§ 70-4-101 — Ownership and title to wildlife vested in the state

(a) The ownership of and title to all forms of wildlife within the jurisdiction of the state that are not individual property under the laws of the land are hereby declared to be in the state. No wildlife shall be taken or killed in any manner or at any time, except the person or persons so taking or killing the wildlife shall consent that the title to the wildlife shall be and shall remain in the state for the possession, use and transportation of the wildlife after such taking or killing as set forth in this chapter. (b) The taking or killing of any and all forms of wildlife at any time, in any manner, and by any person, shall be deemed a consent on the part of such person that the title to such wildlife shall be and shall remain in the state for the purpose of regulating the possession, use, sale and transportation of the wildlife for the public welfare.

Legislative History

Acts 1951, ch. 115, § 1 (Williams, § 5178.30); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 51-401.