reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-105 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 69A, as added by Acts 1937, ch. 252, §5; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.79 (Williams, § 5176.71); Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-307.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-106 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 49; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.58 (Williams, § 5176.50); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-308.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-107 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 48; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.57 (Williams, § 5176.49); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-309.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-108 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 48; 1937, ch. 252, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.57 (Williams, §5176.49); impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 42, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-310.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-109 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 50; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.59 (Williams, § 5176.51); Acts 1974, ch. 481, §21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-311.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-110 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 51; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.60 (Williams, § 5176.52); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-312.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-111 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 69; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, §§ 6, 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.78 (Williams, § 5176.70); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7, 9; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-330, 51-331.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-112 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509,s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 68; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, §§ 6, 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.77 (Williams, § 5176.69); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-332.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 3 - AMMUNITION TAX (§§ 70-3-101 — 70-3-113) › Section 70-3-113 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 509, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 52; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.61 (Williams, § 5176.53); Acts 1959, ch. 145, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §9; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-333.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-101 - Ownership and title to wildlife vested in the state

(a)
The ownership of and title to all forms of wildlife within the jurisdiction of the state that are not individual property under the laws of the land are hereby declared to be in the state. No wildlife shall be taken or killed in any manner or at any time, except the person or persons so taking or killing the wildlife shall consent that the title to the wildlife shall be and shall remain in the state for the possession, use and transportation of the wildlife after such taking or killing as set forth in this chapter.
(b)
The taking or killing of any and all forms of wildlife at any time, in any manner, and by any person, shall be deemed a consent on the part of such person that the title to such wildlife shall be and shall remain in the state for the purpose of regulating the possession, use, sale and transportation of the wildlife for the public welfare.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 1 (Williams, § 5178.30); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-401.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-102 - Illegal taking, possession or destruction of wildlife - Penalty for violations

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to hunt, kill, trap, ensnare, or destroy, or to attempt to hunt, kill, trap, ensnare, or destroy, or to have in such person's possession, any form of wildlife except subject to the restrictions and by the means and devices and at the time prescribed by this title.
(b)
Any violations of the proclamations and rules and regulations proclaimed by the fish and wildlife commission are punishable as provided in this title, and the illegal taking or possession of each bird, animal or fish constitutes a separate offense.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 1, 4 (Williams, §§ 5178.30, 5178.33); Acts 1961, ch. 198, § 2; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1982, ch. 738, § 15; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-405, 51-412; Acts 1998, ch. 909, § 1; 2003, ch. 61, § 2; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-103 - Fox hunting - Training of hunting dogs - Penalty

(a)
(1)
Foxes may be chased with dogs the entire year, except during such periods as may be fixed by the fish and wildlife commission for the protection of the species.
(2)
Notwithstanding any private act to the contrary, the commission shall have the authority to regulate the taking or killing of foxes in this state.
(3)
Any person who hunts and kills a fox in a manner other than as permitted by this subsection (a) commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b)
Fox hounds, rabbit dogs and bird dogs may be trained the entire year, except during such periods as may be fixed by the commission for the protection of the species, but any person accompanying the dogs or training them shall not possess any firearm, bow and arrow, or any other such device, except during the regular open season; except that, a person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a handgun may carry a handgun as defined in §
39-11-106
, so long as the handgun is not used for the taking of game.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 235, s 1, eff. 4/21/2015.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 31; 1953, ch. 145, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1953, ch. 198 (Williams, § 5178.60); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 2; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1978, ch. 792, § 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-403; Acts 1985, ch. 331, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-104 - Catching or killing fish - Fishing regulations

Fish may be taken with rod and reel, by hook and line held in the hand while fishing, or by one (1) or more trotlines not having a combination of more than one hundred (100) hooks, which trotline shall be attended at least once each day. Use or possession of any other instrument for the killing, catching, or taking of fish or other aquatic life is expressly forbidden, except as provided for in this title or as permitted by regulations made under authority granted the fish and wildlife commission under this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 19 (Williams, § 5178.48); Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1982, ch. 738, § 12; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-404; Acts 1996, ch. 677, § 1; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-105 - Lawful possession of wildlife by legal license holders

