WSMV Channel 4 Opponents say proposal would hamper TN deer hunting

Opponents say proposal would hamper TN deer hunting

It could mean millions of dollars for the state, but a proposed new law could also change the sport of deer hunting.

The bill would allow farming of white-tailed deer. The idea has opponents lining up well before lawmakers even consider it.

There are certainly two sides to this issue. While the bill's sponsor calls it an issue of economic development, a leading opponent says it will change the popular sport for the worse.

The pastime often means profit and pride. So when lawmakers pitch a plan to change the rules for deer hunting, they can expect a fight like this.

"The bill would functionally privatize one of the most important wildlife species we have in Tennessee," said Mike Butler, with the Tennessee Wildlife Federation.

"When you try to create jobs down here, people fight you," said State Rep. Frank Niceley, R-Knoxville.

A new bill from Niceley would pave the way for white-tailed deer farms in Tennessee, including captures, imports and privatized hunting.

"So the way you make jobs in Tennessee, it's not real glamorous and you don't make a million of them in one place, but when you roll back these (regulations) and let farmers do things, it creates jobs in rural counties," Rep. Niceley said.

A similar bill failed last year, but those opposed still seem worried about how it might change the sport and introduce disease in the deer population.

"This bill is much more broadly written," Butler said. "You look at states like Texas, Alabama that have had deer farming for a while. Their borders are closed. They're so worried about the diseases, they don't allow you to import deer into their states anymore."

For the bill's sponsor, the opposition doesn't make sense.

"Their arguments don't hold water," Niceley said.

The state already allows deer farming of other species. For Niceley, this bill would simply boost the options and the bottom line for rural farmers.

"Sell them to restaurants, sell them to different places. Let them run through auctions," he said. "It's economic development, and like I say, I have the hardest time trying to create jobs and the people that are fighting me are the people who already have jobs."

The state wildlife federation sent out an email to 60,000 supporters Monday, urging them to get involved in this issue.

The director tells Channel 4 they are receiving, in return, about five emails back every single minute.

The House Agriculture Committee will take up this bill Tuesday.

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