reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
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 70-4-205 - Use of state-controlled water areas and land bordering thereon

(a)
(1)
In those places where any state agency or unit of state government owns in fee simple or controls through lease agreement water areas and the lands bordering such waters, it is illegal for individuals, persons, firms, corporations, or partnerships to place houses, docks, floats on, or to use as a landing area for boats, or to use for any purpose whatsoever, state-owned or controlled lands or waters, unless such rights and privileges are held by a signed, written agreement, for which a fee may be charged.
(2)
Where the lands are privately owned and the lake waters state owned or controlled, it is illegal to set up boat docks, fish docks, floats, or in any way use or attempt to use the state-owned waters for these purposes.
(b)
Each twenty-four-hour period during which a violation of this section persists or exists is a separate offense and is punishable as such.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 55; 1953, ch. 255, § 4 (Williams, § 5178.84); 1982, ch. 738, § 28; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-509; 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 70-4-206 - Pollution of waters - Penalty for violations - Nuisance

(a)
No pollution, including, but not limited to, dye waste, petroleum products, brine waste, refuse from a mine, sawmill or construction activity, industrial or domestic sewage, or any deleterious or poisonous substance or activity, shall be thrown or be caused, or allowed to run into, wash into or take place in any waters, either private or public, in a manner injurious to fish life or other aquatic organisms, or that could be injurious to the propagation of fish, or that results in the destruction of habitat for fish and aquatic life.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Each day's violation of this section constitutes a separate offense and each five days' continuous violation also constitutes a public nuisance, subject to abatement by permanent injunction.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 28 (Williams, § 5178.57); 1982, ch. 738, § 29; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-511; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 111; 1990, ch. 891, § 20.
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 70-4-207 - Defacing and destroying notice of commission or agency - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to deface, obliterate, tear down or destroy, in whole or in part, or attempt to deface, obliterate, tear down, or destroy any notice, proclamation or sign posted by the fish and wildlife commission or the wildlife resources agency.
(b)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 57 (Williams, § 5178.86); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; 1982, ch. 738, § 30; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-513; 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 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-208 - Unlawful importation of skunks - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to import, possess, or cause to be imported into this state any type of live skunk, or to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise transfer any live skunk, except that the prohibitions of this section shall not apply to bona fide zoological parks and research institutions.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a), a person who possesses a valid wildlife rehabilitation permit issued by the agency may receive skunks from the wild for the purposes of rehabilitation and release only.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652,s 1, eff. 4/9/2018.
Acts 1974, ch. 622, § 1; 1982, ch. 738, § 31; T.C.A., § 51-514; 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 70-4-209 - Purchase or sale of red fox hides, furs or pelts

(a)
(1)
It is unlawful to buy or sell green hides, raw furs or pelts of a red fox, except as provided in subsection (b) or in counties open to the lawful taking of red fox.
(2)
A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(b)
When a red fox is legally killed, it is lawful to buy or sell green hides, raw furs or pelts of such red fox at any time in counties with the following population, according to the 1970 federal census or any subsequent federal census:
not less than
not more than
5,800
5,900
7,400
7,450
7,600
7,650
8,000
8,100
12,300
12,350
12,550
12,650
13,500
13,600
13,610
13,700
14,850
14,900
19,400
19,500
20,200
20,300
20,700
20,800
21,900
22,000
22,400
22,500
22,500
22,700
25,500
26,000
26,000
25,100
28,000
28,100
28,800
28,900
30,400
30,500
32,500
32,600
33,700
33,800
35,470
35,500
36,900
37,000
38,800
38,900
47,800
47,900
56,200
56,300
60,250
60,350
61,000
63,500
65,700
65,800
127,300
127,400
Acts 1973, ch. 158, § 1; 1977, ch. 419, § 1; 1978, ch. 756, § 1; 1979, ch. 329, §§ 1-3; T.C.A., § 51-515; Acts 1983, ch. 27, § 1; 1983, ch. 272, § 1; 1983, ch. 443, § 1; 1984, ch. 593, § 1; 1984, ch. 775, § 1; 1985, ch. 3, § 1; 1985, ch. 74, § 1; 1985, ch. 235, § 1; 1986, ch. 531, §§ 3, 4; 1988, ch. 639, § 1; 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 70-4-210 - Deer hides - Squirrel pelts and tails