(a)
Wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl lawfully taken may be possessed by legal license holders during any open season for their lawful taking, designated pursuant to the terms of §
70-4-107(b)-(d)
, but no person shall have in possession or in storage, or both, during any open season or at any other time, more than the possession limit prescribed by the fish and wildlife commission.
(b)
Any person violating this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1941, ch. 127, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.35 (Williams, § 5176.22); modified; Acts 1959, ch. 126, § 1; 1961, ch. 198, § 2; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-406; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2012, ch. 993, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-108 - Hunting from or across public road or near dwelling - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, catch, or kill, with or without dogs, any wild animal, wild bird, or wild fowl from a public road right-of-way, or to shoot any firearms across or on any public road.
(b)
It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, or kill, with or without dogs any wild animal, wild bird or wild fowl on public lands and waters within one hundred yards (100 yds.) of a visible dwelling house, whether or not such dwelling house is on public or private lands, without the owner's permission.
(c)
A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)
(1)
It is unlawful to hunt, shoot at, chase, catch, or kill, with or without dogs, any wild animal, wild bird, or wild fowl from a motor vehicle on either a public road or right-of-way, or from a public road or right-of-way after leaving a motor vehicle specifically for such purpose with the immediate intent to return to the vehicle.
(2)
A violation of this subsection (d) is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 35 (Williams, § 5178.64); Acts 1979, ch. 254, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-415; Acts 1983, ch. 280, §§ 1, 2; 1984, ch. 670, § 1; 1984, ch. 898, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2005, ch. 124, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-109 - Hunting from aircraft, watercraft or motor vehicles unlawful - Exception for persons confined to wheelchairs - Penalty

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-110 - Spotlighting deer - Penalty

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-111 - Hunting or killing any big game during closed season - Penalty

Any person who hunts or kills any big game during the closed season for such game commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1943, ch. 103, § 1; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.35 (Williams, § 5176.22); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 3; 1982, ch. 738, § 16; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-419; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-113 - Use of bait, pitfalls and certain other devices in taking birds and animals prohibited - Penalty - Exceptions

(a)
It is unlawful for any person at any time to make use of any pitfall, deadfall, cage, snare, trap, net, baited hooks, poison, chemicals, explosives, set guns, spotlights, electric lights or torches, bait, which includes any grain, or mixture of any ingredients, used as or for food purposes, or other devices for the purpose of killing, injuring, or capturing any birds or animals protected by the wildlife laws of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided.
(b)
The executive director or the executive director's designees may use any chemical, biological substance, poison or device under controlled conditions to capture or kill any bird or animal for scientific, propagating, enforcement, humane or rescue purposes or when it is considered necessary by the executive director to reduce or control any species that may be detrimental to human safety, health or property. No action on the part of the executive director, directed to the control of rabies or other diseases spread from wildlife to human beings, shall be taken until the following conditions have been met:
(1)
The county board of health in the affected county shall have met in open session and, by appropriate resolution, declared that a condition detrimental to the human safety, health or property exists within the affected county;
(2)
An official quarantine by the county board of health has been established on all dogs, cats and pets in the county; and
(3)
An official request has been made by the county board of health, through and with the concurrence of the commissioner of health, to the executive director to take such action as is necessary by the executive director or the executive director's designees and by such means as are authorized in this section to bring the disease under control in the affected county. This subsection (b) is effective in every county in this state.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor; provided, that spot, electric or torch lights may be used in the hunting and taking of raccoons, opossums and frogs, and box traps may be used for the taking of rabbits during the open shooting season for the same.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 37 (Williams, § 5178.66); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 4; 1965, ch. 43, §§ 1, 2; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1982, ch. 738, § 17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-421; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 12.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-114 - Destruction of dens or nests - Spotlighting - Use of spears, explosives, chemicals or other devices unlawful - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful to disturb, mutilate, or destroy the home, nest, or den of any protected wild animals or birds, to use spears or any like device in the hunting or taking of protected wild animals, to blind with lights, except as provided in §
70-4-113
, or to use explosives, chemicals, mechanical devices, or smokers of any kind to drive protected wild animals out of their dens, holes, or houses.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 38 (Williams, § 5178.67); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1982, ch. 738, § 18; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-423; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-115 - Destruction and disposal of wildlife - Permit - Penalty

