TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Dec 23, 2025

Six Tennessee duck hunters were cited under a Sweetwater ordinance banning firearm discharge inside city limits, a ruling now headed to the East Tennessee Court of Appeals that could have statewide implications for hunting. The hunters argue the decision conflicts with state law and a 2013 Tennessee attorney general opinion that says cities cannot prohibit lawful, safe hunting authorized under Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations. Although the violation carried only a small fine, their attorney warns the ruling could allow cities to effectively ban hunting locally, undermining uniform statewide wildlife regulation. The case centers on whether municipal firearm ordinances can override state hunting authority, even when hunters comply with safety rules. Fox 17 has more on the developments.