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, it is lawful for any person to buy, sell, store, or ship for sale, at any time the hides of deer and the pelts and tails of grey squirrels and fox squirrels taken during the open season.
Acts 1983, 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 2 - WILDLIFE REGULATION AND PROTECTION (§§ 70-4-201 — 70-4-211) › Section 70-4-211 - Nets and other fishing equipment near mouth of watercourse - Penalty

(a)
It is unlawful for any person, while fishing, to use any nets, seines, snag lines, drag lines, grab hooks, or baskets, or any other form of fishing equipment, or other obstruction of any character to the free passage of fish within one hundred (100) yards of the mouth of any river, creek, slough, inlet or outlet, except bait or casting plugs with not more than three (3) treble hooks attached, ordinary fly fishing equipment, and pole and line with not more than three (3) single hooks attached.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, "mouth of a stream" means the location of a line resulting from the projection or extension of the banks of the main stream that receives the tributary, except in the case of streams entering waters impounded by hydroelectric or flood control dams, in which case the mouth of the entering stream is defined as the line where the free, downstream movement of natural water is visibly reduced or retarded by the level of the impounded waters in the main stream.
(c)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1983, ch. 281, § 1; 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 3 - HUNTER PROTECTION ACT (§§ 70-4-301 — 70-4-303) › Section 70-4-301 - Part definitions

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 3 - HUNTER PROTECTION ACT (§§ 70-4-301 — 70-4-303) › Section 70-4-302 - Violations - Penalty

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 3 - HUNTER PROTECTION ACT (§§ 70-4-301 — 70-4-303) › Section 70-4-303 - Injunctions - Damages - Construction

(a)
Any court may enjoin conduct that would be in violation of §
70-4-302
upon petition by a person affected or who reasonably may be affected by such conduct, upon a showing that such conduct is threatened or that it has occurred on a particular premises in the past and that it is not unreasonable to expect that under similar circumstances it will be repeated.
(b)
A court may award damages to any person adversely affected by a violation of §
70-4-302
, which may include an award for punitive damages. In addition to other items of special damage, the measure of damages may include expenditures of the affected person for license and permit fees, travel, guides, special equipment and supplies, to the extent that such expenditures were rendered futile by prevention of the taking of a wild animal.
(c)
No provision of this part shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict any landowner, tenant, or employee of a landowner from engaging in normal activities on or normal use of the land or property, and such activities or use shall not be deemed unlawful pursuant to any provision of this part. No provision of this part shall be construed so as to interfere with the right of the landowner to prohibit trespass upon the landowner's property by any person.
Acts 1985, ch. 100, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-401 - Prohibited acts

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to possess, transport, import, export, buy, sell, barter, propagate or transfer any wildlife, whether indigenous to this state or not, except as provided by this part and rules and regulations promulgated by the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission pursuant to this part.
(b)
No person shall possess Class I or Class II wildlife without having documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of such wildlife and date of acquisition.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-402 - Part definitions

