Legislation moving through state legislature would give Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission authority over hunting regulations
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By Sha’de Ray
Tennessee bill would shift control of hunting laws from local governments to state
Published: Mar. 23, 2026 at 4:42 PM PDT
SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WVLT) – A bill moving through the Tennessee legislature could shift control of hunting laws from local governments to the state.
State Representative Mark Cochran said city and county leaders have made those decisions for a long time.
He wants to make it clear the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission controls hunting laws.
“TWRA regulates the discharge of a firearm while hunting and so a city couldn’t have a de facto ban,” Cochran said.
Cochran said the bill only addresses hunting and that local government can still regulate shooting guns in dangerous scenarios.
“If it was unsafe in an area to hunt before this bill, it’s still unsafe to hunt, right? If it’s a populated area, a city can and should still cite you in that situation,” Cochran said.
Sweetwater Police Chief Eddie Byrum said for decades, local rules have kept hunters and homeowners at a safe distance.
He is worried a statewide approach might overlook local safety needs.
“I feel strongly that, you know, the local government should have, because the local governments know themselves better. You know, this isn’t just a Sweetwater or a Monroe County issue. This is the state of Tennessee issue now,” Byrum said.
Byrum said he spoke with Cochran about his concerns. Lawmakers then amended the bill.
“For the locals to regulate up to 500 feet from school property and that does give us a buffer area for the schools,” Byrum said.
He said he is relieved with the amendment but would like to see it include churches and other populated areas.
Sterling Phillips is the regional chair for Ducks Unlimited. He said consistent laws across the state would reduce confusion for hunters.
“I think there’s probably some loopholes there that we’re not real clear on, especially to the hunter when you’re hunting in the city,” Phillips said.
Phillips said hunters typically know where to go.
“If it’s a safe area to hunt, you should be able hunt there; if it’s not a safe area to hunt, don’t hunt there,” Phillips said.
Byrum said he understands the need for consistent laws. He said he will continue working with state leaders to keep neighborhoods protected.
Cochran said lawmakers amended the bill on the House floor to address some concerns.
The Senate version is scheduled for a vote Thursday.
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