Avoiding Unlawful Carrying or Possession

Unlawful carrying or possession of handguns is covered in TCA Title 39 and Title 70.

• Section 39-17-1307:
  • It is illegal to carry a firearm with the intent to go armed.
  • It illegal to possess a firearm if you have been convicted of a felony crime of violence, an attempt to commit a felony crime of violence, a felony involving the use of a deadly weapon, or a felony drug offense.
  • It is also illegal to possess a firearm if you:
    • Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or…
    • Are under a protective order or…
    • Are prohibited from possessing a firearm under any other state or federal law.
• Section 70-4-103: It is illegal for any person who is accompanying or training a fox hound, rabbit dog, or bird dog to possess any firearm except during the regular open hunting season.
• Section 70-4-112: It is illegal for any person who is chasing raccoons with dogs to use or carry a firearm except during an open season for killing or taking raccoons. It is always illegal to shoot a raccoon from a vehicle or a boat.
• Section 70-4-117:
  • It is illegal to possess a firearm in, on, or while crossing any refuge, public hunting area, or wildlife management area frequented or inhabited by big game except during legal big game seasons in these areas.
  • Unless authorized by state law, it is illegal to possess a handgun in the portion of any refuge, public hunting area, or wildlife management area that is within the boundaries of a state park or state natural area. This includes anyone with a Handgun Carry Permit.