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Agency" means the Tennessee wildlife resources agency;
(2)
"Cage" means the primary enclosure in which an animal is held;
(3)
"Circus" means a public entertainment consisting typically of a variety of performances by acrobats, clowns, and trained animals, but does not include wrestling bears or any type of show in which there is direct contact between the public and a Class I animal, except as otherwise provided for in this part;
(4)
"Commercial propagator" means any person or entity that may sell, barter, trade, propagate or transfer Class I wildlife, excluding transfers to other commercial propagators located within the boundaries of Tennessee, and that meets all other applicable license, permit, zoning and other requirements necessary to conduct business in the city, county and state where located;
(5)
"Commission" means the Tennessee fish and wildlife commission;
(6)
"Mobile facility" means a facility designed for the transporting of animals or for the holding of animals on a temporary basis;
(7)
"Native wildlife" means those species presently occurring in the wild in Tennessee and those extirpated species that could reasonably be expected to survive in the wild if reintroduced;
(8)
"Perimeter fence" means a secondary fence that prevents the public from touching the cage in which the animal is held;
(9)
"Permanent exhibitors" means those exhibits that are housed the entire year in facilities located within this state;
(10)
"Personal possession permit" means a noncommercial type permit issued to private citizens for ownership or possession of nonbreeding animals in small numbers;
(11)
"Poisonous" means any toxic substance secreted from the skin of an animal and that causes injury or death when absorbed or ingested;
(12)
"Stationary facility" means the primary holding facility, including cage and barriers that remain in a fixed location; and
(13)
"Temporary exhibitors" means those transient animal acts not permanently located within the boundaries of this state.
(14)
"Venomous" means any toxic substance that is actively injected by an animal through a bite or sting and that causes injury or death;
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 636,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-406 - Liability for escape - Limitation of state's liability

(a)
Any person who keeps Class I wildlife is liable for any costs incurred by any person, city, county or state agency resulting from the escape from captivity of the animal or animals.
(b)
Neither the state of Tennessee nor any agency, employee or agent of the state of Tennessee is liable for any animal that expires, is injured or is destroyed. Neither the state of Tennessee nor any agency, employee or agent of the state of Tennessee is liable for any damage or injury caused by live wildlife under a permit issued pursuant to this part.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-407 - Transfer of Class I wildlife - Notification

(a)
Prior to the transfer of any Class I wildlife to a new owner, the prospective owner must provide the seller with proper documentation of an approved holding facility for that species. Proper documentation consists of a copy of a current permit for that species or a letter from the Tennessee wildlife resources agency stating that the facilities have been inspected and are approved. Any transfer without approved holding facilities is a violation of this part by the seller, who shall provide housing for the animal at such seller's cost until the transferee can provide approved facilities or until final court actions are concluded. If the seller does not provide housing, such seller shall be liable for costs incurred by the agency for providing such housing.
(b)
Permittees must notify the agency of any transfer of Class I wildlife within five (5) days of the transfer on forms provided by the agency.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-408 - Owners of unpermitted wildlife - Disposition of such wildlife

Owners of unpermitted wildlife who do not qualify for a permit to possess such wildlife shall dispose of such wildlife to an approved recipient within thirty (30) days of notification by the agency. Each day of possession of unpermitted wildlife after such thirty-day period constitutes a separate violation.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-409 - Inspections

(a)
Any person possessing live wildlife in Class I or Class II shall, during normal business hours and at all reasonable times, and without the necessity of a search warrant, allow the executive director or any officer or employee of the agency to inspect all animals, facilities and records relating to such animals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this part.
(b)
(1)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) to the contrary, in Roane County the executive director or any officer or employee of the agency may be accompanied on such inspections of animals, facilities and records relating to such animals by the county mayor or the county mayor's designee from the office of the county sheriff or the county office of emergency management.
(2)
The commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of subsection (b). All such rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 1; 2011, ch. 339, §§ 1, 2; 2003, ch. 90, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-410 - Propagation of Class I or Class II wildlife - Permit