(a)
The owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. Any person, before destroying any big game under the conditions provided for in this section, is required to obtain a permit for destroying such big game. Such permit shall be issued by an officer of the wildlife resources agency.
(b)
Any big game killed or destroyed under the conditions provided for in this section shall remain the property of this state and may be disposed of by the officer of the commission by gift to any worthy recipient; provided, that any wild birds or wild animals killed accidentally or illegally shall be disposed of in the same manner and a receipt for the same obtained from the person or agency receiving such game.
(c)
Motorists are not required to report game accidentally killed by the operation of a motor vehicle. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, wild animals accidentally killed by a motor vehicle may be possessed by any person for personal use and consumption; except that, first, personal possession of a deer accidentally killed by a motor vehicle is permitted only if the person notifies the wildlife resources agency or any law enforcement officer within a reasonable time not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours and supplies that person's name and address; and second, personal possession of a bear accidentally killed by a motor vehicle is permitted only when authorized by an enforcement officer of the wildlife resources agency and the person is issued a kill tag. In deer-kill notification situations where a law enforcement officer rather than someone with the wildlife resources agency is notified, the law enforcement officer or the officer's designee shall be responsible for notifying someone with the wildlife resources agency and supplying the information relevant to the deer-kill. Nothing in this section authorizes possession of federally protected wildlife or wildlife protected by the state under chapter 8 of this title.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 33 (Williams, § 5178.62); 1959, ch. 145, § 4; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1979, ch. 193, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 19; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-424; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 13; 1999, ch. 285, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-117 - Possession of weapons in areas inhabited by big game - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to be in possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, shotgun or rifle in, on, or while traversing any refuge, public hunting area or wildlife management area frequented or inhabited by big game, except during specified or lawful open seasons on these areas. Any person violating this section is guilty of hunting big game and shall be punished as provided for in subsections (b) and (c).
(b)
(1)
A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(2)
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.
(c)
In the prosecution of a second or subsequent offense, 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 a first or subsequent offender, from hunting, fishing or trapping in this state for a period of one (1) year.
(d)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a person not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a handgun may carry a handgun as defined in §
39-11-106
the entire year while on the premises of any refuge, public hunting area, wildlife management area or, to the extent permitted by federal law, national forest land maintained by the state. Nothing in this subsection (d) shall authorize a person to use any handgun to hunt unless the person is in full compliance with all wildlife laws, rules and regulations.
(e)
Nothing in this section shall authorize a person not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a handgun to possess such weapon in the portion of any refuge, public hunting area or wildlife management area that is within the boundaries of a state park or state natural area unless otherwise authorized in accordance with state law.
(f)
Nothing in this section shall authorize a person to access any area unless the person is in full compliance with all current wildlife laws, rules, proclamations and regulations.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 5, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 44, 47 (Williams, §§ 5178.73, 5178.76); Acts 1957, ch. 382, § 7; 1957, ch. 384, § 2; 1961, ch. 198, § 3; 1976, ch. 681, § 1; 1982, ch. 701, §§ 4-6; 1982, ch. 738, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-427, 51-429; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 2009 , ch. 606, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-118 - Unlawful to hunt deer being chased by dogs or to permit dogs to hunt or chase deer - Confiscation of dogs - Penalties

(a)
No person shall knowingly hunt deer being chased by dogs nor shall any person knowingly and intentionally permit such person's dogs to hunt or chase deer.
(b)
Any officer of the wildlife resources agency may take into possession any dog known to have hunted or chased deer and shall notify the owner of the dog, or if the owner is unknown, shall advertise in a newspaper of general circulation in the county that the dog is in the officer's possession, giving the description of the dog and stating the circumstances under which it was taken. The officer shall hold the dog for a period of ten (10) days and shall report the facts in full to the director.
(c)
If, within ten (10) days, the owner claims the dog, the owner may repossess it on payment of the costs of advertising and the cost of keep. If the owner does not claim the dog within the above specified time, the dog shall be deemed ownerless and a public nuisance and shall be disposed of in the manner prescribed by the executive director. In this event, the costs of advertising and keep shall be paid by the agency.
(d)
Any person violating this section commits a Class B misdemeanor. It is mandatory upon the court to impose the prison sentence, and the minimum time is not subject to suspension, but may be served on such days designated by the judge.
(e)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commission is authorized to promulgate rules to allow for the use of dogs in tracking and recovering an injured or deceased deer.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 641,s 1, eff. 4/2/2018.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 46 (Williams, § 5178.75); Acts 1961, ch. 198, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1981, ch. 199, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-428; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 15; 1990, ch. 981, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-121 - United States fish and wildlife service exempt from game laws

