CROSSVILLE —
Dozens of hunters attended the Cumberland County Commission meeting Monday night to hear if the county would pass a resolution allowing them the right to hunt wild hogs and other game with dogs as controlled by statute.
The resolution passed unanimously and will be forwarded to state Representative Cameron Sexton requesting a private act be passed for Cumberland County.
County Commissioner Carmin Lynch, 9th District, asked what difference the private act would make.
"It's confusing and I wonder what difference a private act will make," Lynch said.
Joe Koester, 5th District commissioner, said he also wondered the same thing and spoke with TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency) about the matter and invited TWRA Region III Wildlife Program Manager Kirk Miles to come to the meeting to answer questions.
Miles explained the main difference between the current law and the private act, or resolution, would be that hunters or landowners would not need a permit to hunt the wild hogs with dogs.
The other significant difference is that, with the private act, there would be no limit as to how many designated hunters could be used to capture or eradicate the hogs from a landowner's property. The discretion would be up to the landowner, who could designate any means necessary to protect their land and property from destruction from free running feral hogs.
The current law sets a limit of 10 designated hunters to help.
"This is a problem. I grow corn and these hogs come into the middle of my field at night and have ruined so much. It's cost a lot of money and it's a big problem," said 7th District Commissioner Mike Harvel.
Lynch said he felt a little nervous about the terminology of using "any means necessary."
"That could be land mines," Lynch said.
After a lengthy discussion, Roy Turner, 7th District commissioner asked Miles, "Would you support this?"
Miles agreed with Lynch's statement, " ... I mean (the resolution) could use some wordsmithing. There's no difference in this than a landowner calling the office and getting a permit ... but the bottom line is that if you feel comfortable with it ... there's very little negative detriment I see in this (resolution). There are no red flags," Miles said.
He did encourage the use of means such as trapping first, then resorting to other means to eradicate the feral hogs.
The resolution was passed after a motion was made by Charles Seiber, 4th District commissioner. It was supported by Nancy Hyder, 2nd District.
Area News
County OKs feral hog hunting resolution
- Area News
-
-
Honoring fallen heroes
-
Laurel Hills POA action questioned by State Attorney General
The Laurel Hills Property Owners Association on Renegade Mountain recently notified Renegade Mountain residents and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation that, effective July 9, 2012, it would no longer provide water service to any party other than itself with its water system.
The action has caused a hearing, scheduled Monday, May 21, before the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA). -
Looking Back
A weekly historical news feature.
-
Homestead named Lighthouse School of Excellence
Although they call themselves the Bulldogs, students at Homestead Elementary School did not mind Principal Robin Perry describing them as butterflies last week.
-
Suspect faces multiple charges in burglaries
A Cumberland County man was arrested in connection with two burglaries during which thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and tools were stolen. Some of the property has been recovered, according to arrest warrant affidavits.
-
School attendance an issue for those over 18
While state law and school system policies are proving helpful in getting younger students to school, school officials are finding increasing absenteeism among students 18 years and older.
-
Report shows Justice Center needs much work to repair leaks
Commissioners on the building and grounds committee made a consensus agreement earlier this week to have the county attorney review an extensive repair estimate report for work needed at the Cumberland County Justice Center in order to repair numerous leaks and problems.
-
Fire engulfs residence
-
School bus driver cited for leaving the scene
A Cumberland County school bus driver was given a summons to court and, according to unconfirmed reports, is no longer employed as a driver, after the bus she was driving with 63 persons on board struck a concrete guard rail and then continued on its way.
-
TSUD removes availability fee
The Tansi Sewer Utility District board of directors voted Wednesday to remove a provision from its rules and regulations that would require those with sewer service availability to pay a one-time availability fee as well as monthly service fees, regardless of if the customer uses the service or not.
- More Area News Headlines
-
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
