the following that is illegally killed or possessed: (i) Wild elk with no antlers; and (ii) Antlered wild elk with less than eight (8) antler points;
(i) Wild elk with no antlers; and
(ii) Antlered wild elk with less than eight (8) antler points;
(C) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed;
(D) Not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered white-tailed deer with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed;
(E) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus five hundred dollars ($500) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with at least eight (8) but not more than ten (10) antler points that is illegally killed or possessed;
(F) Not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per animal plus seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per antler point, for each antlered wild elk with eleven (11) or more antler points that is illegally killed or possessed; and
(G) Not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per animal, for each bear that is illegally killed or possessed and for each bear cub that is orphaned by the illegal killing or possession of a bear.
(2) (A) If the conviction is based on the killing or possession of a wild elk and the court orders restitution pursuant to subdivision (f)(1), in addition to any other relevant factors to consider when determining the amount of restitution, the court shall also include the costs associated with the reintroduction of a wild elk. (B) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a farmland owner, lessee, or designee may take an elk found within a "no elk zone" when the owner, lessee, or designee reasonably believes the elk is causing or has caused damage to the owner's property. In all other situations, the farmland owner, lessee, or designee shall first provide the agency an opportunity to relocate the elk. The "no elk zone" shall be defined by the commission.
(A) If the conviction is based on the killing or possession of a wild elk and the court orders restitution pursuant to subdivision (f)(1), in addition to any other relevant factors to consider when determining the amount of restitution, the court shall also include the costs associated with the reintroduction of a wild elk.
(B) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a farmland owner, lessee, or designee may take an elk found within a "no elk zone" when the owner, lessee, or designee reasonably believes the elk is causing or has caused damage to the owner's property. In all other situations, the farmland owner, lessee, or designee shall first provide the agency an opportunity to relocate the elk. The "no elk zone" shall be defined by the commission.
(g) In addition to the punishments authorized by this title, any court that convicts a person of killing or possessing a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear, or wild elk in violation of this section shall revoke any license that was issued to the person under this title until the person has paid in full all restitution that the court ordered the person to pay.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 370,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 42, 43, 47; 1953, ch. 226, § 3 (Williams, §§ 5178.71, 5178.72, 5178.76); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 6; 1957, ch. 384, § 1; 1959, ch. 145, § 4; 1961, ch. 198, §§ 2, 3; 1970, ch. 597, § 1; 1973, ch. 288, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 244, § 1; 1976, ch. 681, § 1; 1978, ch. 626, § 1; 1979, ch. 198, § 1; 1980, ch. 644, § 1; 1982, ch. 701, §§ 4-6; 1982, ch. 738, § 20; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-425, 51-426, 51-429; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 4; 1984, ch. 551, § 1; 1985, ch. 310, § 1; 1988, ch. 592, §§ 1-3; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 14; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 1999, ch. 91, § 1; 2001, ch. 103, §§ 1 - 4; 2006, ch. 615, § 1; 2008, ch. 715, § 1; 2011, ch. 283, §§ 2-5; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-416 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-416
Notification of escape - Injuries
Status: in_force

Permittees shall immediately notify the agency or local law enforcement officials of any escape of Class I wildlife. Any personal injury inflicted by any species of captive wildlife requiring medical treatment shall be reported to the agency within forty-eight (48) hours of the injury, and a complete report provided regarding the nature and circumstances of the injury. Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1.
Permittees shall immediately notify the agency or local law enforcement officials of any escape of Class I wildlife. Any personal injury inflicted by any species of captive wildlife requiring medical treatment shall be reported to the agency within forty-eight (48) hours of the injury, and a complete report provided regarding the nature and circumstances of the injury.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-3-103 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 3 / Section 70-3-103
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1937, ch. 84, §§ 44, 45; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, §10; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 5178.53, 5178.54 (Williams, §§ 5176.45, 5176.46); Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7, 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-303, 51-304.
Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, §§ 44, 45; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, §10; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 5178.53, 5178.54 (Williams, §§ 5176.45, 5176.46); Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7, 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-303, 51-304.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-130 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-130
Albino deer
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in § 70-4-115 , it is unlawful for any person to knowingly hunt, kill, trap, ensnare, or destroy, or to attempt to destroy, or to have in such person's possession albino deer, which is a deer with a lack or significant deficiency of pigment in the skin and hair and with pink eyes. (b) Any violations of the proclamations or rules and regulations promulgated by the fish and wildlife commission are punishable as provided in this title, and the illegal taking or possession of each animal constitutes a separate offense. (c) Violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. Acts 2001, ch. 24, § 1; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
(a) Except as provided in § 70-4-115 , it is unlawful for any person to knowingly hunt, kill, trap, ensnare, or destroy, or to attempt to destroy, or to have in such person's possession albino deer, which is a deer with a lack or significant deficiency of pigment in the skin and hair and with pink eyes.
(b) Any violations of the proclamations or rules and regulations promulgated by the fish and wildlife commission are punishable as provided in this title, and the illegal taking or possession of each animal constitutes a separate offense.
(c) Violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fine only.
Acts 2001, ch. 24, § 1; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-417 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-417
Cost of administration
Status: in_force

The cost of administration of this part as it relates to wildlife not indigenous to this state shall be borne by the general fund and revenues collected pursuant to this part. Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1.
The cost of administration of this part as it relates to wildlife not indigenous to this state shall be borne by the general fund and revenues collected pursuant to this part.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-103 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-103
Assaulting or interfering with agency employee - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any employee of the wildlife resources agency while the employee is engaged in the lawful performance of the employee's official duties. (b) Any person violating this section commits a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1979, ch. 38, § 1; T.C.A., § 51-141; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6.
(a) It is unlawful to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with any employee of the wildlife resources agency while the employee is engaged in the lawful performance of the employee's official duties.
(b) Any person violating this section commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1979, ch. 38, § 1; T.C.A., § 51-141; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §§ 1, 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-201 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-201
Creation - Appointment of members - Terms
Status: in_force

(a) An independent and separate administrative board of conservation for game, fish and wildlife of the state is created, to be known and referred to as the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, hereinafter referred to as the "fish and wildlife commission" or the "commission," to consist of thirteen (13) citizens of this state, which citizens shall be well informed on the conservation of game animals, birds, and fish in this state, and also boating operation, regulation, and safety. The appointees must also actively participate in the activities regulated by the commission, including hunting, angling, trapping, and boating. Nine (9) of these citizens shall be appointed by the governor, two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker of the senate, and two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, each to be appointed within the period provided in this section. In making appointments to the fish and wildlife commission, the governor and the speakers shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the commission is sixty (60) years of age or older, at least one (1) person serving on the commission is a member of a racial minority, and at least two (2) persons serving on the commission are female. (b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (b), each member shall be confirmed by the agriculture and natural resources committee of the house of representatives and the energy, agriculture and natural resources committee of the senate and by joint resolution of the general assembly prior to beginning a term of office. (2) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from the expiration of a term, the member of the commission whose term has expired shall serve until a new appointee is confirmed as provided in subdivision (b)(1). (3) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy not resulting from the expiration of a term, the new appointee shall serve for the term appointed unless such appointment is not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointment. (4) If the general assembly is not in session when initial appointments are made, all initial appointments shall serve the terms prescribed pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), unless such appointments are not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointments. (c) (1) The entire membership of the wildlife resources commission shall be vacated and shall be replaced by new appointments made to the fish and wildlife commission pursuant to this subsection (c). In order to stagger the terms of the newly appointed commission members, initial appointments shall be made as follows: (A) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of two (2) years and eight (8) months; (B) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of four (4) years and eight (8) months; and (C) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , shall be made for a term of six (6) years and eight (8) months. (2) For purpose of calculating terms, the initial term of office of each commission member shall begin on July 1, 2012. (3) At the conclusion of the initial terms, each regular term of a commission member appointed by a speaker shall be four (4) years and each regular term of a commission member appointed by the governor shall be six (6) years. For purpose of calculating regular terms, each term shall begin on March 1 and shall expire on the last day of February. (4) No commission member shall serve consecutive terms. For the purposes of this subdivision (c)(4), a commission member shall be considered as having served a term if such member has served more than two (2) years of an initial term, regular term or unexpired term on the fish and wildlife commission. (5) A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the appointing authority making the original appointment for the remainder of any unexpired term or, if a term has expired, for a regular term. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 120, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 6, eff. 4/19/2013. Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 1.
(a) An independent and separate administrative board of conservation for game, fish and wildlife of the state is created, to be known and referred to as the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission, hereinafter referred to as the "fish and wildlife commission" or the "commission," to consist of thirteen (13) citizens of this state, which citizens shall be well informed on the conservation of game animals, birds, and fish in this state, and also boating operation, regulation, and safety. The appointees must also actively participate in the activities regulated by the commission, including hunting, angling, trapping, and boating. Nine (9) of these citizens shall be appointed by the governor, two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker of the senate, and two (2) shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, each to be appointed within the period provided in this section. In making appointments to the fish and wildlife commission, the governor and the speakers shall strive to ensure that at least one (1) person serving on the commission is sixty (60) years of age or older, at least one (1) person serving on the commission is a member of a racial minority, and at least two (2) persons serving on the commission are female.
(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (b), each member shall be confirmed by the agriculture and natural resources committee of the house of representatives and the energy, agriculture and natural resources committee of the senate and by joint resolution of the general assembly prior to beginning a term of office. (2) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from the expiration of a term, the member of the commission whose term has expired shall serve until a new appointee is confirmed as provided in subdivision (b)(1). (3) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy not resulting from the expiration of a term, the new appointee shall serve for the term appointed unless such appointment is not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointment. (4) If the general assembly is not in session when initial appointments are made, all initial appointments shall serve the terms prescribed pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), unless such appointments are not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointments.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (b), each member shall be confirmed by the agriculture and natural resources committee of the house of representatives and the energy, agriculture and natural resources committee of the senate and by joint resolution of the general assembly prior to beginning a term of office.
(2) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from the expiration of a term, the member of the commission whose term has expired shall serve until a new appointee is confirmed as provided in subdivision (b)(1).
(3) If the general assembly is not in session at the time a member is appointed to fill a vacancy not resulting from the expiration of a term, the new appointee shall serve for the term appointed unless such appointment is not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointment.
(4) If the general assembly is not in session when initial appointments are made, all initial appointments shall serve the terms prescribed pursuant to subdivision (c)(1), unless such appointments are not confirmed within sixty (60) calendar days after the general assembly next convenes in regular session following such appointments.
(c) (1) The entire membership of the wildlife resources commission shall be vacated and shall be replaced by new appointments made to the fish and wildlife commission pursuant to this subsection (c). In order to stagger the terms of the newly appointed commission members, initial appointments shall be made as follows: (A) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of two (2) years and eight (8) months; (B) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of four (4) years and eight (8) months; and (C) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , shall be made for a term of six (6) years and eight (8) months. (2) For purpose of calculating terms, the initial term of office of each commission member shall begin on July 1, 2012. (3) At the conclusion of the initial terms, each regular term of a commission member appointed by a speaker shall be four (4) years and each regular term of a commission member appointed by the governor shall be six (6) years. For purpose of calculating regular terms, each term shall begin on March 1 and shall expire on the last day of February. (4) No commission member shall serve consecutive terms. For the purposes of this subdivision (c)(4), a commission member shall be considered as having served a term if such member has served more than two (2) years of an initial term, regular term or unexpired term on the fish and wildlife commission. (5) A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the appointing authority making the original appointment for the remainder of any unexpired term or, if a term has expired, for a regular term.
(1) The entire membership of the wildlife resources commission shall be vacated and shall be replaced by new appointments made to the fish and wildlife commission pursuant to this subsection (c). In order to stagger the terms of the newly appointed commission members, initial appointments shall be made as follows: (A) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of two (2) years and eight (8) months; (B) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of four (4) years and eight (8) months; and (C) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , shall be made for a term of six (6) years and eight (8) months.
(A) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of two (2) years and eight (8) months;
(B) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , and one (1) initial appointment by each speaker shall be made for a term of four (4) years and eight (8) months; and
(C) Three (3) of the governor's initial appointments, one (1) from each grand division of the state as provided in § 70-1-204(a) , shall be made for a term of six (6) years and eight (8) months.
(2) For purpose of calculating terms, the initial term of office of each commission member shall begin on July 1, 2012.
(3) At the conclusion of the initial terms, each regular term of a commission member appointed by a speaker shall be four (4) years and each regular term of a commission member appointed by the governor shall be six (6) years. For purpose of calculating regular terms, each term shall begin on March 1 and shall expire on the last day of February.
(4) No commission member shall serve consecutive terms. For the purposes of this subdivision (c)(4), a commission member shall be considered as having served a term if such member has served more than two (2) years of an initial term, regular term or unexpired term on the fish and wildlife commission.
(5) A vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the appointing authority making the original appointment for the remainder of any unexpired term or, if a term has expired, for a regular term.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 120, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 6, eff. 4/19/2013.
Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-5-105 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 5 / Section 70-5-105
Dedication of property for preserves by governor
Status: in_force

