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SB 869

Licenses - As enacted, creates a bait privilege license to allow hunting or taking of whitetail deer using bait on privately owned or privately leased land. - Amends TCA Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Tennessee now allows hunters to use bait when hunting whitetail deer on private property with a new license, effective July 2025.

Pub. Ch. 444
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Bill Summary · SB 869

Legislative bill overview

SB 869 creates a new "bait privilege license" in Tennessee that allows hunters to use bait when hunting or taking whitetail deer on privately owned or leased land. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 70 (which governs hunting and fishing regulations) and became effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Baiting deer is a hunting practice that increases success rates but has historically been restricted or prohibited in many jurisdictions due to wildlife management concerns. This bill expands hunting opportunities for private landowners in Tennessee while potentially generating revenue through license fees, though it also raises questions about wildlife population management and disease transmission among deer populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Disease transmission risk: Concentrated bait sites can increase disease spread among deer herds, particularly chronic wasting disease (CWD), which some wildlife agencies actively work to prevent
  • Fair chase concerns: Animal rights and hunting ethics advocates argue baiting reduces the skill required and conflicts with traditional "fair chase" hunting principles
  • Wildlife management impacts: State wildlife biologists may have concerns about how baiting affects natural population dynamics and whether it aligns with broader deer management goals across both public and private lands

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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