Animals and Fish - Historical Notes

The following is a listing of acts that at one time affected, but no longer appear to have any effect on, hunting, fishing or animal control in Henderson County.  They are included herein for reference purposes.  Also referenced below is an act which repeals prior law without providing new substantive provisions.

1. Private Acts of 1897, Chapter 190, made it a misdemeanor to hunt, capture, kill, shoot, or wound any quail or partridge in Henderson County from April 1 through October 1, to do so at any time on the land of another without permission, or to export quail or partridge from Henderson County.  Violators could be fined from $5 to $15 for each offense, and for each quail or partridge killed out of season.  Section 5 of this act, which gave the Grand Jury inquisitorial powers to enforce the act, was repealed by Public Acts of 1899, Chapter 20. 
2. Private Acts of 1897, Chapter 242, provided that residents of Henderson, Loudon and Claiborne Counties could catch fish at any time except from April 1 until June 1 each year, by any means except by wing net, poison, dynamite or other explosives.
3. Private Acts of 1917, Chapter 203, made it illegal to hunt, shoot or trap quail in Henderson County except from December 15 to the following February 15 each year.  Fines ranged from $10 to $50 and the Court could impose a jail sentence of up to 30 days after the first offense.
4. Private Acts of 1917, Chapter 650, made it unlawful for owners or keepers to allow their horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, or any other kind of livestock to run at large in Henderson County.  Violators could be fined from $5 to $25 and imprisoned up to 60 days.  Any person damaged by trespassing stock was given a lien on the stock which could be enforced within 60 days from the date of the damage.  The Sheriff or Constable was directed to impound the trespassing stock, and, if not claimed by the owner in ten days, to sell the same at public outcry to the highest bidder.  Out of the proceeds of the sale, the officers were allowed to keep 25¢ for each animal impounded and 10¢ to 25¢ a day per animal for boarding them.  The remainder of the sale proceeds would be paid into the public school fund. 
5. Private Acts of 1933, Chapter 745, declared it unlawful for any non-resident of Henderson County to hunt or kill wild game unless in the company of a resident of the county, or upon land owned or leased by the non-resident.  The act did not apply to hunting or fishing clubs.  Bag limits were 10 squirrels and 15 quail or partridges.  No traps, snares or deadfalls could be lawfully used.  Selling the game or shipping it out of the county was unlawful.
6. Private Acts of 1935, Chapter 700, authorized J. W. Butler to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in Henderson County and its vicinity provided that he first furnish proof to the State Board of Veterinary Examiners of his age and good moral character, and of a practice of at least four years duration, and then upon payment of the proper fees, a license to practice would be issued to Butler.
7. Private Acts of 1945, Chapter 77, authorized Chester L. Goff to continue the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery in Henderson County and upon adequate documentation being filed with the Board of Veterinary Examiners and payment of the required fees, a license would be issued to Goff.