(a)
Before any person may engage in the business of propagating or otherwise obtaining Class I or Class II wildlife for sale, barter or trade, whether indigenous to this state or not, such person must obtain and possess a permit for each propagating location. A personal possession permit is not required to be purchased in addition to a propagation permit.
(b)
Any nonresident who enters the state for the purpose of selling Class I or Class II wildlife species in this state shall also be required to purchase and possess a permit.
(c)
All permits under this section shall comply with all provisions of the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations relating to exotic animals, their care, propagation, importation and sale.
(d)
Artificially propagated wildlife may be propagated, sold, possessed, released or exported in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the commission and, in the case of migratory birds, the regulations prescribed by the federal government.
(e)
Only commercial propagators may qualify for a permit to propagate Class I wildlife and may transfer Class I wildlife only to persons or entities approved to possess Class I wildlife. First time commercial propagators shall have one (1) permit year to meet the criteria as defined in §
70-4-402(4)
. Renewal of a commercial propagator permit is conditional on the permittee having met the definition of a commercial propagator during the prior permit year.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1056,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-411 - Importation of wildlife - Permits - Papers

(a)
All persons wishing to possess Classes I and II live wildlife obtained outside this state shall have in their possession the importation permit required by this part. The permit and all bills of lading and shipping papers relating to any wildlife that such person may have in such person's possession shall be open and available for inspection at all reasonable times by authorized agency officers and employees for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this part.
(b)
Animals brought into this state under the authority of an annual importation permit must be reported to the agency within five (5) days of the date of importation.
(c)
An importation permit is required for all interstate movement of live wildlife except Class III, except no permit is required for zoos and temporary exhibitors.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-412 - Release of wildlife

It is unlawful to release any class of wildlife in Tennessee except in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-413 - Private wildlife preserves - Hunting

(a)
It is unlawful for any person to operate a private wildlife preserve for the purpose of propagating or hunting, or both, any class of wildlife reared in captivity unless that person obtains the appropriate permit and operates such private wildlife preserve in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.
(b)
It is lawful to hunt approved species of pen-reared and farm-reared animals on such preserve.
(c)
Persons hunting pen-reared animals on such preserve are not required to possess a hunting license.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-414 - Raptors - Falconry permit

(a)
Before any person may take, transport or possess raptors for the purpose of falconry, such person shall first obtain a falconry permit in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. This permit is supplemental to all other permits and licenses required for hunting as provided in this title, except that a holder of a falconry license may import and possess raptors legally obtained without the necessity of an importation permit.
(b)
Rules and regulations promulgated by the commission shall govern the taking, importation, possession and use of raptors, and shall require applicants for such permit to satisfactorily pass a written examination attesting to their qualification to possess and use falcons. The rules and regulations may provide for a waiver of the examination if the applicant has satisfactorily passed an examination in any other state that the commission deems comparable to the Tennessee examination. The rules and regulations shall not be less restrictive than federal regulations governing taking, transporting, possessing and using raptors for the purpose of falconry.
Acts 1991, ch. 487, § 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 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-416 - Notification of escape - Injuries

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-417 - Cost of administration

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 4 - EXOTIC ANIMALS (§§ 70-4-401 — 70-4-418) › Section 70-4-418 - Implantation of microchips in Class I carnivores

(a)
Any person who obtains a Class I carnivore on or after July 1, 2015, shall, within six (6) months of obtaining the animal, have a microchip permanently implanted in the animal. The microchip shall have an identification number that is unique to the microchip. In addition, the microchip shall contain a passive integrated transponder, which shall have a frequency of one hundred twenty-five kilohertz (125 kHz), one hundred thirty-four and two-tenths kilohertz (134.2 kHz), or four hundred kilohertz (400 kHz).
(b)
Any person who possesses a Class I carnivore prior to July 1, 2015, and who continues to possess the animal on or after July 1, 2015, shall have a microchip that meets the technical specifications described in subsection (a) permanently implanted in the animal by July 1, 2018.
Added by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 331,s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 5 - COMPUTER-ASSISTED HUNTING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS (§§ 70-4-501 — 70-4-504) › Section 70-4-501 - Part definition

"Computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or any other device, equipment or software, to control remotely the aiming and discharge of a rifle, shotgun, handgun, bow and arrow, cross-bow or any other implement to hunt wildlife.
Acts 2005, ch. 96, § 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 5 - COMPUTER-ASSISTED HUNTING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS (§§ 70-4-501 — 70-4-504) › Section 70-4-502 - Prohibition

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS (§§ 70-4-101 — 70-4-504) › Part 5 - COMPUTER-ASSISTED HUNTING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS (§§ 70-4-501 — 70-4-504) › Section 70-4-503 - Exceptions

It is an exception to the application of this part that a person provides only:
(1)
General purpose equipment, including a computer, camera, and building materials;
(2)
General purpose computer software, including an operating system and communication programs; or
(3)
General telecommunications hardware or networking services for computers, including adapters, modems, servers, routers, and other facilities associated with internet access.
Acts 2005, ch. 96, § 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 5 - COMPUTER-ASSISTED HUNTING FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS (§§ 70-4-501 — 70-4-504) › Section 70-4-504 - Violations

Any person violating this part commits a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 2005, ch. 96, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-102 - Acquisition of property - Authority of agency

(a)
The wildlife resources agency is authorized and empowered to acquire by purchase, gift, lease or otherwise, and to hold title to, in the name of the state of Tennessee, lands and waters to be known as the state wildlife preserves, and also is authorized to execute on behalf of the state valid and binding contracts, for the purchase, sale and lease of such wildlife preserves as are deemed for the best interest of the state in establishing a system of state wildlife preserves.
(b)
The agency is hereby expressly authorized to pay out of the wildlife resources fund the pro rata part of any current real property taxes due and owing on any real property that the commission may acquire by purchase or otherwise for the calendar year in which such property may be acquired.
(c)
The agency shall not construct or authorize the construction of dikes, dams, levees, or other artificial structures on preserve property in such a way as to cause flooding on adjacent private lands or to restrict natural drainage of private lands through such preserves. Affected landowners may seek injunctive relief to enforce these provisions and prevent harm to their properties.
(d)
The agency, in acquiring property adjacent to Reelfoot Lake and the state lands surrounding it, may proceed to acquire such lands under title 29, chapter 17, parts 7 and 8, in order to expedite the acquisition of the title to such lands.
Acts 1937, ch. 252, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.13 (Williams, § 5176.6); Acts 1959, ch. 126, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 9; 1974, ch. 481, § 21; modified; 1975, ch. 213, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-602; Acts 1985, ch. 350, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-103 - Acquisition of delinquent tax lands

The agency or its authorized representatives are empowered and authorized to examine delinquent tax lists in the hands of the trustees of the various counties of the state, as well as the commissioner of revenue, and shall cooperate with the county trustees, the commissioner of revenue, or any back tax attorneys, in obtaining the sale of land and waters that, in its opinion, are suitable for state wildlife preserves, and shall cooperate with the governor in acquiring title to such lands and waters in the name of the state and the dedication of the lands and waters as state wildlife preserves.
Acts 1937, ch. 252, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.13 (Williams, § 5176.6); impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 14; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-603.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-104 - Payment for lands and waters - Procedure upon default

(a)
In acquiring lands and waters for wildlife preserves and in executing contracts for the purchase, sale, or lease of such state wildlife preserves, as provided for in §§
70-1-302(a) and (b)
,
70-5-102
and
70-5-103
, the agency is authorized to acquire and pay for such lands and waters in the name of the state over a period of years, and is authorized to execute promissory notes as evidence of the deferred payments, such notes in no event to bear interest in excess of three percent (3%) per annum, but shall incur no personal liability by reason of the execution of such deferred purchase money notes.
(b)
In the event the state defaults in the payment of such purchase money notes, the holder or holders of vendors' liens to secure the payment of the purchase price shall have a right to bring a proceeding in rem in a court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of enforcing such vendors' liens and acquiring title to the property, but in no event shall the holder of such vendors' liens or deferred notes have a right to obtain a deficiency judgment against the state or any state official.
Acts 1939, ch. 162, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1949, ch. 50, § 10; C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.13 (Williams, § 5176.6); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 5, 22; Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; modified; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-604.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-105 - Dedication of property for preserves by governor

