GENERAL <strong>HUNTING</strong> REGULATIONS Possession of Live Animals No person shall, at any time or by any means, possess or transport live animals taken under the authority of the hunting and trapping season proclamations. No native species may be taken out of the wild and kept as pets. Protected Species The taking, killing and/or illegal possession of hawks, owls, songbirds, endangered species or any other species (i.e. snakes) for which a season is not set is prohibited. There is evidence cougars and alligators are expanding their territories into Tennessee. Species expanding their ranges into Tennessee are protected and may not be taken until a hunting season is proclaimed. Alligators and cougars are protected by state laws in Tennessee. Roadkill Law TCA 70-4-115 allows that, except for non-game and federally protected wildlife species, wild game animals accidentally killed by a motor vehicle may be possessed for personal use and consumption. However, possession of a deer or elk killed by a motor vehicle is permitted only if the person notifies the TWRA or any law enforcement officer and supplies his/ her name within 48 hours. A bear killed by a motor vehicle may be possessed only upon the issuance of a receipt from the TWRA. Hunting Hours Crows, doves, ducks (including the early duck season), geese, gallinules, rails, turkey, woodcock, Wilson snipe: Shooting hours are one-half hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset, except for dove hunting on opening day when shooting hours will begin at noon. For all other game species except those listed below, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before legal sunrise to one-half hour after legal sunset. Fox and rabbit chasing, furbearer trapping, raccoon, opossum and bullfrog hunting may be done day or night. Hunting And Trapping On Private Land In Tennessee, state wildlife laws have always required hunters and trappers to obtain permission from landowners to use private property. In fact, it is advisable to get written permission to hunt and is required to trap. With the passage of TCA 70-4-106 in 1990, a “Hunting By Written Permission” law went into effect. Simply, the law states that if private land has been properly posted by the owner with signs that include his or her name and address plus the wording “<strong>HUNTING</strong> BY WRITTEN PERMISSION ONLY,” a hunter or trapper must carry the owner’s written permission (form available at www.tnwildlife.org). If a hunter or trapper is found without that written permission, that hunter or trapper is subject to prosecution. Hunting From Motorized Vehicle or Vessel Where hunting is allowed from vessels, it is legal to hunt from any vessel, so long as the vessel is not under forward motion from any influence of mechanical means or sail. On private property, it is legal to hunt from any motorized vehicle (to include ATVs, golf carts, etc.), provided the vehicle is stationary. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as authorizing hunting from a vessel, automobile, or other motor vehicle while under power. Nothing in this subsection permits hunting from or across a public road or right-of-way. Assisting Hunters Hunters who have filled their seasonal or daily bag limit for any species may continue to accompany other hunters provided they are not in possession of any ammunition or any firearm or archery equipment. This person must also comply with all other legal requirements. Handgun Carry General Regulations Persons with a handgun carry permit pursuant to TCA 39-17-1351 may possess a handgun the entire year while on the premises of any TWRA refuge, public hunting area or wildlife management area, including the North and South Cherokee. Nothing in this subsection shall authorize a person to use any handgun to hunt unless such person is in full compliance with all wildlife laws, rules and regulations. For all other Federally managed properties such as refuges and military installations (example: Oak Ridge WMA) contact that specific facility or location. Free Hunting Day Squirrel Grouse Quail Rabbit Deer/Archery Deer/Muzzleloader Deer/Gun Deer/Young Sportsman Permanent Opening Dates Mandatory Hunter Education All hunters, resident or nonresident, born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must possess proof that they have successfully completed a Hunter Education course. Hunter Education certification is accepted from all other states. Those under 10 years of age do not need a Hunter Education certificate, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age who must remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device. Call your local TWRA office or visit the TWRA’s website at www.tnwildlife.org for a listing of scheduled Hunter Education classes. Fourth Sat. in Aug. Fourth Sat. in Aug. Second Sat. in Oct. First Sat. in Nov. First Sat. in Nov. Fourth Sat. in Sept. Third Sat. before Thanksgiving Sat. before Thanksgiving Last Sat. in Oct. Spring Turkey Sat. closest to April 1 WMA Quota Big Game Hunts WMA Waterfowl Blind Sites Spring Turkey Treestands The TWRA urges all deer hunters hunting from treestands to use a fallrestraint system. Most deer hunting accidents involve hunters falling from a treestand. Proper use of a fall-restraint system could prevent or lessen the severity of these accidents. Tentative Quota Hunt Application Deadlines Fourth Wed. in July Last Wed. in Sept. Third Wed. in Jan. 12 2016-2017 Hunting & Trapping Guide
2016-2017 Hunting & Trapping Guide 13
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