It is lawful for the director of the United States fish and wildlife service and the director's duly authorized agents to take at any time and in any manner from the public fresh waters of this state all fish required by them for the operation of the state and federal hatcheries. The United States fish and wildlife service is exempt, in the operation of federal fish hatcheries in Tennessee, from the state game laws. The director of the United States fish and wildlife service and the director's duly authorized agents are accorded the right to conduct fish hatching and fish culture and all operations connected with fish hatching and fish culture in any manner and at any time that may by the director be considered necessary and proper, any laws of the state to the contrary notwithstanding.
Acts 1931, ch. 53, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.107 (Williams, § 5175.55); modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-440.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-123 - Hunting with bow and arrow while in possession of firearms or accompanied by a person in possession of firearms - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for a person hunting big game with a bow and arrow to be in possession of a firearm or be accompanied in hunting by a person possessing a firearm during the archery-only deer season; except that, a person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a handgun may carry a handgun as defined in §
39-11-106
, so long as the handgun is not used for the taking of game.
(b)
A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 218, s 6, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 1967, ch. 40, §§ 1, 2; 1982, ch. 738, § 23; T.C.A., § 51-443; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 2010 , ch. 621, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-124 - Wearing daylight fluorescent orange color while hunting big game required - Penalty

(a)
Every person hunting big game except turkey during the gun hunts proclaimed by the commission shall wear on the upper portion of the body and head outer garments of daylight fluorescent orange color of not less than five hundred square inches (500 sq. in.) and visible from the front and back.
(b)
"Daylight fluorescent orange color" means having a dominant wave length between five hundred ninety-five thousandths (0.595) and six hundred five thousandths (0.605) nanometers, excitation purity of not less than eighty-five percent (85%) and a luminance factor of not less than forty percent (40%).
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)
This section does not apply to a person hunting on that person's own property.
(e)
Notwithstanding §
8-21-401
, the court costs imposed or assessed against any person convicted of a violation of this section may not exceed the maximum fine amount that may be imposed for a violation of this section.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 403,s 1, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 1975, ch. 178, §§ 1-3; 1982, ch. 738, § 24; T.C.A., § 51-445; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-125 - Causing death to wildlife, hunting dog or domestic animal by poisonous substance prohibited

(a)
No person shall deposit, place or cause to be deposited or placed out of doors any poisonous substance or any matter that has been rendered poisonous that causes or is capable of causing death or injury to wildlife, a hunting dog, or a domestic animal. Such prohibition applies only where the substance or matter is placed on the property of another.
(b)
No person shall knowingly or recklessly place or deposit, or cause to be placed or deposited, on such person's property a poisonous substance or any matter that would be rendered poisonous if consumed by an animal or human being, if such poison or poisonous matter could be reasonably assumed to be accessible by a minor under the age of fifteen (15) years. This subsection (b) shall only apply if the placing or depositing of the poisonous substance is done with the intent of causing death or injury to a hunting dog or a domestic animal.
(c)
A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(d)
Such prohibition does not apply to rabies control activities of the appropriate public health officials.
Acts 1978, ch. 792, § 1; T.C.A., § 51-446; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1995, ch. 211, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-126 - Use of electronic or battery operated device to lure or kill a fox prohibited - Penalty

(a)
No person shall use any electronic or battery operated device for the purpose of luring, killing, or attempting to lure or kill a fox.
(b)
A person who violates this section commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(c)
Such prohibition does not apply to rabies control activities of the appropriate public health officials.
Acts 1978, ch. 792, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 5; T.C.A., § 51-447; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-127 - Dove-baiting prohibited

(a)
It is a criminal offense to bait a field or other area. "Bait," as used in this section, means the intentional placement of grain or any mixture of any ingredients used as or for food purposes for the purpose of killing, injuring, or capturing doves. "Bait" does not include the broadcasting or sowing of grain or seed for normal agricultural purposes, the placement of salt pans or troughs for livestock, the practice of leaving or manipulating standing crops in a field, or other normal agricultural practices customarily practiced on the land.
(b)
Any person who enters upon the lands of another to bait a field or other area commits criminal trespass, and, upon conviction, shall be punished in accordance with §
39-14-405
.
(c)
Any person who baits a field or other area or any person who assists, employs or directs another to do so commits a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1983, ch. 471, § 1; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1996, ch. 675, § 73.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-128 - Posting notice of dove-baiting