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-106 - Establishment of fish preserves - Powers of commission - Penalty for violations

(a)
The fish and wildlife commission has the power and authority, in its discretion, to set aside waters within the jurisdiction of the state as fish preserves in which it is unlawful to take, catch or kill fish, or to attempt to do so, except as provided in this section.
(b)
Upon the establishment of such fish preserves, notices of such establishment shall be inserted once in a newspaper regularly published in each of the counties in which such designated waters are located, or if there be no newspaper published in any such county, the notice of such establishment shall be once inserted in a newspaper published in the county nearest to which such waters are located.
(c)
The commission has the power and authority to close the waters against fishing of all kinds, and to reopen the same for fishing when it deems the water has been closed a sufficient time for restocking.
(d)
Notices of the establishment of such fish preserves shall also be posted in conspicuous places surrounding or along the route of the waters designated.
(e)
A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 21 (Williams, § 5178.50); Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-606; Acts 1989, ch. 591, §113; 2012 , ch. 993, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-108 - Acquisition of game and fish rights on private property - Nature of rights acquired - Penalty for violations

(a)
The executive director is authorized and empowered to acquire by gift, devise, lease, purchase or otherwise the exclusive game and fish rights on any privately owned lands or waters in this state, which game and fish rights shall include the right to manage, administer, protect, stock, and propagate wild birds, wild animals and fish upon these areas, and the right to permit hunting and fishing upon these areas in accordance with rules and regulations proclaimed by the commission.
(b)
Any violation of such rules and regulations proclaimed by the commission is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c)
The game and fish rights authorized to be acquired in this section shall be acquired for any period of years that the private owner may agree to by appropriate instruments in writing, signed and acknowledged by the owner or owners of the areas, and the executive director is hereby authorized to have these leases duly recorded in the office of the register of deeds for the county or counties in which the land is located.
Acts 1941, ch. 103, §§ 1, 2; C. Supp. 1950, §§5193.4, 5193.5 (Williams, §§ 5193.3, 5193.4); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7, 17; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 51-613, 51-614; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-109 - Posting notices of rules and regulations

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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-110 - Release or sublet of rights secured

The executive director, or the executive director's successor, is empowered to release or sublet the rights secured from private individuals to any other public agency of the state or federal government for management purposes.
Acts 1941, ch. 103, § 4; C. Supp. 1950, § 5193.7 (Williams, § 5193.6); impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, §§ 6, 7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-616.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 5 - WILDLIFE PRESERVES AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (§§ 70-5-101 — 70-5-113) › Section 70-5-112 - Definitions - Reelfoot Lake - Diversion of water

(a)
As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Entity of state or local government" means each department, commission, board, agency, council, utility district, drainage district, levee district, or other governmental unit or body created constitutionally or by enactment or action of state government, local government, or any subdivision of state or local government;
(2)
"Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, or association;
(3)
"Project" means any activity, operation, construction, building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be the discharge of water; and
(4)
"Water" means any and all water, public or private, on or beneath the surface of the ground, which is contained within, flows through, or borders upon the watershed of Reelfoot Lake or any portion of Reelfoot Lake, except those bodies of water confined to and retained within the limits of private property in single ownership that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface, subsurface, or underground waters.
(b)
Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, without the prior written approval of the executive director of the agency, or the executive director's designee, no official, employee, or agent of any entity of state or local government, nor any other person, shall authorize, undertake, or engage in any activity, practice, or project that has or is likely to have the effect of diverting surface or subsurface water that would otherwise flow into Reelfoot Lake. Furthermore, without such prior written approval, no such official, employee, or agent, nor any other person, shall authorize, undertake, or engage in any activity, practice, or project that has or is likely to have the effect of draining or otherwise removing water from Reelfoot Lake. The executive director shall promulgate rules, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, that establish procedures for obtaining such approval and that delineate the circumstances and conditions, if any, under which such diversion, drainage, or removal may be permitted without detrimental impact upon the management, protection, preservation, or enhancement of Reelfoot Lake or its fish, waterfowl, and wildlife populations and habitats.
(c)
Each violation of this section constitutes a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00). Any violation that continues into a successive day shall be regarded as a separate offense.
Acts 1986, ch. 670, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 6 - ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-202) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-107) › Section 70-6-101 - Enforcement authority - Inspection of game - Penalty for refusing to allow inspection - Regulations