The governor is authorized and empowered to designate and set apart suitable lands and waters that have or may hereafter revert to and become the property of the state on account of delinquent taxes, or any lands or waters held or that may be given to the state by donation or otherwise, and, in the governor's discretion and judgment, shall, by public proclamation, set apart and dedicate such lands and waters for wildlife preserves and declare the establishment of such preserves and fix the limits of the lands and waters for state wildlife preserves. Acts 1937, ch. 252, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.13 (Williams, § 5176.6); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-605.
The governor is authorized and empowered to designate and set apart suitable lands and waters that have or may hereafter revert to and become the property of the state on account of delinquent taxes, or any lands or waters held or that may be given to the state by donation or otherwise, and, in the governor's discretion and judgment, shall, by public proclamation, set apart and dedicate such lands and waters for wildlife preserves and declare the establishment of such preserves and fix the limits of the lands and waters for state wildlife preserves.
Acts 1937, ch. 252, § 2; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.13 (Williams, § 5176.6); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-605.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-302 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-302
Violations - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who performs any of the following commits a Class C misdemeanor: (1) Interferes with the lawful taking of a wild animal by another with intent to prevent the taking; (2) Disturbs or engages in an activity that will tend to disturb wild animals, with intent to prevent their lawful taking; (3) Disturbs another person who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking; (4) Enters or remains upon public lands, or upon private lands without permission of the owner or the owner's agent, with intent to violate this section; (5) Fails to obey the order of a peace officer to desist from conduct in violation of this section if the officer observes such conduct, or has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has engaged in such conduct that day or that the person plans or intends to engage in such conduct that day on a specific premises; or (6) Uses a drone with the intent to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting or fishing without obtaining the written consent of the persons being surveilled prior to conducting the surveillance. (b) As used in subsection (a), "any person" means any individual, firm, association, company, partnership, corporation, public or private organization, institution or similar entity. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 629,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1985, ch. 100, § 3; 1989, ch 591, § 113.
(a) Any person who performs any of the following commits a Class C misdemeanor: (1) Interferes with the lawful taking of a wild animal by another with intent to prevent the taking; (2) Disturbs or engages in an activity that will tend to disturb wild animals, with intent to prevent their lawful taking; (3) Disturbs another person who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking; (4) Enters or remains upon public lands, or upon private lands without permission of the owner or the owner's agent, with intent to violate this section; (5) Fails to obey the order of a peace officer to desist from conduct in violation of this section if the officer observes such conduct, or has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has engaged in such conduct that day or that the person plans or intends to engage in such conduct that day on a specific premises; or (6) Uses a drone with the intent to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting or fishing without obtaining the written consent of the persons being surveilled prior to conducting the surveillance.
(1) Interferes with the lawful taking of a wild animal by another with intent to prevent the taking;
(2) Disturbs or engages in an activity that will tend to disturb wild animals, with intent to prevent their lawful taking;
(3) Disturbs another person who is engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal or who is engaged in the process of taking, with intent to dissuade or otherwise prevent the taking;
(4) Enters or remains upon public lands, or upon private lands without permission of the owner or the owner's agent, with intent to violate this section;
(5) Fails to obey the order of a peace officer to desist from conduct in violation of this section if the officer observes such conduct, or has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has engaged in such conduct that day or that the person plans or intends to engage in such conduct that day on a specific premises; or
(6) Uses a drone with the intent to conduct video surveillance of private citizens who are lawfully hunting or fishing without obtaining the written consent of the persons being surveilled prior to conducting the surveillance.
(b) As used in subsection (a), "any person" means any individual, firm, association, company, partnership, corporation, public or private organization, institution or similar entity.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 629,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1985, ch. 100, § 3; 1989, ch 591, § 113.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-8-111 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 8 / Section 70-8-111
Authorization to enter agreements
Status: in_force

The executive director is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with other states and the federal government for the establishment and maintenance of programs for the conservation of nongame, endangered or threatened species of wildlife. Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 11; T.C.A., § 51-911.
The executive director is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with other states and the federal government for the establishment and maintenance of programs for the conservation of nongame, endangered or threatened species of wildlife.
Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 11; T.C.A., § 51-911.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-2-106 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 2 / Section 70-2-106
Agents for issuance and sale of licenses, permits, stamps, tags, or privileges - Bond - Fees of items - Fees of agents - Conservation stamps
Status: in_force

(a) (1) All hunting and fishing licenses, other licenses, permits, tags, registrations or privileges as specified by the agency and provided for in this title or in title 69, chapter 9, may be issued and sold by the county clerk of each county, or by any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director. (2) Any appointed agent, before being furnished with items to sell, may be required to execute a bond in such sum as the executive director shall require, with some solvent surety company qualified to do business in the state, as surety on sums due, conditioned to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon such appointed agent and to faithfully account for and promptly pay over to the executive director any and all sums due to the wildlife resources agency. (b) (1) The county clerk of each county or any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director as such agent is entitled to collect from the purchaser of all licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations or other privileges sold, as specified by the agency, a flat fee of one dollar ($1.00) on any one (1) annual license, permit, stamp, tag, registration or other privilege sold, as specified by the agency, and fifty cents (50¢) on any one (1) license, permit, stamp, tag, registration and other privilege, as specified by the agency, which is valid for a specified day or number of days. Alternatively, the executive director is authorized to establish an agent fee, through competitive bidding contract procedures, for the successful bidder to sell licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations and other privileges as specified by the agency, over the telephone or through other electronic means. (2) The executive director, the county clerk of each county, and the agents designated and appointed by the executive director as such agents for the sale of licenses, shall offer for sale conservation stamps, including, but not limited to, full-color waterfowl stamps for a cost of ten dollars ($10.00) each. Any revenues from such stamps over and above the cost of producing and distributing the stamps shall go into habitat improvement. Possession of a stamp is voluntary and is not required in order to hunt, fish or trap. (3) The general assembly shall review and reauthorize the conservation stamp program after it has been in operation for three (3) years. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 9 (Williams, § 5178.38); 1955, ch. 152, § 8; 1957, ch. 221, § 2; 1969, ch. 84, § 1; 1973, ch. 328, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 282, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1981, ch. 359, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-228; Acts 1985, ch. 350, § 10; 1989, ch. 18, § 1; 1989, ch. 486, § 1; 1998, ch. 1023, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 102, §§ 2 - 4.
(a) (1) All hunting and fishing licenses, other licenses, permits, tags, registrations or privileges as specified by the agency and provided for in this title or in title 69, chapter 9, may be issued and sold by the county clerk of each county, or by any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director. (2) Any appointed agent, before being furnished with items to sell, may be required to execute a bond in such sum as the executive director shall require, with some solvent surety company qualified to do business in the state, as surety on sums due, conditioned to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon such appointed agent and to faithfully account for and promptly pay over to the executive director any and all sums due to the wildlife resources agency.
(1) All hunting and fishing licenses, other licenses, permits, tags, registrations or privileges as specified by the agency and provided for in this title or in title 69, chapter 9, may be issued and sold by the county clerk of each county, or by any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director.
(2) Any appointed agent, before being furnished with items to sell, may be required to execute a bond in such sum as the executive director shall require, with some solvent surety company qualified to do business in the state, as surety on sums due, conditioned to faithfully perform the duties imposed upon such appointed agent and to faithfully account for and promptly pay over to the executive director any and all sums due to the wildlife resources agency.
(b) (1) The county clerk of each county or any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director as such agent is entitled to collect from the purchaser of all licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations or other privileges sold, as specified by the agency, a flat fee of one dollar ($1.00) on any one (1) annual license, permit, stamp, tag, registration or other privilege sold, as specified by the agency, and fifty cents (50¢) on any one (1) license, permit, stamp, tag, registration and other privilege, as specified by the agency, which is valid for a specified day or number of days. Alternatively, the executive director is authorized to establish an agent fee, through competitive bidding contract procedures, for the successful bidder to sell licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations and other privileges as specified by the agency, over the telephone or through other electronic means. (2) The executive director, the county clerk of each county, and the agents designated and appointed by the executive director as such agents for the sale of licenses, shall offer for sale conservation stamps, including, but not limited to, full-color waterfowl stamps for a cost of ten dollars ($10.00) each. Any revenues from such stamps over and above the cost of producing and distributing the stamps shall go into habitat improvement. Possession of a stamp is voluntary and is not required in order to hunt, fish or trap. (3) The general assembly shall review and reauthorize the conservation stamp program after it has been in operation for three (3) years.
(1) The county clerk of each county or any other person, firm or corporation designated and appointed by the executive director as such agent is entitled to collect from the purchaser of all licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations or other privileges sold, as specified by the agency, a flat fee of one dollar ($1.00) on any one (1) annual license, permit, stamp, tag, registration or other privilege sold, as specified by the agency, and fifty cents (50¢) on any one (1) license, permit, stamp, tag, registration and other privilege, as specified by the agency, which is valid for a specified day or number of days. Alternatively, the executive director is authorized to establish an agent fee, through competitive bidding contract procedures, for the successful bidder to sell licenses, permits, stamps, tags, registrations and other privileges as specified by the agency, over the telephone or through other electronic means.
(2) The executive director, the county clerk of each county, and the agents designated and appointed by the executive director as such agents for the sale of licenses, shall offer for sale conservation stamps, including, but not limited to, full-color waterfowl stamps for a cost of ten dollars ($10.00) each. Any revenues from such stamps over and above the cost of producing and distributing the stamps shall go into habitat improvement. Possession of a stamp is voluntary and is not required in order to hunt, fish or trap.
(3) The general assembly shall review and reauthorize the conservation stamp program after it has been in operation for three (3) years.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 9 (Williams, § 5178.38); 1955, ch. 152, § 8; 1957, ch. 221, § 2; 1969, ch. 84, § 1; 1973, ch. 328, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 282, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1981, ch. 359, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-228; Acts 1985, ch. 350, § 10; 1989, ch. 18, § 1; 1989, ch. 486, § 1; 1998, ch. 1023, §§ 1, 2; 1999, ch. 102, §§ 2 - 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-7-101 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 7 / Section 70-7-101
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) (A) "Land" or "premises" means and includes all real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure that might be located on real property, waters and private ways; (B) "Land" or "premises" includes real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure located on the land or premises, owned by any governmental entity, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee valley authority; and (C) "Land" or "premises" does not include the landowner's principal place of residence and any improvements erected for recreational purposes that immediately surround such residence, including, but not limited to, swimming pools, tennis or badminton courts, barbecue or horse shoe pits, jacuzzis, hot tubs or saunas; (2) (A) "Landowner" means the legal title holder or owner of such land or premises, or the person entitled to immediate possession of the land or premises, and includes any lessee, occupant or any other person in control of the land or premises; and (B) "Landowner" includes any governmental entity. Acts 1963, ch. 177, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 51-801, 51-802; Acts 1987, ch. 448, §§ 1, 6-8.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) (A) "Land" or "premises" means and includes all real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure that might be located on real property, waters and private ways; (B) "Land" or "premises" includes real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure located on the land or premises, owned by any governmental entity, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee valley authority; and (C) "Land" or "premises" does not include the landowner's principal place of residence and any improvements erected for recreational purposes that immediately surround such residence, including, but not limited to, swimming pools, tennis or badminton courts, barbecue or horse shoe pits, jacuzzis, hot tubs or saunas;
(A) "Land" or "premises" means and includes all real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure that might be located on real property, waters and private ways;
(B) "Land" or "premises" includes real property, waters, private ways, trees and any building or structure located on the land or premises, owned by any governmental entity, including, but not limited to, the Tennessee valley authority; and
(C) "Land" or "premises" does not include the landowner's principal place of residence and any improvements erected for recreational purposes that immediately surround such residence, including, but not limited to, swimming pools, tennis or badminton courts, barbecue or horse shoe pits, jacuzzis, hot tubs or saunas;
(2) (A) "Landowner" means the legal title holder or owner of such land or premises, or the person entitled to immediate possession of the land or premises, and includes any lessee, occupant or any other person in control of the land or premises; and (B) "Landowner" includes any governmental entity.
(A) "Landowner" means the legal title holder or owner of such land or premises, or the person entitled to immediate possession of the land or premises, and includes any lessee, occupant or any other person in control of the land or premises; and
(B) "Landowner" includes any governmental entity.
Acts 1963, ch. 177, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., §§ 51-801, 51-802; Acts 1987, ch. 448, §§ 1, 6-8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-7-204 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 7 / Section 70-7-204
Warning notice
Status: in_force

