Tennessee Bills Prohibit Hunting on Private Lands

[n24wheel]

2/25/11

Companion bills recently introduced in Tennessee could shut down hunting on large amounts of private land.
Tennessee Bills Prohibit Hunting on Private Lands

House bill 2110, introduced by Representative Gary Odom (D- Nashville), and Senate bill 2028, introduced by Senator Beverly Marrero (D- Memphis), would prohibit hunting on public or private land within 100 yards of a dwelling without first obtaining permission from the owner of the dwelling.

Currently, the 100 yard provision only applies to hunting on public land within 100 yards of a dwelling without permission. Including private lands in this prohibition could severely reduce hunting opportunities for sportsmen across the state.



For example, the bill would prohibit sportsmen from hunting on portions of their own land without their neighbor’s permission if the neighbor’s house was within 100 yards of their property line. If a neighboring landowner refuses to give permission, under this law, sportsmen would be prohibited from hunting portions of their own land.

“There is no justification for prohibiting hunting on portions of private lands,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “This bill is an attack on hunting land access and infringes on private property rights. Sportsmen should not have to get permission from their neighbors just to hunt on their own land.”

Take Action! Tennessee sportsmen should contact their state representatives and senators and ask them to oppose HB 2110 and SB 2028. Tell them there is no justification for limiting hunting land access and for infringing on private property rights. To find your state legislators’ contact information, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.