(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.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 6 - ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-202) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-107) › Section 70-6-102 - Each unlawful taking and device deemed separate offense - Penalty

Each wild animal, wild bird, wild fowl, or fish caught, taken, killed, captured, destroyed, shipped, offered or received for shipment, transported, bought, sold or bartered, or had in possession, and each trap, snare, net or other device used or attempted to be used in violation of this title constitutes a separate offense and, unless a specific penalty is otherwise provided, is punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00) for each offense.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 52 (Williams, § 5178.81); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-702.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 6 - ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-202) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-107) › Section 70-6-103 - Penalties for violation of title

(a)
The violation of any of the provisions of §
70-1-206
, §
70-1-302(a) and (b)
, §
70-1-304(1), (2) and (4)
, §
70-1-305
, §
70-1-306(c)-(h)
, §
70-1-307
, §
70-1-308(a)
, §
70-2-206
, chapter 3 of this title, §
70-4-105
or §
70-5-103
, is a Class C misdemeanor.
(b)
The violation of any provisions of this title for which a penalty has not been expressly provided is a Class C misdemeanor, and in case of a corporation, every participating officer or agent, or both, of the corporation shall be guilty and punished as stated in this section.
Acts 1937, ch. 84, § 87-B, as added by Acts 1941, ch. 127, § 11; 1943, ch. 76, § 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 5178.106; Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 71 (Williams, §§ 5176.87b, 5178.100); modified; impl. am. Acts 1975, ch. 42, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-703; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 6 - ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-202) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-107) › Section 70-6-104 - Trial for violations - Jurisdiction - Appeals

(a)
When any person is arrested for any violation of the wildlife laws, it is the duty of the arresting officer making or causing the arrest to take the person so arrested before a court of general sessions for trial, in the county where the offense was committed. If before such court of general sessions, the accused is found guilty of any offense punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) or less, that person shall have the right to appeal to the circuit or criminal court having jurisdiction of such appeals, upon giving security for the amount of the fine and imposed costs. In the cases of offenses punishable by a fine of more than fifty dollars ($50.00) or by imprisonment, then the magistrate or court of general sessions is governed by the general laws applicable to such offenses.
(b)
If the circuit court has concurrent jurisdiction with or as a criminal court in any county, then the circuit court shall likewise have jurisdiction over any offense for violation of any of the provisions of this title.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 69 (Williams, § 5178.98); 1957, ch. 382, § 9; impl. am. Acts 1974, ch. 481, § 21; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, § 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-704.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 70 - WILDLIFE RESOURCES (§§ 70-1-101 — 70-9-107) › Chapter 6 - ENFORCEMENT OF WILDLIFE LAWS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-202) › Part 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 70-6-101 — 70-6-107) › Section 70-6-105 - Mistake of fact not a defense

In any prosecution for the violation of any of the provisions of this title, it is not a defense that the person killing, taking, selling, shipping or storing any animals, fish or birds was mistaken as to its variety, sex, age or size, it being one of the purposes of this section to penalize recklessness resulting in the violation of this title's provisions.
Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 65 (Williams, § 5178.94); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-705.