(a) Every whitewater professional shall either post and maintain signs that contain the warning notice prescribed in subsection (d) or give the warning in writing to participants. The signs shall be placed in clearly visible locations on or near places where the whitewater professional conducts whitewater activities, if the places are owned, managed, or controlled by the professional. (b) The warning notice specified in subsection (d) shall appear on the sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch (1") in height. (c) Every written contract entered into by a whitewater professional for the purpose of providing professional services, instruction, or the rental of equipment to a participant, whether or not the contract involves activities on or off the location or site of the whitewater professional's business, shall contain in clearly readable print the warning notice specified in subsection (d). (d) The signs and contracts described in subsection (a) shall contain the following warning notice: WARNING Pursuant to Tenn. Code Annotated title 70, chapter 7, part 2, a whitewater professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in whitewater activities resulting from the inherent risks of whitewater activities. Acts 2012 , ch. 862, § 1.
(a) Every whitewater professional shall either post and maintain signs that contain the warning notice prescribed in subsection (d) or give the warning in writing to participants. The signs shall be placed in clearly visible locations on or near places where the whitewater professional conducts whitewater activities, if the places are owned, managed, or controlled by the professional.
(b) The warning notice specified in subsection (d) shall appear on the sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch (1") in height.
(c) Every written contract entered into by a whitewater professional for the purpose of providing professional services, instruction, or the rental of equipment to a participant, whether or not the contract involves activities on or off the location or site of the whitewater professional's business, shall contain in clearly readable print the warning notice specified in subsection (d).
(d) The signs and contracts described in subsection (a) shall contain the following warning notice: WARNING Pursuant to Tenn. Code Annotated title 70, chapter 7, part 2, a whitewater professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in whitewater activities resulting from the inherent risks of whitewater activities.
WARNING
Pursuant to Tenn. Code Annotated title 70, chapter 7, part 2, a whitewater professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in whitewater activities resulting from the inherent risks of whitewater activities.
Acts 2012 , ch. 862, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-202 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-202
Use or possession of wildlife, hides or parts thereof illegally taken unlawful
Status: in_force

Any person who makes any use of or has in possession any wild animals, wild animals' green hides, wild birds, wild fowl or fish or parts thereof that have been caught, taken, killed or destroyed contrary to any of this title shall be equally liable under this title for the penalties imposed against the person who caught, took, killed, or destroyed such wild animals, wild animals' green hides, wild birds, wild fowl or fish who was formerly in possession of same. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 58 (Williams, § 5178.87); 1982, ch. 738, § 27; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-502.
Any person who makes any use of or has in possession any wild animals, wild animals' green hides, wild birds, wild fowl or fish or parts thereof that have been caught, taken, killed or destroyed contrary to any of this title shall be equally liable under this title for the penalties imposed against the person who caught, took, killed, or destroyed such wild animals, wild animals' green hides, wild birds, wild fowl or fish who was formerly in possession of same.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 58 (Williams, § 5178.87); 1982, ch. 738, § 27; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-502.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-2-303 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 2 / Section 70-2-303
Resident preference in licensing - Nets - Study plan
Status: in_force

(a) Tennessee residents shall be given preference in licensing with a limit on the number of nonresident permits. (b) All nets shall be properly buoyed to promote safety on the waters of the state. (c) The agency shall develop a plan to study sustainability, population conditions, and juvenile survival rates on waters not currently open to commercial roe fishing. With the assistance of the commercial fishing community in harvest surveys, such study shall include at least the following objectives: (1) Description of the size structure and age structure of the existing paddlefish population; (2) Determination of paddlefish population parameters including growth, recruitment, and natural mortality; and (3) Assessment of the likelihood that the paddlefish population can provide a sustainable commercial fishery. Acts 2011, ch. 338, § 1.
(a) Tennessee residents shall be given preference in licensing with a limit on the number of nonresident permits.
(b) All nets shall be properly buoyed to promote safety on the waters of the state.
(c) The agency shall develop a plan to study sustainability, population conditions, and juvenile survival rates on waters not currently open to commercial roe fishing. With the assistance of the commercial fishing community in harvest surveys, such study shall include at least the following objectives: (1) Description of the size structure and age structure of the existing paddlefish population; (2) Determination of paddlefish population parameters including growth, recruitment, and natural mortality; and (3) Assessment of the likelihood that the paddlefish population can provide a sustainable commercial fishery.
(1) Description of the size structure and age structure of the existing paddlefish population;
(2) Determination of paddlefish population parameters including growth, recruitment, and natural mortality; and
(3) Assessment of the likelihood that the paddlefish population can provide a sustainable commercial fishery.
Acts 2011, ch. 338, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-301 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-301
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Drone" means a drone as defined in § 39-13-609 ; (2) "Taking" means the capture or killing of a wild animal and includes travel, camping, and other acts preparatory to taking that occur on lands or waters upon which the affected person has the right or privilege to take such wild animal; and (3) "Wild animal" means any wild creature, the taking of which is authorized by the fish and game laws of the state. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 629,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1985, ch. 100, § 2.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Drone" means a drone as defined in § 39-13-609 ;
(2) "Taking" means the capture or killing of a wild animal and includes travel, camping, and other acts preparatory to taking that occur on lands or waters upon which the affected person has the right or privilege to take such wild animal; and
(3) "Wild animal" means any wild creature, the taking of which is authorized by the fish and game laws of the state.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 629,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1985, ch. 100, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-119 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-119
Taking of aquatic animal life other than game fish - Possession of commercial fishing gear on contaminated waters - Use of explosives, electrical devices or poisons in taking fish - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) The taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life, other than those species designated as game fish, from the waters of this state is not permitted except in accordance with the following provisions: (1) Any and all varieties of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life may be sold commercially, subject to limitations prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission; (2) The commission is hereby authorized to designate all waters that shall be opened to the use of various types of gear to be used for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life, and the commission is authorized to specify the types of commercial gear to be used for the taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life from any of such waters, under regulations prescribed by the commission in its proclamation for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life; (3) The possession or use, or both, of any type of gear that is not specifically authorized by the commission, or that is not properly licensed, is forbidden. No commercial gear may be possessed on, or immediately adjacent to, any body of water where such gear is not authorized; (4) Any wildlife accidentally taken in connection with a commercial operation under this section shall be quickly and carefully released with the least possible injury; (5) Each piece of commercial fishing gear, including trotlines, fished commercially, shall bear securely fastened to the gear at the head end of the line or net or to the float, a current and valid identifying tag to be supplied by the commercial fisher. The tag shall measure at least one inch by three inches (1" x 3") and shall have the name of the commercial fisher along with the commercial fisher's current license number. (6) The commission is authorized to promulgate proclamations pertaining to the use of slat baskets by sport fishing license holders. Such baskets must be marked with an identifying tag, which expires the last day of February following the date of issue. A tag will be issued to each sport fishing license holder upon application to the agency and upon payment of the established fee to defray the cost and expense of furnishing each tag; (7) It is unlawful for a commercial fisher to possess, while engaging in commercial fishing, any species of fish that cannot legally be taken with commercial fishing gear, except for legally taken bream less than four inches (4") in length, which may be used as bait; (8) Any person violating this section or any proclamation promulgated pursuant to this section commits a Class B misdemeanor and also is prohibited from engaging in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling for a period of time of not less than one (1) year. Any person who engages in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling during the prohibited time set by the court commits a Class B misdemeanor; (9) For enforcement purposes, if fewer than five percent (5%) by number of mussels taken by a commercial musseler are not suitable for sale because such mussels are too small, no sanctions shall be imposed against such commercial musseler; and (10) Wholesale fish dealers and wholesale mussel dealers shall supply, upon request from the director of wildlife resources agency or the director's agent, reports detailing the quantities of fish and mussels purchased. Records shall be made available for inspection upon request by agents during normal business hours. (b) Possession of commercial fishing gear on, or immediately adjacent to, any waters closed due to contamination, or possession of any species of fish, turtle or other aquatic animal life taken from waters closed to that species due to contamination is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, such person shall be prohibited from engaging in commercial fishing for not less than six (6) years. (c) (1) It is unlawful to use or possess dynamite, an electrical device, explosives, chemicals, lime or poison to kill or stun fish, or to attempt to do so. (2) A violation of subdivision (c)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Each fish killed and each stick of dynamite or dynamite cap used is a separate offense. (4) The executive director, or the executive director's designated agents, may use any substance, chemical, or device to stun or kill fish for scientific, propagating, enforcement or rescue purposes, and may use poison in certain waters or lakes of the state where it is necessary to remove or eradicate undesirable species of fish from the waters. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 61, s 3, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 23, 29; 1953, ch. 226, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, §§ 5178.52, 5178.58); Acts 1957, ch. 386, § 4; 1959, ch. 126, § 2; 1961, ch. 256, § 1; 1971, ch. 414, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1978, ch. 738, § 22; 1980, ch. 633, § 1; 1982, ch. 807, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-437, 51-438; Acts 1987, ch. 156, § 1; 1989, ch. 486, § 16; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 610, § 1; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 16-18; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 1994, ch. 727, § 6; 1999, ch. 91, § 2; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
(a) The taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life, other than those species designated as game fish, from the waters of this state is not permitted except in accordance with the following provisions: (1) Any and all varieties of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life may be sold commercially, subject to limitations prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission; (2) The commission is hereby authorized to designate all waters that shall be opened to the use of various types of gear to be used for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life, and the commission is authorized to specify the types of commercial gear to be used for the taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life from any of such waters, under regulations prescribed by the commission in its proclamation for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life; (3) The possession or use, or both, of any type of gear that is not specifically authorized by the commission, or that is not properly licensed, is forbidden. No commercial gear may be possessed on, or immediately adjacent to, any body of water where such gear is not authorized; (4) Any wildlife accidentally taken in connection with a commercial operation under this section shall be quickly and carefully released with the least possible injury; (5) Each piece of commercial fishing gear, including trotlines, fished commercially, shall bear securely fastened to the gear at the head end of the line or net or to the float, a current and valid identifying tag to be supplied by the commercial fisher. The tag shall measure at least one inch by three inches (1" x 3") and shall have the name of the commercial fisher along with the commercial fisher's current license number. (6) The commission is authorized to promulgate proclamations pertaining to the use of slat baskets by sport fishing license holders. Such baskets must be marked with an identifying tag, which expires the last day of February following the date of issue. A tag will be issued to each sport fishing license holder upon application to the agency and upon payment of the established fee to defray the cost and expense of furnishing each tag; (7) It is unlawful for a commercial fisher to possess, while engaging in commercial fishing, any species of fish that cannot legally be taken with commercial fishing gear, except for legally taken bream less than four inches (4") in length, which may be used as bait; (8) Any person violating this section or any proclamation promulgated pursuant to this section commits a Class B misdemeanor and also is prohibited from engaging in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling for a period of time of not less than one (1) year. Any person who engages in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling during the prohibited time set by the court commits a Class B misdemeanor; (9) For enforcement purposes, if fewer than five percent (5%) by number of mussels taken by a commercial musseler are not suitable for sale because such mussels are too small, no sanctions shall be imposed against such commercial musseler; and (10) Wholesale fish dealers and wholesale mussel dealers shall supply, upon request from the director of wildlife resources agency or the director's agent, reports detailing the quantities of fish and mussels purchased. Records shall be made available for inspection upon request by agents during normal business hours.
(1) Any and all varieties of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life may be sold commercially, subject to limitations prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission;
(2) The commission is hereby authorized to designate all waters that shall be opened to the use of various types of gear to be used for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life, and the commission is authorized to specify the types of commercial gear to be used for the taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life from any of such waters, under regulations prescribed by the commission in its proclamation for the commercial taking of fish, mussels, turtles and other aquatic animal life;
(3) The possession or use, or both, of any type of gear that is not specifically authorized by the commission, or that is not properly licensed, is forbidden. No commercial gear may be possessed on, or immediately adjacent to, any body of water where such gear is not authorized;
(4) Any wildlife accidentally taken in connection with a commercial operation under this section shall be quickly and carefully released with the least possible injury;
(5) Each piece of commercial fishing gear, including trotlines, fished commercially, shall bear securely fastened to the gear at the head end of the line or net or to the float, a current and valid identifying tag to be supplied by the commercial fisher. The tag shall measure at least one inch by three inches (1" x 3") and shall have the name of the commercial fisher along with the commercial fisher's current license number.
(6) The commission is authorized to promulgate proclamations pertaining to the use of slat baskets by sport fishing license holders. Such baskets must be marked with an identifying tag, which expires the last day of February following the date of issue. A tag will be issued to each sport fishing license holder upon application to the agency and upon payment of the established fee to defray the cost and expense of furnishing each tag;
(7) It is unlawful for a commercial fisher to possess, while engaging in commercial fishing, any species of fish that cannot legally be taken with commercial fishing gear, except for legally taken bream less than four inches (4") in length, which may be used as bait;
(8) Any person violating this section or any proclamation promulgated pursuant to this section commits a Class B misdemeanor and also is prohibited from engaging in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling for a period of time of not less than one (1) year. Any person who engages in sport fishing, commercial fishing or commercial musseling during the prohibited time set by the court commits a Class B misdemeanor;
(9) For enforcement purposes, if fewer than five percent (5%) by number of mussels taken by a commercial musseler are not suitable for sale because such mussels are too small, no sanctions shall be imposed against such commercial musseler; and
(10) Wholesale fish dealers and wholesale mussel dealers shall supply, upon request from the director of wildlife resources agency or the director's agent, reports detailing the quantities of fish and mussels purchased. Records shall be made available for inspection upon request by agents during normal business hours.
(b) Possession of commercial fishing gear on, or immediately adjacent to, any waters closed due to contamination, or possession of any species of fish, turtle or other aquatic animal life taken from waters closed to that species due to contamination is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, such person shall be prohibited from engaging in commercial fishing for not less than six (6) years.
(c) (1) It is unlawful to use or possess dynamite, an electrical device, explosives, chemicals, lime or poison to kill or stun fish, or to attempt to do so. (2) A violation of subdivision (c)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Each fish killed and each stick of dynamite or dynamite cap used is a separate offense. (4) The executive director, or the executive director's designated agents, may use any substance, chemical, or device to stun or kill fish for scientific, propagating, enforcement or rescue purposes, and may use poison in certain waters or lakes of the state where it is necessary to remove or eradicate undesirable species of fish from the waters.
(1) It is unlawful to use or possess dynamite, an electrical device, explosives, chemicals, lime or poison to kill or stun fish, or to attempt to do so.
(2) A violation of subdivision (c)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor.
(3) Each fish killed and each stick of dynamite or dynamite cap used is a separate offense.
(4) The executive director, or the executive director's designated agents, may use any substance, chemical, or device to stun or kill fish for scientific, propagating, enforcement or rescue purposes, and may use poison in certain waters or lakes of the state where it is necessary to remove or eradicate undesirable species of fish from the waters.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 61, s 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 23, 29; 1953, ch. 226, §§ 1, 2 (Williams, §§ 5178.52, 5178.58); Acts 1957, ch. 386, § 4; 1959, ch. 126, § 2; 1961, ch. 256, § 1; 1971, ch. 414, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1978, ch. 738, § 22; 1980, ch. 633, § 1; 1982, ch. 807, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-437, 51-438; Acts 1987, ch. 156, § 1; 1989, ch. 486, § 16; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 610, § 1; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 16-18; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 1994, ch. 727, § 6; 1999, ch. 91, § 2; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-2-201 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 2 / Section 70-2-201
No license required for residents who are 65 years of age or older prior to March 1, 1991 - Junior hunting, fishing and trapping license - Sportsman license - Combination hunting and fishing license - Lifetime sportsman license
Status: in_force

