Spotlighting

[Emer-Teacher]

I recently was told by someone that it is now legal to spotlight deer as long as you are not in possesion of a firearm in Tn. Does anyone have any info on this and what the details are? I have found some different post about it on other forums but i know those folks are not as smart as Chattanooga Fishing Forum folks are so i thought i would ask.

 

[catjuggin]

I don't think I'd use that excuse to the judge

 

[buzz]

I believe it's called...."harrassing widlife". Could be wrong. I had a friend years back...that was issued a ticket for it. He turned a curve...and was watching deer in a field...using his headlights. No gun involved.

 

[SpurHunter]

You heard correct. It is now legal to use artificial light to view deer at night, IF you have no weapon in the vehicle.

 

[Emer-Teacher]

Where can i find that info to print out and have with me before they lock me up? haha.....

 

[buzz]

Look in the hunters guide...Tn. On line. Kinda fuzzy reading to me. LEGAL/ILLEGAL methods.

 

[churly]

Spotlighting is good for one thing, poaching. If you wanna see the bucks in an area, invest in a trailcam. In most states, casting a beam of light onto a big game animal is illeagal.

 

[Tangled]

the tennessee hunting guide says that you can use lights to observe wildlife as long as you are not within 500 feet of a home or farm building,unless you have the owners or lessee permission,while in or on a motor vehicle and operating a light and no person has a firearm,crossbow or bow unless; the firearm or bow is taken down or the bow is unstrung,o rthe weapon is securely fastened in a case,or the firearm or bow is locked in the trunk of the vehicle,or the firearm is a handgun. now after reading all this i dont think i would want to be caught spotlighting with headlight or spotlight no matter were the weapon is because then im sure you will be an hour trying to tell the officers you werent hunting, but use your on judgement