Tennessee committee approves bait hunting bill and legalizes fluorescent pink for hunting safety

The Tennessee House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including House Bill 646, which aims to expand hunting safety regulations, and House Bill 938, which addresses deer hunting practices.

House Bill 646, introduced by Representative Karringer, proposes the addition of fluorescent pink as an acceptable safety color for hunters, alongside the traditional fluorescent orange. This change is intended to promote inclusivity in hunting, particularly encouraging female participation, as Tennessee boasts a significant population of women hunters. The bill received unanimous support, passing with 10 votes in favor and none against, and will now advance to the health committee.

In contrast, House Bill 938, presented by Representative Caplan, has sparked a more contentious debate. This bill seeks to permit the hunting of white-tailed deer with bait on private land, requiring hunters to obtain a bait privilege license. The proposed legislation includes a fee structure, with $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents, and grants the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) authority to regulate bait types and monitor potential disease spread among wildlife.

During the discussion, concerns were raised regarding the ecological and ethical implications of bait hunting. Some committee members expressed worries about the potential for disease transmission among deer and other wildlife due to baiting practices. Additionally, there were objections from hunters who feel that baiting undermines the skill and tradition of hunting, reducing it to a less challenging activity.

Despite these concerns, Representative Caplan defended the bill, emphasizing its goal of establishing a regulated framework for bait hunting that would allow for better tracking of wildlife health and behavior. The committee ultimately voted in favor of the amendment to the bill, which will now proceed through the legislative process.

As these discussions unfold, the implications of these bills could significantly impact hunting practices and wildlife management in Tennessee, reflecting broader trends in outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. The committee's decisions will likely resonate with both the hunting community and environmental advocates as they navigate the balance between tradition and modern practices in wildlife management.