(a) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (b) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (c) (1) Residents of Tennessee who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older prior to March 1, 1991, are entitled to the privileges of sport fishing, hunting and trapping without possessing any license. (2) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (d) Any resident of Tennessee between thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) years of age, inclusive, may purchase the junior hunting, fishing and trapping license. Such license shall entitle the individual to the privileges of sport fishing, trapping and hunting without the requirement of possessing any other license or supplemental license as provided in subsection (a). Any resident under thirteen (13) years of age shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of subsection (a). Residents between thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) years of age, inclusive, are entitled to fish without a license during one (1) week of the year, commencing with free sport fishing day as proclaimed by the fish and wildlife commission. (e) A sportsman license is valid for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without the necessity of any supplemental license. Additionally, a holder of a valid sportsman license is not required to possess the following agency permits: agency lake permits; Tellico-Citico trout permits; Lake Graham annual permits; small game permits; combination waterfowl and small game permits; nonquota big game, including Cherokee, permits; Reelfoot preservation permits; and premiere tourist resort city trout fishing permits. The holder may also participate in all quota hunt drawings without payment of the drawing fee, and if drawn, will be issued a quota hunt permit at no charge. Furthermore, for as long as Tennessee Wildlife is published, the executive director shall have the discretion to provide a subscription to a sportsman license holder at no cost. (f) A combination hunting and fishing license is valid for the taking of all species of game and fish; provided, that those persons sixteen (16) years of age and over desiring to hunt big game, waterfowl, or to take trout, must, in addition to the appropriate hunting or fishing licenses, or both, possess the appropriate supplemental license as provided in subsection (a). (g) (1) There is hereby created a lifetime sportsman license, which shall entitle a resident of Tennessee, as defined in subdivision (g)(2), to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even though the person may become a nonresident. (2) In order to qualify for a lifetime sportsman license, a person must have been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license. A child under the age of one (1) year qualifies, no matter where the child is born, if one (1) or more of the child's parents or the child's legally designated guardian has been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license. (3) (A) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (B) The fees are automatically adjusted to reflect the same percentage increase as the annual sportsman license. No fees may be decreased as part of the automatic adjustment. (h) (1) There is created a lifetime sportsman license for adopted children who reside in this state, which entitles such child's legally designated guardian to apply for the license on the child's behalf within thirty-six (36) months immediately following the date of the child's adoption. The child must be under thirteen (13) years of age on the date of application for the license and upon receipt of the license is entitled to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license for adopted children remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even if the person becomes a nonresident. The child is to be issued the lifetime sportsman license upon payment of the fee created under subdivision (h)(2) and presentation of proof of age and residency, satisfactory to the agency. This subsection (h) does not prevent issuance of a lifetime sportsman license to an adopted child who meets the qualifications in subsection (g). (2) The commission shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to create a one-time-only fee to cover the costs of implementing subdivision (h)(1). Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 270, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 241, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807, Secs.s1, s2 eff. 7/15/2020. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 10 (Williams, § 5178.39); Acts 1955, ch. 152, §§ 2-4; 1957, ch. 221, § 1; 1959, ch. 173, § 1; 1961, ch. 196, § 1; 1961, ch. 197, § 1; 1965, ch. 106, §§ 1, 2; 1965, ch. 140, § 1; 1965, ch. 249, § 1; 1965, ch. 338, § 1; 1967, ch. 154, § 1; 1967, ch. 314, § 1; 1969, ch. 222, § 1; 1970, ch. 406, § 1; 1972, ch. 650, § 1; 1972, ch. 819, § 1; 1972, ch. 820, § 1; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 241, § 1; 1976, ch. 624, § 1; 1976, ch. 627, § 1; 1976, ch. 682, § 1; 1978, ch. 783, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 180, § 1; 1981, ch. 83, § 5; 1981, ch. 514, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-203; Acts 1983, ch. 285, § 2; 1985, ch. 350, § 8; 1989, ch. 486, §§ 2-4; 1990, ch. 987, §§ 1, 2; 1993, ch. 204, § 1; 1998, ch. 610, § 1; 2001, ch. 376, §§ 1, 2; 2003 , ch. 319, § 1; 2003 , ch. 360, § 1; 2004, ch. 503, § 1; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
(a) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(b) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(c) (1) Residents of Tennessee who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older prior to March 1, 1991, are entitled to the privileges of sport fishing, hunting and trapping without possessing any license. (2) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(1) Residents of Tennessee who are sixty-five (65) years of age or older prior to March 1, 1991, are entitled to the privileges of sport fishing, hunting and trapping without possessing any license.
(2) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(d) Any resident of Tennessee between thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) years of age, inclusive, may purchase the junior hunting, fishing and trapping license. Such license shall entitle the individual to the privileges of sport fishing, trapping and hunting without the requirement of possessing any other license or supplemental license as provided in subsection (a). Any resident under thirteen (13) years of age shall be exempt from the licensing requirements of subsection (a). Residents between thirteen (13) and fifteen (15) years of age, inclusive, are entitled to fish without a license during one (1) week of the year, commencing with free sport fishing day as proclaimed by the fish and wildlife commission.
(e) A sportsman license is valid for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without the necessity of any supplemental license. Additionally, a holder of a valid sportsman license is not required to possess the following agency permits: agency lake permits; Tellico-Citico trout permits; Lake Graham annual permits; small game permits; combination waterfowl and small game permits; nonquota big game, including Cherokee, permits; Reelfoot preservation permits; and premiere tourist resort city trout fishing permits. The holder may also participate in all quota hunt drawings without payment of the drawing fee, and if drawn, will be issued a quota hunt permit at no charge. Furthermore, for as long as Tennessee Wildlife is published, the executive director shall have the discretion to provide a subscription to a sportsman license holder at no cost.
(f) A combination hunting and fishing license is valid for the taking of all species of game and fish; provided, that those persons sixteen (16) years of age and over desiring to hunt big game, waterfowl, or to take trout, must, in addition to the appropriate hunting or fishing licenses, or both, possess the appropriate supplemental license as provided in subsection (a).
(g) (1) There is hereby created a lifetime sportsman license, which shall entitle a resident of Tennessee, as defined in subdivision (g)(2), to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even though the person may become a nonresident. (2) In order to qualify for a lifetime sportsman license, a person must have been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license. A child under the age of one (1) year qualifies, no matter where the child is born, if one (1) or more of the child's parents or the child's legally designated guardian has been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license. (3) (A) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (B) The fees are automatically adjusted to reflect the same percentage increase as the annual sportsman license. No fees may be decreased as part of the automatic adjustment.
(1) There is hereby created a lifetime sportsman license, which shall entitle a resident of Tennessee, as defined in subdivision (g)(2), to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even though the person may become a nonresident.
(2) In order to qualify for a lifetime sportsman license, a person must have been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license. A child under the age of one (1) year qualifies, no matter where the child is born, if one (1) or more of the child's parents or the child's legally designated guardian has been a resident of the state for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding purchase of the license.
(3) (A) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (B) The fees are automatically adjusted to reflect the same percentage increase as the annual sportsman license. No fees may be decreased as part of the automatic adjustment.
(A) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(B) The fees are automatically adjusted to reflect the same percentage increase as the annual sportsman license. No fees may be decreased as part of the automatic adjustment.
(h) (1) There is created a lifetime sportsman license for adopted children who reside in this state, which entitles such child's legally designated guardian to apply for the license on the child's behalf within thirty-six (36) months immediately following the date of the child's adoption. The child must be under thirteen (13) years of age on the date of application for the license and upon receipt of the license is entitled to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license for adopted children remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even if the person becomes a nonresident. The child is to be issued the lifetime sportsman license upon payment of the fee created under subdivision (h)(2) and presentation of proof of age and residency, satisfactory to the agency. This subsection (h) does not prevent issuance of a lifetime sportsman license to an adopted child who meets the qualifications in subsection (g). (2) The commission shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to create a one-time-only fee to cover the costs of implementing subdivision (h)(1).
(1) There is created a lifetime sportsman license for adopted children who reside in this state, which entitles such child's legally designated guardian to apply for the license on the child's behalf within thirty-six (36) months immediately following the date of the child's adoption. The child must be under thirteen (13) years of age on the date of application for the license and upon receipt of the license is entitled to the same privileges and benefits as provided to an annual sportsman license holder. A lifetime sportsman license for adopted children remains valid throughout the life of the license holder even if the person becomes a nonresident. The child is to be issued the lifetime sportsman license upon payment of the fee created under subdivision (h)(2) and presentation of proof of age and residency, satisfactory to the agency. This subsection (h) does not prevent issuance of a lifetime sportsman license to an adopted child who meets the qualifications in subsection (g).
(2) The commission shall promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, to create a one-time-only fee to cover the costs of implementing subdivision (h)(1).
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 270, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 241, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 807, Secs.s1, s2 eff. 7/15/2020.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 10 (Williams, § 5178.39); Acts 1955, ch. 152, §§ 2-4; 1957, ch. 221, § 1; 1959, ch. 173, § 1; 1961, ch. 196, § 1; 1961, ch. 197, § 1; 1965, ch. 106, §§ 1, 2; 1965, ch. 140, § 1; 1965, ch. 249, § 1; 1965, ch. 338, § 1; 1967, ch. 154, § 1; 1967, ch. 314, § 1; 1969, ch. 222, § 1; 1970, ch. 406, § 1; 1972, ch. 650, § 1; 1972, ch. 819, § 1; 1972, ch. 820, § 1; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1975, ch. 241, § 1; 1976, ch. 624, § 1; 1976, ch. 627, § 1; 1976, ch. 682, § 1; 1978, ch. 783, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 22, 36; Acts 1979, ch. 180, § 1; 1981, ch. 83, § 5; 1981, ch. 514, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-203; Acts 1983, ch. 285, § 2; 1985, ch. 350, § 8; 1989, ch. 486, §§ 2-4; 1990, ch. 987, §§ 1, 2; 1993, ch. 204, § 1; 1998, ch. 610, § 1; 2001, ch. 376, §§ 1, 2; 2003 , ch. 319, § 1; 2003 , ch. 360, § 1; 2004, ch. 503, § 1; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-2-208 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 2 / Section 70-2-208
[See the Compiler's Notes.] Fur dealers - License requirements - Regulation of pelts - Penalties
Status: in_force

