Carrying a sidearm while deer hunting w/rifle

[reef347]

I know that in TN the law says you can't carry a gun while bowhunting.

However is it legal to carry a sidearm while hunting with a muzzleloader or centerfire rifle? I would think it is as long as the sidearm is at least .25 cal (the minmum caliber for handgun deer hunting), but I don't know for sure.

Thanks.

[Billjr]

As long as it meets the requirements to hunt deer with, your fine. The rules changed this year so any 22 caliber centerfire(not rimfire) and larger are legal for hunting deer. Your barrel also has to be a minimum of 4 inches. I almost always carry a fullsize 45 with me when I am deer hunting.

As with most info recieved on forums, dont take my advice as gospel. Double check with the TWRA but I am pretty sure I am correct.

Good Luck.

[johnharris]

[n24wheel]

Yes you can. Since HB 961 passed this year you can carry while hunting anywhere on WMA or private property even while bowhunting. TFA has worked for 4 years on this bill and it is finally law. Below is from the faq section of the TWRA webpage. It became law in July as soon as the Governor signed the bill. The only places you cannot carry is anywhere that human traffic is not allowed (like a nesting area)
David


http://www.state.tn.us/twra/faqmain.html#Miscellaneous
May persons possessing handgun carry permits possess their handguns while on WMAs, PHAs, or refuges open to hunter access?
Recent legislative changes provide that individuals who possess a carry permit may possess their handgun while on TWRA wildlife management areas, public hunting areas, or refuges open to hunter access. The handgun may not be used for taking game unless specifically permited by TWRA regulation. This change will now allow those with carry permits to possess their handgun at times when previously it would not have been permissible such as during archery hunting. TWRA will apply this same interpretation to those possessing carry permits while hunting on private lands.