Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-02-02-.11 - FIREARMS, TRAPS, AND OTHER WEAPONS

(1) In park, natural, and historical areas the use of traps, seines, handthrown spears, nets (except landing nets), firearms (including air and gas powered pistols and rifles), blow guns, bows and arrows or crossbows, and any other implements designed to discharge missiles in the air or under the water which are capable of destroying animal life are prohibited. The possession of such objects or implements is prohibited unless they are unloaded and adequately cased, or broken down or otherwise packed in such a way as to prevent their use while in the park areas.

(2) Exceptions

(a) Shooters may use recreational target shooting ranges available for skeet, trap and bow and arrow target shooting within a park area as long as these weapons are properly cased when not on the range.

(b) Authorized Federal, State, County and City law enforcement officers may carry firearms in the performance of their official duties.

(c) Persons using park area facilities while participating in authorized open or managed hunts within the park areas or beyond, may use and possess firearms under the specific rules and regulations pertaining to the authorized hunt and only in the authorized hunting zones or compartments.

(d) In accordance with T.C.A. § 39-17-1311, persons who are authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to T.C.A. § 39-17-1351 may carry handguns, unless such persons:

1. Are in the immediate vicinity of an athletic event or other school-related activity on an athletic field sponsored by a school or university: and

2.

(i) or should have known such an athletic event or other school- related activity was taking place, or

(ii) Failed to take reasonable steps to leave the area of the athletic event or school-related activity after being informed of or becoming aware of its use.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0400-02-02-.11

Original rule certified May 24, 1974. Amendment filed August 24, 1987; effective October 8, 1987. Amendment filed June 14, 2010; effective September 12, 2010. Amendments filed March 10, 2016; effective 6/8/2016.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-201 et seq., 11-1-101 et seq., and 11-1-108.