(a) A fur dealer is any person who, either directly or through another person, engages in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals from hunters, trappers, or other fur dealers. (b) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.] (c) Any person, before engaging in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals, shall possess the appropriate dealer's license; provided, that a furrier may engage in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur bearing mammals without possessing or being required to possess a fur dealer's license. Such pelts or hides may be purchased by the furrier from fur dealers. (d) Each dealer must file with the agency, periodically, as directed by the executive director, a complete report, on forms provided by the agency, of the activity of the previous reporting period. The report must be completed in its entirety and the dealer must, by signature, certify as to its accuracy. (e) The commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations governing the tagging of all pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals taken. (f) Each dealer must permit wildlife officers to inspect the inventory of pelts or hides and any records. (g) Any person violating this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. Upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period, the person's license shall be revoked for a period of one (1) year. In addition, any person found guilty of engaging in business as defined in subsection (a) without the necessary licenses shall be sentenced to the county jail or workhouse, which sentence may be suspended if such person shall show to the court that the appropriate licenses have been subsequently purchased. (h) When used in this section, "person" includes any resident or nonresident individual, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity including any individual or entity operating in any capacity on behalf of such individual, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 270, s 5, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 50 (Williams, § 5178.79); Acts 1981, ch. 362, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-216; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 2; 1984, ch. 792, §§ 1-3; 1989, ch. 486, § 11; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 10, 11; 1993, ch. 129, § 1; 1999, ch. 258, § 1.
(a) A fur dealer is any person who, either directly or through another person, engages in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals from hunters, trappers, or other fur dealers.
(b) [Deleted by 2021 amendment.]
(c) Any person, before engaging in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals, shall possess the appropriate dealer's license; provided, that a furrier may engage in the business of buying and selling the pelts or hides of fur bearing mammals without possessing or being required to possess a fur dealer's license. Such pelts or hides may be purchased by the furrier from fur dealers.
(d) Each dealer must file with the agency, periodically, as directed by the executive director, a complete report, on forms provided by the agency, of the activity of the previous reporting period. The report must be completed in its entirety and the dealer must, by signature, certify as to its accuracy.
(e) The commission is authorized to adopt rules and regulations governing the tagging of all pelts or hides of fur-bearing mammals taken.
(f) Each dealer must permit wildlife officers to inspect the inventory of pelts or hides and any records.
(g) Any person violating this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. Upon conviction of a second or subsequent offense within a twelve-month period, the person's license shall be revoked for a period of one (1) year. In addition, any person found guilty of engaging in business as defined in subsection (a) without the necessary licenses shall be sentenced to the county jail or workhouse, which sentence may be suspended if such person shall show to the court that the appropriate licenses have been subsequently purchased.
(h) When used in this section, "person" includes any resident or nonresident individual, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity including any individual or entity operating in any capacity on behalf of such individual, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 270, s 5, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 50 (Williams, § 5178.79); Acts 1981, ch. 362, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-216; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 2; 1984, ch. 792, §§ 1-3; 1989, ch. 486, § 11; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 10, 11; 1993, ch. 129, § 1; 1999, ch. 258, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-6-101 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 6 / Section 70-6-101
Enforcement authority - Inspection of game - Penalty for refusing to allow inspection - Regulations
Status: in_force

(a) The executive director or the officers of the wildlife resources agency, or officers of any other state or of the federal government who are full-time wildlife enforcement personnel designated by the executive director, shall enforce all laws now enacted or that may hereafter be enacted for the propagation and preservation of all wildlife in this state, and shall prosecute all persons, firms and corporations who violate any of such laws. The executive director or officers of the agency shall seize any and all wild animals, wild fowl, wild birds, fishes, frogs and other aquatic animal life, or parts of such wildlife, that have been killed, caught, or taken at a time, in a manner or for a purpose, or that are in possession, or that have been shipped, transported, carried or taken in this state or brought into this state from another state, contrary to the laws of this state. (b) (1) It is the duty of every person participating in taking or possessing wildlife as permitted by this title to permit the executive director or officers of the agency to ascertain whether the requirements of this title are being faithfully complied with, including the possession of a proper license. (2) Any person who refuses such inspection and count by any authorized officer of the state, or who interferes with such officer or obstructs such inspection or count commits a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00). (c) This section does not permit search or inspection of a person's dwelling, place of business, or interior of an automobile without a search warrant. (d) The commission is authorized to provide by duly promulgated regulations a system for issuing warning citations under such conditions as may be deemed proper. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 61, s 5, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 1, eff. 7/15/2020. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 5 (Williams, § 5178.34); 1959, ch. 145, § 4; 1970, ch. 494, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-701; Acts 1990, ch. 891, §§ 22, 23.
(a) The executive director or the officers of the wildlife resources agency, or officers of any other state or of the federal government who are full-time wildlife enforcement personnel designated by the executive director, shall enforce all laws now enacted or that may hereafter be enacted for the propagation and preservation of all wildlife in this state, and shall prosecute all persons, firms and corporations who violate any of such laws. The executive director or officers of the agency shall seize any and all wild animals, wild fowl, wild birds, fishes, frogs and other aquatic animal life, or parts of such wildlife, that have been killed, caught, or taken at a time, in a manner or for a purpose, or that are in possession, or that have been shipped, transported, carried or taken in this state or brought into this state from another state, contrary to the laws of this state.
(b) (1) It is the duty of every person participating in taking or possessing wildlife as permitted by this title to permit the executive director or officers of the agency to ascertain whether the requirements of this title are being faithfully complied with, including the possession of a proper license. (2) Any person who refuses such inspection and count by any authorized officer of the state, or who interferes with such officer or obstructs such inspection or count commits a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
(1) It is the duty of every person participating in taking or possessing wildlife as permitted by this title to permit the executive director or officers of the agency to ascertain whether the requirements of this title are being faithfully complied with, including the possession of a proper license.
(2) Any person who refuses such inspection and count by any authorized officer of the state, or who interferes with such officer or obstructs such inspection or count commits a Class C misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00).
(c) This section does not permit search or inspection of a person's dwelling, place of business, or interior of an automobile without a search warrant.
(d) The commission is authorized to provide by duly promulgated regulations a system for issuing warning citations under such conditions as may be deemed proper.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 61, s 5, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 799, s 1, eff. 7/15/2020.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 5 (Williams, § 5178.34); 1959, ch. 145, § 4; 1970, ch. 494, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-701; Acts 1990, ch. 891, §§ 22, 23.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-301 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-301
Creation - Statement of policy
Status: in_force

