House Bill 938 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 70-4-113, to clarify regulations regarding hunting with bait. The bill makes it unlawful to use various devices and substances, including bait, to attract wildlife for the purpose of hunting, with specific exceptions. Notably, individuals hunting whitetail deer or wild-appearing swine on private lands may use bait if they possess a valid bait privilege license, which must be obtained similarly to an annual hunting license. The bill also stipulates that those exempt from purchasing a hunting license are still required to obtain a bait privilege license.

Additionally, the bill grants the executive director or their designees the authority to use chemicals or devices to manage wildlife populations under controlled conditions, particularly in response to public health concerns. However, such actions related to controlling diseases like rabies require prior declarations and requests from the county board of health. Violations of these regulations are classified as Class C misdemeanors, with certain exceptions for specific hunting methods. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-4-113