TN Predator Hunting Regulations

B

Blake

New member
Guys,

Just wanted to keep you posted on the progress of my petition for changes in hunting regulations pertaining to predators. I believe it will be legal to hunt foxes with centerfires. Although feedback from state officials has been very positive, this may be the only change we get. Eliminating caliber restrictions during deer season seems unlikely at this point. I have argued that we should be allowed to pursue predators with firearms during deer season (especially archery and muzzleloader). Additionally, the proposition of legalizing buckshot for predators seems unlikely, primarily because of a perceived belief that this will somehow increase instances of poaching. This false perception logic is also applied to eliminating caliber restrictions during deer season. It has been proven time and again, that laws will not govern those that would break them. Laws are followed by the lawful, and in no way deter deviants. That being stated, what I/we need is an e-mail from those of you who support any or all of the proposed changes regarding predator hunting voicing your support. I am trying to decide whether or not to send a flurry of e-mails to TWRA officials, and determine whether this would help or hinder the cause? For those of you who feel compelled, please send me an e-mail in response to these topics: 1) Should centerfire rifles be legal for shooting foxes? 2) Should buckshot be legal for shooting predators? 3) Should the caliber restrictions during deer season be eliminated, especially during archery and muzzleloader season? 4) If these changes are implemented, should they also be included on our WMA lands? Let me know. [url=mailto:blakephillipy@charter.net.
 
Revision:

After speaking with a TWRA official who happens to be an avid predator hunter, I now believe that we should be very pleased with a change in regulations pertaining to fox hunting and put the buckshot and caliber restrictions proposal on the back burner. It seems, that in our political landscape, raising too many points could possibly create a more restrictive environment down the road. In lieu of this possibility, it seems the prudent action to take is to wait a year or two, and then submit another proposal. I was assured that the point would be made for allowing us to hunt with .22 centerfires and smaller during muzzleloader and archery deer season, but right now, it seems unlikely that it would pass. I believe that opposition to buckshot is so strong, that it will never be passed. Anyway, just thought I'd keep you posted. I do think of this as very positive change and that we may be able to effect more change in the future.

Blake
 
Blake,
Thank you and everyone who have went out of their way to do what they can.
Some of us have been trying to get a few of our “predator hunting laws” changed in Tennessee over the past years, it's been tough. Let's face the facts... Income from small game hunters license fees help but proceeds from the sale of resident and non-resident big game licenses makes up a larger volume of revenue for the TWRA. Combined, this money is used to help all wildlife. The habitat bought and maintained for deer and other large game will also benefit small game including predators. Basically, big game is big business for TWRA but if it still helps all of us enjoy our sport....
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A special note For Tennessee hunters.

TWRA is getting ready to set the “new” hunting regulations for 2003-2004 in the near future. This may be of interest to some. Tennessee hunters may want to check out the proposed drafts in the links below.

From the TWRA website:

TWRA PROPOSED PROCLAMATIONS FOR THE 2003/2004 HUNTING SEASONS

TWRA home page: http://www.state.tn.us/twra/
"draft" proclamations: http://www.state.tn.us/twra/proccomm.html
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This is a draft of the proposed 2003-2004 regulations, nothing has been cast in stone... yet.
I have not had time to read every line but so far it looks like little has changed for predator hunters. Some of our big game dates may be altered, basically the rest of the mess looks to be the same as last year. Unless the commissioners decide to re-re-change the new regulations draft. If you hunt coyotes, bobcats, foxes, feral hogs, crows, beaver and groundhogs with centerfire firearms and/or shotguns please take note... As most know as in previous years, with the current game laws, small game license holders are limited to rimfire firearms and shotguns using up to and including #4 birdshot during ALL big game seasons. This includes archery only and muzzleloader only seasons. Licensed big game hunters can take some of these animals during gun/archery seasons and young sportsmen’s hunts using legal firearms designated for big game. According to TWRA, rule changes or not, the 2003-2004 hunting guide will be available in late July, 2003.

Coyotehunter_1
 
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