(a) There is hereby created a wildlife resources agency, which shall have full and exclusive jurisdiction of the duties and functions relating to wildlife formerly held by the game and fish commission or of any other law relating to the management, protection, propagation, and conservation of wildlife, including hunting and fishing, except those powers and duties conferred upon the fish and wildlife commission as provided in § 70-1-206 . (b) It is the policy of the state that the agency shall be nonpartisan and shall place first and foremost the welfare of the wildlife and its environment in the agency's planning and decisions, and to encourage, by every appropriate means, the full development of the state's natural resources to the benefit of all of the citizens of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, the creation of a comprehensive long-range management plan to integrate the wildlife resource agency's efforts and to implement and encourage full utilization of Tennessee's wildlife resources consistent with realistic conservation principles. (c) It is the policy of the state that the agency shall support and promote hunting, angling, and trapping, including the management of predators through hunting and trapping, as preferred methods of wildlife management and conservation. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 2, 4; 1975, ch. 40, § 1; T.C.A., § 51-123; Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
(a) There is hereby created a wildlife resources agency, which shall have full and exclusive jurisdiction of the duties and functions relating to wildlife formerly held by the game and fish commission or of any other law relating to the management, protection, propagation, and conservation of wildlife, including hunting and fishing, except those powers and duties conferred upon the fish and wildlife commission as provided in § 70-1-206 .
(b) It is the policy of the state that the agency shall be nonpartisan and shall place first and foremost the welfare of the wildlife and its environment in the agency's planning and decisions, and to encourage, by every appropriate means, the full development of the state's natural resources to the benefit of all of the citizens of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, the creation of a comprehensive long-range management plan to integrate the wildlife resource agency's efforts and to implement and encourage full utilization of Tennessee's wildlife resources consistent with realistic conservation principles.
(c) It is the policy of the state that the agency shall support and promote hunting, angling, and trapping, including the management of predators through hunting and trapping, as preferred methods of wildlife management and conservation.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 626,s 3, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 2, 4; 1975, ch. 40, § 1; T.C.A., § 51-123; Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-8-108 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 8 / Section 70-8-108
Penalties for violations - Searches and seizures - Forfeitures - Exception for black vultures
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who violates § 70-8-104(c) or any regulations issued under § 70-8-104 , or fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued thereunder, commits a Class B misdemeanor. (b) Any person who fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued under § 70-8-106(d) and (e) commits a Class A misdemeanor. (c) Any officer employed and authorized by the executive director or any peace officer of the state or of any municipality or county within the state has the authority to conduct warrantless searches as provided by law, and to execute a warrant to search for and seize any equipment, business records, merchandise or wildlife taken, used, or possessed in connection with a violation of any section of this part. Any such officer or agent may, without a warrant, arrest any person who such officer or agent has probable cause to believe is violating, in the presence or view of the officer or agent, any such section, or any regulation or permit provided for by this part. An officer or agent who has made an arrest of a person in connection with any such violation may search such person or business records at the time of arrest and seize any wildlife, records, or property taken, or used, in connection with any such violation. (d) Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, or records seized under subsection (c) shall be held by an officer or agent of the agency pending disposition of court proceedings, and upon conviction be forfeited to the state for destruction or disposition as the executive director may deem appropriate; provided, that prior to forfeiture, the executive director may direct the transfer of wildlife so seized to a qualified zoological, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping, the costs of the transfer to be assessable to the defendant. The executive director is authorized to issue regulations to implement this subsection (d). (e) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), it is not an offense for any person to disturb the habitat of, alter, take, attempt to take, possess, or transport a black vulture, also known by the name Coragyps atratus , in this state. (2) No state funds or personnel, or other state resources, may be used to enforce any prohibition against the disturbance of the habitat of, alteration, taking, attempting to take, possession, or transporting of a black vulture. (3) Nothing in this subsection (e) prohibits the agency from using state funds or personnel, or other state resources, to assist landowners in acquiring federal depredation permits for black vultures. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 228, s 1, eff. 4/21/2015. Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 8; T.C.A., § 51-908; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3.
(a) Any person who violates § 70-8-104(c) or any regulations issued under § 70-8-104 , or fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued thereunder, commits a Class B misdemeanor.
(b) Any person who fails to procure or violates the terms of any permit issued under § 70-8-106(d) and (e) commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) Any officer employed and authorized by the executive director or any peace officer of the state or of any municipality or county within the state has the authority to conduct warrantless searches as provided by law, and to execute a warrant to search for and seize any equipment, business records, merchandise or wildlife taken, used, or possessed in connection with a violation of any section of this part. Any such officer or agent may, without a warrant, arrest any person who such officer or agent has probable cause to believe is violating, in the presence or view of the officer or agent, any such section, or any regulation or permit provided for by this part. An officer or agent who has made an arrest of a person in connection with any such violation may search such person or business records at the time of arrest and seize any wildlife, records, or property taken, or used, in connection with any such violation.
(d) Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, or records seized under subsection (c) shall be held by an officer or agent of the agency pending disposition of court proceedings, and upon conviction be forfeited to the state for destruction or disposition as the executive director may deem appropriate; provided, that prior to forfeiture, the executive director may direct the transfer of wildlife so seized to a qualified zoological, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping, the costs of the transfer to be assessable to the defendant. The executive director is authorized to issue regulations to implement this subsection (d).
(e) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), it is not an offense for any person to disturb the habitat of, alter, take, attempt to take, possess, or transport a black vulture, also known by the name Coragyps atratus , in this state. (2) No state funds or personnel, or other state resources, may be used to enforce any prohibition against the disturbance of the habitat of, alteration, taking, attempting to take, possession, or transporting of a black vulture. (3) Nothing in this subsection (e) prohibits the agency from using state funds or personnel, or other state resources, to assist landowners in acquiring federal depredation permits for black vultures.
(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), it is not an offense for any person to disturb the habitat of, alter, take, attempt to take, possess, or transport a black vulture, also known by the name Coragyps atratus , in this state.
(2) No state funds or personnel, or other state resources, may be used to enforce any prohibition against the disturbance of the habitat of, alteration, taking, attempting to take, possession, or transporting of a black vulture.
(3) Nothing in this subsection (e) prohibits the agency from using state funds or personnel, or other state resources, to assist landowners in acquiring federal depredation permits for black vultures.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 228, s 1, eff. 4/21/2015.
Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 8; T.C.A., § 51-908; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-304 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-304
Duties of executive director
Status: in_force

The executive director shall: (1) Be the head of the wildlife resources agency under the direction and supervision of the commission and shall have exclusive supervisory control of the agency; (2) Serve as recording secretary for the commission and shall be custodian of all minutes and all records of the commission; (3) At the proper time or times publish, in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee, the wildlife resources laws in pamphlet form, preferably in size convenient for the pocket, for general distribution and information; and (4) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the commission or by law, but shall have no authority to make rules or regulations other than those governing the conduct of the employees of the wildlife resources agency. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 7, 14; T.C.A., §§ 51-126, 51-133; Acts 1990, ch. 1024, § 35.
The executive director shall:
(1) Be the head of the wildlife resources agency under the direction and supervision of the commission and shall have exclusive supervisory control of the agency;
(2) Serve as recording secretary for the commission and shall be custodian of all minutes and all records of the commission;
(3) At the proper time or times publish, in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee, the wildlife resources laws in pamphlet form, preferably in size convenient for the pocket, for general distribution and information; and
(4) Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the commission or by law, but shall have no authority to make rules or regulations other than those governing the conduct of the employees of the wildlife resources agency.
Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 7, 14; T.C.A., §§ 51-126, 51-133; Acts 1990, ch. 1024, § 35.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-7-104 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 7 / Section 70-7-104
Conditions under which liability unaffected
Status: in_force

(a) This part does not limit the liability that otherwise exists for: (1) Gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct that results in a failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity; or (2) Injury caused by acts of persons to whom permission to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike, sightsee, cave, recreational noncommercial aircraft operations or recreational noncommercial ultra light vehicle operations on private airstrips, or any other legal purpose was granted, to third persons or to persons to whom the person granting permission, or the landowner, lessee, occupant, or any person in control of the land or premises, owed a duty to keep the land or premises safe or to warn of danger. (b) Subdivision (a)(1) shall not be construed to impose liability or remove the immunity conferred by § 70-7-102 for failure to guard or warn of a dangerous condition created by forces of nature. Acts 1963, ch. 177, § 5; T.C.A., § 51-805; Acts 1987, ch. 448, §§ 4, 5; 2004, ch. 622, § 9; 2009, ch. 602, § 1; 2010, ch. 968, § 3.
(a) This part does not limit the liability that otherwise exists for: (1) Gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct that results in a failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity; or (2) Injury caused by acts of persons to whom permission to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike, sightsee, cave, recreational noncommercial aircraft operations or recreational noncommercial ultra light vehicle operations on private airstrips, or any other legal purpose was granted, to third persons or to persons to whom the person granting permission, or the landowner, lessee, occupant, or any person in control of the land or premises, owed a duty to keep the land or premises safe or to warn of danger.
(1) Gross negligence, willful or wanton conduct that results in a failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure or activity; or
(2) Injury caused by acts of persons to whom permission to hunt, fish, trap, camp, hike, sightsee, cave, recreational noncommercial aircraft operations or recreational noncommercial ultra light vehicle operations on private airstrips, or any other legal purpose was granted, to third persons or to persons to whom the person granting permission, or the landowner, lessee, occupant, or any person in control of the land or premises, owed a duty to keep the land or premises safe or to warn of danger.
(b) Subdivision (a)(1) shall not be construed to impose liability or remove the immunity conferred by § 70-7-102 for failure to guard or warn of a dangerous condition created by forces of nature.
Acts 1963, ch. 177, § 5; T.C.A., § 51-805; Acts 1987, ch. 448, §§ 4, 5; 2004, ch. 622, § 9; 2009, ch. 602, § 1; 2010, ch. 968, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-109 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-109
Hunting from aircraft, watercraft or motor vehicles unlawful - Exception for persons confined to wheelchairs - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful to chase, hunt, or kill any wild birds, wild animals or wild fowl in this state from any craft propelled by electric, gasoline, steam or sail power, or airplane or hydroplane or from any automobile or motor vehicle, unless otherwise provided by law, rule and regulation or by proclamation; provided, that under no circumstance shall this subsection (a) be construed as authorizing the legalization of hunting from an automobile or motor vehicle while under power. (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), any person totally and permanently confined to a wheelchair as certified by appropriate documentation to the executive director may hunt or kill any wildlife from a stationary automobile or motor vehicle during the lawful hunting seasons; provided, that it is unlawful for such person to shoot directly across or over any road, path or other right-of-way; and provided further, that any such persons shall be accompanied by another person who is not so confined at all times when hunting, and that such person shall retrieve all game taken in such hunt. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 36 (Williams, § 5178.65); 1979, ch. 237, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-416; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2005, ch. 109, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful to chase, hunt, or kill any wild birds, wild animals or wild fowl in this state from any craft propelled by electric, gasoline, steam or sail power, or airplane or hydroplane or from any automobile or motor vehicle, unless otherwise provided by law, rule and regulation or by proclamation; provided, that under no circumstance shall this subsection (a) be construed as authorizing the legalization of hunting from an automobile or motor vehicle while under power.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), any person totally and permanently confined to a wheelchair as certified by appropriate documentation to the executive director may hunt or kill any wildlife from a stationary automobile or motor vehicle during the lawful hunting seasons; provided, that it is unlawful for such person to shoot directly across or over any road, path or other right-of-way; and provided further, that any such persons shall be accompanied by another person who is not so confined at all times when hunting, and that such person shall retrieve all game taken in such hunt.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 36 (Williams, § 5178.65); 1979, ch. 237, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-416; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2005, ch. 109, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-1-305 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 1 / Section 70-1-305
Powers of executive director
Status: in_force