If any Tennessee wildlife resources agency officer or employee has reasonable cause to believe that a field has been unlawfully baited with grain or any mixture of any ingredients used as or for food purposes for the purpose of killing, injuring or capturing doves, then such officer or employee shall immediately post notices on such field in conspicuous locations that the field is baited and hunting is prohibited. If any such officer or employee discovers and fails to post such field in accordance with this section, no person shall be subject to prosecution for hunting on or over such field, notwithstanding any provision of this title to the contrary. The Tennessee wildlife resources agency and its officers and employees are exempt from civil liability in its actions in enforcement of this section.
Acts 1983, ch. 167, § 1; 1984, ch. 535, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-129 - Sale of fish and wildlife by charitable organizations

(a)
Notwithstanding §
70-4-101
, or rules, regulations or proclamations of the agency or commission to the contrary, fish and wildlife may be sold by charitable organizations in any county having a population of not less than twenty-seven thousand eight hundred (27,800) nor more than twenty-eight thousand (28,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census for fundraising purposes in accordance with subsection (b).
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision of this title or rule, regulation or proclamation of the agency or commission to the contrary, fish and wildlife that are lawfully taken or acquired and donated to an organization that has received a determination of exemption from the internal revenue service pursuant to
26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)
may be sold by such organization to raise funds if the following conditions are met:
(1)
The organization distributes at least ninety percent (90%) of the funds raised to other organizations that have received a determination of exemption from the internal revenue service pursuant to
26 U.S.C. § 501
;
(2)
The organization maintains records for three (3) years of the source of such donations, and such records are made available for inspection upon request of the wildlife resources agency; and
(3)
The organization notifies the wildlife resources agency thirty (30) days in advance of any such sale.
Acts 1993, ch. 83, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-130 - Albino deer

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-131 - Possession of fish or wildlife illegally acquired, taken or transported from state or country of origin

(a)
It is an offense for any person to possess any fish or wildlife that has been defined as fish or wildlife by the state or country of origin knowing that the fish or wildlife was acquired, taken, or transported from the state or country of origin in violation of the laws or regulations of that state or country.
(b)
A violation of subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 2007, ch. 82, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-132 - Walleye and crappie in restaurants

Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a restaurant located in this state may advertise, possess, sell, offer for sale or give away fully cooked crappie or walleye for consumption on the premises of the restaurant; provided, that the crappie or walleye is not harvested from the waters of this state and that appropriate documentation is maintained on the premises of the restaurant exhibiting the location of origin of the crappie and walleye.
Acts 2009, ch. 596, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 1 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-134) › Section 70-4-133 - Wild-appearing swine

