Bill > HB0938

This bill modifies Tennessee hunting regulations by creating a new "deer bait privilege license" that allows hunters to use bait when hunting whitetail deer and wild-appearing swine on privately owned or leased land. Hunters must purchase this specific license, which costs $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents, and all members of a hunting party using bait must possess this license, even if they are otherwise exempt from standard hunting license requirements. The Tennessee wildlife agency is granted authority to suspend baiting privileges without refund if necessary to manage wildlife populations and prevent disease spread, and the commission must establish rules by August 1, 2026, specifying acceptable bait types, quantities, and usage conditions. The bill amends existing law to clarify that using bait to attract wildlife for hunting purposes is generally prohibited, but now provides a specific exemption and licensing mechanism for deer hunting. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, and violations of these provisions would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0938&ga=114