The executive director of the wildlife resources agency has the power to: (1) Enforce all laws relating to wildlife, and to go upon any property, outside of buildings, posted or otherwise, in the performance of the executive director's duties; (2) Execute all warrants and search warrants for the violation of the laws relating to wildlife; (3) Serve subpoenas issued for the examination, investigation and trial of all offenses against the law relating to wildlife; (4) Arrest without warrant any person found in the act of violating any of the provisions of this title; (5) Offer rewards or payments for information that may aid in the conviction of any offender violating any section, or sections, of this title or any other law relating to wildlife; (6) (A) Enforce any other law as directed by the general assembly; (B) In connection with this duty, in view of the vast expanse of isolated wildlife habitat extant throughout the state, and to facilitate the effective protection of public and private rights and property, particularly in, but not limited to, these isolated areas, the executive director shall, in addition to the authority otherwise conferred by law, be vested with authority to arrest, without warrant or process of any kind, any person committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense in violation of any of the laws of this state if the offense is committed on public lands, rights-of-way or waters under the agency's management or control through lease, cooperative agreement or otherwise; (7) Designate employees of the agency, officers of any other state or of the federal government who are full-time wildlife enforcement personnel, to perform the duties and have the powers as prescribed in this section except subdivision (9); (8) Arrest without warrant any person observed dumping or throwing litter or debris in the lakes, rivers, or on public property in the state; (9) Accept on behalf of the agency gifts of personal property upon such terms and conditions and for such uses and purposes as may be agreed by the donor of the personal property and the executive director; (10) Arrest without warrant any person who violates the prohibited uses of waters posted pursuant to § 69-3-107(15) . The power granted pursuant to this subdivision (10) does not include the authority to investigate violations of the Water Quality Control Act, compiled in title 69, chapter 3, part 1; (11) Exercise the powers of the commissioner of environment and conservation, as provided in title 11, chapter 14, part 1, with respect to the administration of the Reelfoot Lake natural area; and (12) Suspend or reinstate a hunting, fishing or trapping privilege after affording proper due process, pursuant to the terms of any § 70-1-302 agreement involving reciprocal actions relative to wildlife violations. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 148,s 2, eff. 4/17/2017. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 8; 1975, ch. 43, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 2; 1982, ch. 917, § 2; T.C.A., § 51-127; Acts 1984, ch. 548, § 4; 1990, ch. 696, § 1; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 4, 5; 1999, ch. 227, § 2.
The executive director of the wildlife resources agency has the power to:
(1) Enforce all laws relating to wildlife, and to go upon any property, outside of buildings, posted or otherwise, in the performance of the executive director's duties;
(2) Execute all warrants and search warrants for the violation of the laws relating to wildlife;
(3) Serve subpoenas issued for the examination, investigation and trial of all offenses against the law relating to wildlife;
(4) Arrest without warrant any person found in the act of violating any of the provisions of this title;
(5) Offer rewards or payments for information that may aid in the conviction of any offender violating any section, or sections, of this title or any other law relating to wildlife;
(6) (A) Enforce any other law as directed by the general assembly; (B) In connection with this duty, in view of the vast expanse of isolated wildlife habitat extant throughout the state, and to facilitate the effective protection of public and private rights and property, particularly in, but not limited to, these isolated areas, the executive director shall, in addition to the authority otherwise conferred by law, be vested with authority to arrest, without warrant or process of any kind, any person committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense in violation of any of the laws of this state if the offense is committed on public lands, rights-of-way or waters under the agency's management or control through lease, cooperative agreement or otherwise;
(A) Enforce any other law as directed by the general assembly;
(B) In connection with this duty, in view of the vast expanse of isolated wildlife habitat extant throughout the state, and to facilitate the effective protection of public and private rights and property, particularly in, but not limited to, these isolated areas, the executive director shall, in addition to the authority otherwise conferred by law, be vested with authority to arrest, without warrant or process of any kind, any person committing or attempting to commit a criminal offense in violation of any of the laws of this state if the offense is committed on public lands, rights-of-way or waters under the agency's management or control through lease, cooperative agreement or otherwise;
(7) Designate employees of the agency, officers of any other state or of the federal government who are full-time wildlife enforcement personnel, to perform the duties and have the powers as prescribed in this section except subdivision (9);
(8) Arrest without warrant any person observed dumping or throwing litter or debris in the lakes, rivers, or on public property in the state;
(9) Accept on behalf of the agency gifts of personal property upon such terms and conditions and for such uses and purposes as may be agreed by the donor of the personal property and the executive director;
(10) Arrest without warrant any person who violates the prohibited uses of waters posted pursuant to § 69-3-107(15) . The power granted pursuant to this subdivision (10) does not include the authority to investigate violations of the Water Quality Control Act, compiled in title 69, chapter 3, part 1;
(11) Exercise the powers of the commissioner of environment and conservation, as provided in title 11, chapter 14, part 1, with respect to the administration of the Reelfoot Lake natural area; and
(12) Suspend or reinstate a hunting, fishing or trapping privilege after affording proper due process, pursuant to the terms of any § 70-1-302 agreement involving reciprocal actions relative to wildlife violations.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 148,s 2, eff. 4/17/2017.
Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 8; 1975, ch. 43, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 2; 1982, ch. 917, § 2; T.C.A., § 51-127; Acts 1984, ch. 548, § 4; 1990, ch. 696, § 1; 1990, ch. 891, §§ 4, 5; 1999, ch. 227, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-122 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-122
Raccoon dog training
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in West Tennessee and the following counties: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70, except during the thirty (30) days immediately preceding the opening of the season under general laws of the state for hunting raccoons; provided, that none of the provisions of this subsection (a) shall apply to Shelby County or the counties of McNairy, Fayette, Hardeman, Decatur, Dyer, Carroll, Henry, Weakley and Chester. (2) As used in this subsection (a), "West Tennessee" includes that portion of the state lying west of the Tennessee River where it enters the state from the states of Alabama and Mississippi and emerges into the state of Kentucky, but "West Tennessee" does not include Benton County, Gibson County, Madison County, Henderson County or Hardin County. This subsection (a) also applies to the following counties located in other parts of the state: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Morgan, Sullivan, Unicoi, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70. (b) (1) Cocke County. It is lawful in Cocke County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Cocke County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (2) Crockett County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Crockett County so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (3) Gibson County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Gibson County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (4) Grainger County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Grainger County, except during the period beginning October 1 through February 28, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (5) Hancock County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Hancock County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (6) Hawkins County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Hawkins County except during the open season. (7) Haywood County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Haywood County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (8) Humphreys County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Humphreys County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (9) Jefferson County. It is lawful in Jefferson County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Jefferson County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (10) Lake County. (A) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Lake County except during the open season. (B) This subdivision (b)(10) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of Lake County. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the Lake County legislative body and certified by such officer to the secretary of state. (11) Lauderdale County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Lauderdale County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (12) Morgan County. It is lawful to conduct sanctioned raccoon hunts in Morgan County during the closed season, so long as raccoons are not taken during such closed season. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(12), "sanctioned raccoon hunts" means chasing raccoons for the purpose of treeing only. The sanctioned hunts shall require the approval of a recognized kennel club such as the AKC, UKC, NKC or PKC. (13) Obion County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Obion County at any time of the year, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (14) Tipton County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Tipton County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (15) Unicoi County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Unicoi County except during the seventy (70) days immediately prior to the season for hunting raccoons in such county. (16) Washington County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Washington County except during the open season. (c) A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the training of raccoon dogs where no element of chasing or hunting raccoons is involved. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 8, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 1955, ch. 134, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 387, § 1; 1959, ch. 96, § 1; 1959, ch. 179, § 1; 1959, ch. 183, § 1; 1959, ch. 288, § 1; 1961, ch. 249, § 1; 1961, ch. 261, § 1; 1963, ch. 122, § 1; 1963, ch. 131, § 1; 1963, ch. 138, § 1; 1963, ch. 182, § 1; 1963, ch. 210, § 1; 1963, ch. 350, § 1; 1963, ch. 375, § 1; 1965, ch. 21, § 1; 1965, ch. 51, § 1; 1965, ch. 315, § 1; 1965, ch. 318, § 1; 1967, ch. 39, § 1; 1967, ch. 74, § 1; 1967, ch. 75, § 1; 1967, ch. 76, § 1; 1967, ch. 128, § 1; 1967, ch. 299, § 1; 1967, ch. 351, § 1; Private Acts of 1967, ch. 25, § 1; Acts 1968, ch. 612, § 1; 1969, ch. 125, § 1; 1969, ch. 253, § 1; 1969, ch. 263, § 1; 1970, ch. 436, § 1; 1971, ch. 15, § 1; 1971, ch. 18, § 1; 1971, ch. 94, § 1; 1971, ch. 129, § 1; 1972, ch. 579, §§ 1, 2; 1973, ch. 51, § 1; 1973, ch. 58, § 1; 1973, ch. 306, § 1; 1973, ch. 351, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 18; 1974, ch. 636, § 1; 1975, ch. 240, § 1; 1976, ch. 663, § 1; 1976, ch. 714, § 1; 1977, ch. 167, § 1; 1977, ch. 494, § 1; 1978, ch. 665, §§ 1-3; 1978, ch. 916, § 1; Private Acts of 1978, ch. 265, §§ 1, 2; Acts 1979, ch. 30, § 1; 1979, ch. 48, § 1; 1979, ch. 75, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 139, § 1; 1979, ch. 375, § 1; 1981, ch. 4, § 1; 1982, ch. 676, § 1; 1982, ch. 758, §§ 1-4; 1982, ch. 923, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 51-441; Acts 1983, ch. 309, § 1; 1985, ch. 422, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 502, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 781, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 839, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 372, § 1; 1995, ch. 262, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 611, § 1; 2012 , ch. 644, § 2.
(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in West Tennessee and the following counties: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70, except during the thirty (30) days immediately preceding the opening of the season under general laws of the state for hunting raccoons; provided, that none of the provisions of this subsection (a) shall apply to Shelby County or the counties of McNairy, Fayette, Hardeman, Decatur, Dyer, Carroll, Henry, Weakley and Chester. (2) As used in this subsection (a), "West Tennessee" includes that portion of the state lying west of the Tennessee River where it enters the state from the states of Alabama and Mississippi and emerges into the state of Kentucky, but "West Tennessee" does not include Benton County, Gibson County, Madison County, Henderson County or Hardin County. This subsection (a) also applies to the following counties located in other parts of the state: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Morgan, Sullivan, Unicoi, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70.
(1) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in West Tennessee and the following counties: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70, except during the thirty (30) days immediately preceding the opening of the season under general laws of the state for hunting raccoons; provided, that none of the provisions of this subsection (a) shall apply to Shelby County or the counties of McNairy, Fayette, Hardeman, Decatur, Dyer, Carroll, Henry, Weakley and Chester.
(2) As used in this subsection (a), "West Tennessee" includes that portion of the state lying west of the Tennessee River where it enters the state from the states of Alabama and Mississippi and emerges into the state of Kentucky, but "West Tennessee" does not include Benton County, Gibson County, Madison County, Henderson County or Hardin County. This subsection (a) also applies to the following counties located in other parts of the state: Carter, Claiborne, Greene, Johnson, Morgan, Sullivan, Unicoi, and that part of DeKalb County lying south and west of state highway No. 96 and U.S. Highway No. 70.
(b) (1) Cocke County. It is lawful in Cocke County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Cocke County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (2) Crockett County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Crockett County so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (3) Gibson County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Gibson County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (4) Grainger County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Grainger County, except during the period beginning October 1 through February 28, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (5) Hancock County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Hancock County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (6) Hawkins County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Hawkins County except during the open season. (7) Haywood County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Haywood County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (8) Humphreys County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Humphreys County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (9) Jefferson County. It is lawful in Jefferson County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Jefferson County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (10) Lake County. (A) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Lake County except during the open season. (B) This subdivision (b)(10) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of Lake County. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the Lake County legislative body and certified by such officer to the secretary of state. (11) Lauderdale County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Lauderdale County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (12) Morgan County. It is lawful to conduct sanctioned raccoon hunts in Morgan County during the closed season, so long as raccoons are not taken during such closed season. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(12), "sanctioned raccoon hunts" means chasing raccoons for the purpose of treeing only. The sanctioned hunts shall require the approval of a recognized kennel club such as the AKC, UKC, NKC or PKC. (13) Obion County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Obion County at any time of the year, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (14) Tipton County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Tipton County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season. (15) Unicoi County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Unicoi County except during the seventy (70) days immediately prior to the season for hunting raccoons in such county. (16) Washington County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Washington County except during the open season.
(1) Cocke County. It is lawful in Cocke County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Cocke County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(2) Crockett County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Crockett County so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(3) Gibson County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Gibson County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(4) Grainger County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Grainger County, except during the period beginning October 1 through February 28, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(5) Hancock County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Hancock County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(6) Hawkins County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Hawkins County except during the open season.
(7) Haywood County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Haywood County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(8) Humphreys County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Humphreys County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(9) Jefferson County. It is lawful in Jefferson County to have a jump-out training season during the period each year from October 9 through November 1, and notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Jefferson County at any time of the year, except during the period each year from March 1 to May 15, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(10) Lake County. (A) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Lake County except during the open season. (B) This subdivision (b)(10) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of Lake County. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the Lake County legislative body and certified by such officer to the secretary of state.
(A) It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Lake County except during the open season.
(B) This subdivision (b)(10) shall have no effect unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body of Lake County. Its approval or nonapproval shall be proclaimed by the presiding officer of the Lake County legislative body and certified by such officer to the secretary of state.
(11) Lauderdale County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Lauderdale County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(12) Morgan County. It is lawful to conduct sanctioned raccoon hunts in Morgan County during the closed season, so long as raccoons are not taken during such closed season. For the purposes of this subdivision (b)(12), "sanctioned raccoon hunts" means chasing raccoons for the purpose of treeing only. The sanctioned hunts shall require the approval of a recognized kennel club such as the AKC, UKC, NKC or PKC.
(13) Obion County. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, it is lawful to train raccoon dogs in Obion County at any time of the year, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(14) Tipton County. It is lawful at any time of the year to train raccoon dogs in Tipton County, so long as raccoons are not taken except during the open season.
(15) Unicoi County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Unicoi County except during the seventy (70) days immediately prior to the season for hunting raccoons in such county.
(16) Washington County. It is unlawful for any person or firm to train raccoon dogs by chasing raccoons in Washington County except during the open season.
(c) A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the training of raccoon dogs where no element of chasing or hunting raccoons is involved.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 8, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1955, ch. 134, §§ 1, 2; 1957, ch. 387, § 1; 1959, ch. 96, § 1; 1959, ch. 179, § 1; 1959, ch. 183, § 1; 1959, ch. 288, § 1; 1961, ch. 249, § 1; 1961, ch. 261, § 1; 1963, ch. 122, § 1; 1963, ch. 131, § 1; 1963, ch. 138, § 1; 1963, ch. 182, § 1; 1963, ch. 210, § 1; 1963, ch. 350, § 1; 1963, ch. 375, § 1; 1965, ch. 21, § 1; 1965, ch. 51, § 1; 1965, ch. 315, § 1; 1965, ch. 318, § 1; 1967, ch. 39, § 1; 1967, ch. 74, § 1; 1967, ch. 75, § 1; 1967, ch. 76, § 1; 1967, ch. 128, § 1; 1967, ch. 299, § 1; 1967, ch. 351, § 1; Private Acts of 1967, ch. 25, § 1; Acts 1968, ch. 612, § 1; 1969, ch. 125, § 1; 1969, ch. 253, § 1; 1969, ch. 263, § 1; 1970, ch. 436, § 1; 1971, ch. 15, § 1; 1971, ch. 18, § 1; 1971, ch. 94, § 1; 1971, ch. 129, § 1; 1972, ch. 579, §§ 1, 2; 1973, ch. 51, § 1; 1973, ch. 58, § 1; 1973, ch. 306, § 1; 1973, ch. 351, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 18; 1974, ch. 636, § 1; 1975, ch. 240, § 1; 1976, ch. 663, § 1; 1976, ch. 714, § 1; 1977, ch. 167, § 1; 1977, ch. 494, § 1; 1978, ch. 665, §§ 1-3; 1978, ch. 916, § 1; Private Acts of 1978, ch. 265, §§ 1, 2; Acts 1979, ch. 30, § 1; 1979, ch. 48, § 1; 1979, ch. 75, §§ 1, 2; 1979, ch. 139, § 1; 1979, ch. 375, § 1; 1981, ch. 4, § 1; 1982, ch. 676, § 1; 1982, ch. 758, §§ 1-4; 1982, ch. 923, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 51-441; Acts 1983, ch. 309, § 1; 1985, ch. 422, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 502, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 781, §§ 1, 2; 1986, ch. 839, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1991, ch. 372, § 1; 1995, ch. 262, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 611, § 1; 2012 , ch. 644, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-8-103 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 8 / Section 70-8-103
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part unless the context requires otherwise: (1) "Agency" means the primary agency within the state that has statutory authority to manage wildlife populations; (2) "Ecosystem" means a system of living organisms and their environment, each influencing the existence of the other and both necessary for the maintenance of life; (3) "Endangered species" means: (A) Any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so due to any of the following factors: (i) The destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat; (ii) Its overutilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes; (iii) The effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation; (iv) Other natural or man-made factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the state; or (v) Any combination of the foregoing factors; or (B) Any species or subspecies of fish or wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on April 5, 1974 ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix D), as well as any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix A), as such list may be modified hereafter; (4) "Executive director" means the director of the state agency that has statutory authority to manage wildlife populations; (5) "Management" means the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing the number of individuals within species and populations of wildlife up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining such levels. "Management" includes the entire range of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program, including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and improvement, and education. "Management" includes, when and where appropriate, the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking; (6) "Nongame species" means any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wildlife not ordinarily taken for sport, fur, food or other commercial use; (7) "Optimum carrying capacity" means that point at which a given habitat can support healthy populations of wildlife species, having regard to the total ecosystem, without diminishing the ability of the habitat to continue that function; (8) "Person" means any individual, corporation, association or partnership; (9) "Take" means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or to attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill wildlife; (10) "Threatened" means any species or subspecies of wildlife that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future; (11) "Watchable wildlife" is any species or subspecies that is defined in this section as nongame, endangered, threatened or wildlife in need of management. It further includes any wildlife species or subspecies when their use is nonconsumptive to the extent that such activities are consistent with their legal taking and welfare; and (12) "Wildlife in need of management" means any species or subspecies of wildlife that needs specific management to prevent it from becoming a threatened species within the state in the foreseeable future. Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 3; 1982, ch. 738, § 33; T.C.A., § 51-903; Acts 1986, ch. 882, § 19; 1990, ch. 891, § 24; 1993, ch. 97, § 1.
As used in this part unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) "Agency" means the primary agency within the state that has statutory authority to manage wildlife populations;
(2) "Ecosystem" means a system of living organisms and their environment, each influencing the existence of the other and both necessary for the maintenance of life;
(3) "Endangered species" means: (A) Any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so due to any of the following factors: (i) The destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat; (ii) Its overutilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes; (iii) The effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation; (iv) Other natural or man-made factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the state; or (v) Any combination of the foregoing factors; or (B) Any species or subspecies of fish or wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on April 5, 1974 ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix D), as well as any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix A), as such list may be modified hereafter;
(A) Any species or subspecies of wildlife whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state are in jeopardy or are likely within the foreseeable future to become so due to any of the following factors: (i) The destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat; (ii) Its overutilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes; (iii) The effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation; (iv) Other natural or man-made factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the state; or (v) Any combination of the foregoing factors; or
(i) The destruction, drastic modification, or severe curtailment of its habitat;
(ii) Its overutilization for scientific, commercial or sporting purposes;
(iii) The effect on it of disease, pollution, or predation;
(iv) Other natural or man-made factors affecting its prospects of survival or recruitment within the state; or
(v) Any combination of the foregoing factors; or
(B) Any species or subspecies of fish or wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Native Fish and Wildlife as it appears on April 5, 1974 ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix D), as well as any species or subspecies of fish and wildlife appearing on the United States' List of Endangered Foreign Fish and Wildlife ( 50 CFR, Part 17, Appendix A), as such list may be modified hereafter;
(4) "Executive director" means the director of the state agency that has statutory authority to manage wildlife populations;
(5) "Management" means the collection and application of biological information for the purposes of increasing the number of individuals within species and populations of wildlife up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining such levels. "Management" includes the entire range of activities that constitute a modern scientific resource program, including, but not limited to, research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and improvement, and education. "Management" includes, when and where appropriate, the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking;
(6) "Nongame species" means any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean or other wildlife not ordinarily taken for sport, fur, food or other commercial use;
(7) "Optimum carrying capacity" means that point at which a given habitat can support healthy populations of wildlife species, having regard to the total ecosystem, without diminishing the ability of the habitat to continue that function;
(8) "Person" means any individual, corporation, association or partnership;
(9) "Take" means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or to attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill wildlife;
(10) "Threatened" means any species or subspecies of wildlife that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future;
(11) "Watchable wildlife" is any species or subspecies that is defined in this section as nongame, endangered, threatened or wildlife in need of management. It further includes any wildlife species or subspecies when their use is nonconsumptive to the extent that such activities are consistent with their legal taking and welfare; and
(12) "Wildlife in need of management" means any species or subspecies of wildlife that needs specific management to prevent it from becoming a threatened species within the state in the foreseeable future.
Acts 1974, ch. 769, § 3; 1982, ch. 738, § 33; T.C.A., § 51-903; Acts 1986, ch. 882, § 19; 1990, ch. 891, § 24; 1993, ch. 97, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-5-109 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 5 / Section 70-5-109
Posting notices of rules and regulations
Status: in_force