(a)
It is the intent of this section to address the illegal translocation and release of wild-appearing swine. These animals have been shown to be destructive to native habitats, agricultural lands and private property and are carriers for a myriad of diseases that affect humans, livestock and wildlife.
(b)
It is not the intent of this section to impede the legal transportation of swine that are regulated by the department of agriculture.
(c)
As used in this section, "wild-appearing swine" means swine that are, at maturity, two feet to three feet (2' - 3') tall and three and one half feet to five feet (3 1/2' - 5') long and, at maturity, have the following physical features in comparison to domestic swine:
(1)
Massive heads with smaller, pointed and heavily-furred ears;
(2)
Heavier shoulders that slope down to small hips, giving the animal an outline similar to an American bison;
(3)
Long and thin snouts;
(4)
Upper tusks or whitters that curl up and out and rub against the lower tusks, making a knifelike edge against the lower tusks; and
(5)
Straight tails that are tufted at the tip.
(d)
It is an offense for any person to knowingly transport or release into the wild, or cause to be transported into or within the state, live wild-appearing swine that do not have documentation approved by the department of agriculture.
(e)
Notwithstanding §
70-6-101
, any stop, search or arrest pursuant to this section by an officer of the agency shall be predicated upon reasonable suspicion that a violation of this section has occurred.
(f)
A violation of subsection (d) is a Class A misdemeanor. Each undocumented wild-appearing swine illegally transported or released in violation of subsection (d) is a separate offense.
Acts 2012 , ch. 866, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-201 - Possession of or traffic in protected wildlife illegal - Exception - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation, any restaurant, club, or hotel in this state to barter, sell, transfer or offer for sale, or to purchase, or offer to purchase, any of the wildlife except as provided within this title or in rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.
(b)
Each unlawful sale, purchase, offer for sale or purchase, transfer, or possession with the intent to sell, barter or transfer for any consideration of a wild animal or wild bird, wild fowl or game fish, or part thereof, is a separate offense.
(c)
Any person hiring another to kill or capture wildlife and receiving the wildlife is deemed to be buying the wildlife and is subject to the penalties of this title. Officers of the wildlife resources agency or persons specially employed or designated by the executive director or by the United States fish and wildlife service may capture, buy, sell, or offer to capture, buy or sell wild birds or wild animals, or parts thereof, for the sole purpose of obtaining evidence of violation of this title. The carcass of a lawful possession limit of opossum, raccoon or beaver may be bought, sold or shipped for sale during the open hunting or trapping season.
(d)
A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor; except that any violation of this section involving wildlife valued at five hundred dollars ($500) or more is a Class E felony.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 62 (Williams, § 5178.91); Acts 1959, ch. 145, § 4; 1973, ch. 174, §§ 2, 3; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1979, ch. 194, § 1; 1981, ch. 197, § 2; 1982, ch. 738, § 26; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-501; Acts 1984, ch. 552, § 1; 1986, ch. 531, § 2; 1986, ch. 882, §§ 17, 18; 1989, ch. 591, § 113; 1990, ch. 891, § 19; 1990, ch. 981, § 3; 1998, ch. 909, §§ 2, 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-202 - Use or possession of wildlife, hides or parts thereof illegally taken unlawful

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-203 - Transportation of protected game or fish out of the state - Duty of transporters - Penalty

(a)
Any person who desires to take protected game or fish out of the state may do so under the following conditions, but not otherwise:
(1)
Such person must have in possession at the time of such taking out of the state, or at the time of transporting within the state, a hunting and fishing license, duly issued to such person under this title; and
(2)
Such person cannot take from the state more than two days' bag or creel limit on ducks or other migratory birds or protected game or fish.
(b)
Any officer of the wildlife resources agency, or assistant officer of the wildlife resources agency, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or other officer has the right to demand of any person possessing game and proposing to take it out of the state an inspection of such person's license. A refusal on the part of the person to exhibit the license is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c)
Any resident hunter may have game or fish transported home by filing with the common carrier a written statement with name and address, the number of such person's hunting license, and the number of game or fish to be so transported, and that the game or fish was legally killed by such person and is not for sale. A copy of the statement shall be attached to such person's game, or to whatever the game may be enclosed in.
(d)
It is unlawful for any person, company or common carrier to ship or transport any birds, game fish or animals as mentioned in this section, except as otherwise provided in this title, without having ascertained that the person offering the same for shipment was then and there in possession of a hunting and fishing license duly issued and covering the period when the shipment was offered, and without requiring such person to accompany the shipment.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, §§ 59, 60; 1953, ch. 255, § 5 (Williams, §§ 5178.88, 5178.89); 1959, ch. 145, § 4; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-503, 51-504; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-204 - Cold storage of wildlife - Penalty for violations

(a)
(1)
No person, firm or corporation shall place in cold storage at any one (1) time more than two days' bag or creel limit of any wild animals, wild birds, wild fowl, or game fish.
(2)
No person shall place in commercial cold storage any wild animals, wild birds, wild fowl, or game fish without first filling out and filing with the storage company an affidavit stating that the same has been lawfully killed or caught and is stored for the affiant's own use and benefit and not for sale. No person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of cold storage shall receive any wild animals, wild birds, wild fowl or game fish, unless such affidavit has been made by the person storing and delivering to the storage concern. The storage concern shall post the affidavit upon a book kept for this purpose, which book shall be open at all times to the executive director or officers of the wildlife resources agency.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Each wild bird, wild animal, or wild fowl or game fish stored in violation of this section is a separate offense.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 61 (Williams, § 5178.90); 1959, ch. 145, § 4; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-505; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.