Before any rules and regulations proclaimed by the fish and wildlife commission relative to such game and fish rights become effective, there shall be posted printed notices in prominent places and at adequate intervals around the boundary line of the area on which such game and fish rights have been acquired; provided, that the fact that one (1) or more notices have been torn down or removed after having been posted in accordance with this section shall not constitute an excuse or defense for a violation of such rules and regulations. Acts 1941, ch. 103, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 5193.6 (Williams, § 5193.5); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 7, 17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §51-615; Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
Before any rules and regulations proclaimed by the fish and wildlife commission relative to such game and fish rights become effective, there shall be posted printed notices in prominent places and at adequate intervals around the boundary line of the area on which such game and fish rights have been acquired; provided, that the fact that one (1) or more notices have been torn down or removed after having been posted in accordance with this section shall not constitute an excuse or defense for a violation of such rules and regulations.
Acts 1941, ch. 103, § 3; C. Supp. 1950, § 5193.6 (Williams, § 5193.5); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 7, 17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §51-615; Acts 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-110 — TN Code / Title 70 / Chapter 4 / Section 70-4-110
Spotlighting deer - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person, or one (1) or more of a group of persons together, to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, on or from any highway, or in any field, woodland, or forest, or the waters of the state, in an apparent attempt or intent to locate deer by the use of such light, unless such person or persons direct such light onto property owned by such person or one of the persons involved, or such person or group of persons has written permission from the landowner to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light onto the property of the landowner. Such written permission must be in immediate possession at all times and the individual shall display same upon demand of law enforcement. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), it is unlawful to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, at any time from or on any public roadway. (b) The operator of any motor vehicle or vessel from which the rays of an artificial light have been cast as outlined in subsection (a) shall immediately stop such vehicle or vessel upon the direction of any enforcement officer of the wildlife resources agency. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or presentment must allege the prior conviction for violating any of the provisions of this section, setting forth the time and place of each such prior conviction. The court shall prohibit such convicted person, either first or subsequent offenders, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year. Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 47 (Williams, § 5178.76); Acts 1961, ch. 198, § 3; 1967, ch. 278, §§ 1, 2; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1974, ch. 498, § 1; 1974, ch. 499, § 1; 1974, ch. 703, § 1; 1976, ch. 456, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 620, § 1; 1976, ch. 667, § 1; 1976, ch. 681, § 1; 1982, ch. 701, §§ 1-6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-417, 51-429; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 3; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 2011, ch. 191, § 1.
(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person, or one (1) or more of a group of persons together, to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, on or from any highway, or in any field, woodland, or forest, or the waters of the state, in an apparent attempt or intent to locate deer by the use of such light, unless such person or persons direct such light onto property owned by such person or one of the persons involved, or such person or group of persons has written permission from the landowner to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light onto the property of the landowner. Such written permission must be in immediate possession at all times and the individual shall display same upon demand of law enforcement. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), it is unlawful to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, at any time from or on any public roadway.
(1) It is unlawful for any person, or one (1) or more of a group of persons together, to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, on or from any highway, or in any field, woodland, or forest, or the waters of the state, in an apparent attempt or intent to locate deer by the use of such light, unless such person or persons direct such light onto property owned by such person or one of the persons involved, or such person or group of persons has written permission from the landowner to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light onto the property of the landowner. Such written permission must be in immediate possession at all times and the individual shall display same upon demand of law enforcement.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), it is unlawful to willfully throw or cast, or cause to be thrown or cast, the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light from any motor vehicle or vessel or with the aid of any motor vehicle or vessel, at any time from or on any public roadway.
(b) The operator of any motor vehicle or vessel from which the rays of an artificial light have been cast as outlined in subsection (a) shall immediately stop such vehicle or vessel upon the direction of any enforcement officer of the wildlife resources agency.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(d) In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or presentment must allege the prior conviction for violating any of the provisions of this section, setting forth the time and place of each such prior conviction. The court shall prohibit such convicted person, either first or subsequent offenders, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 47 (Williams, § 5178.76); Acts 1961, ch. 198, § 3; 1967, ch. 278, §§ 1, 2; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1974, ch. 498, § 1; 1974, ch. 499, § 1; 1974, ch. 703, § 1; 1976, ch. 456, §§ 1, 2; 1976, ch. 620, § 1; 1976, ch. 667, § 1; 1976, ch. 681, § 1; 1982, ch. 701, §§ 1-6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-417, 51-429; Acts 1983, ch. 385, § 3; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 2011, ch. 191, § 1.