Keep an eye out guys!

[John M]

I didn't know the Corps owned the whole lake just because they put a dam across a river.  Just another way government takes away our freedom. 

[MikeA]

Those are my Simms/Sage Xi-G4 extra deluxe cold weather boat shoes. Ohh and no, the box of worms is a bilge pump. Although a box of worms might not have been a bad idea that day.

[kaisersoze]

Well, we'll just call them ninja slippers.

[MikeA]

Whatever Pal!

[Steve H]

Man, one good reason to have your permit.

Just FYI, review this thread on the same topic about the legalities of carrying on Corps of Engineers water:

http://www.fishingtn.com/showthread.php?t=3007

The federal reg would override state carry law.

As I said in that thread, I'm not saying "don't carry."  There's that old saying about "It's better to be judged by twelve than carried by six."  But since it's not legal, you want to be discreet about it.

bd

Always discreet BD.

I was provided this from the TWRA from a different resource, how would you think this would apply?

Photo removed.

[bd]

Always discreet BD.

I was provided this from the TWRA from a different resource, how would you think this would apply?

I don't think it would help much by itself.  The CFR is federal law, which trumps state law.  I especially wouldn't feel safe with a letter from a state agency giving advice contrary to a federal reg.  In the unlikely event that you ever find yourself crossways with the Coast Guard, a letter from TWRA isn't going to impress them.

The CFR does say you can carry if you have "written permission from the District Commander."  I don't know how hard it is to get that permission. 

I assume you could write a letter to the District Commander's office, attach the letter from TWRA, and include a copy of your carry permit as evidence that you're responsible and have a clean record.  Wouldn't cost anything to ask.

bd

[Steve H]

bd, thanks and you have confirmed what I always thought.

[Steve H]

BD, here is what I got from an officer on a gun board I am on. He did the research and posted this. I am only copying and pasting:

....snip....

OK..

Heres what we have. First off, copy and put into your boat and if need be use the letter above. Its about all there really is in writing, but its concrete solid.

Heres what else I found out. You CAN carry on the waterways of the State of Tennessee. You can also carry on waterways of reciprocity States as long as that states laws dont specifically prohibit it. The Cumberland and Tennessee navigable and historically navigable river waterways and tributaries are included in this.

The United States Coast Guard has Law Enforcement jurisdiction on those navigable water ways. They fall back to whatever State Law they are enforcing it at the time of a stop. They have given the TWRA law enforcement powers and jurisdictions on those waterways as well. So basically the only two Law Enforcement jurisdictions, besides some local yahoo, that should be stopping you are good to go with your legal State Permitted Carrying of a Firearm.

Back to the earlier questions at hand. The Tennessee River actually goes from Paducha Kentucky river marker 0... to where the Holston and French Broad rivers combine around river marker 652... then you have the "Historically navigable" part that extends way further then that up the Holston and French Broad and their tributaries. You are good to go carrying on either part... technically.

So yes... your good to go on the waterways. If you see a legal park posting then you cant enter the park. (although I think there is a legal exemption here, haven't found it yet)

TVA Property... Well if your absolutely sure the lake is absolutely owned in its entirety by the TVA, and they have 100% Law Enforcement powers on said lake and property... and you see a sign that corresponds with the appropriate law saying NOT TO CARRY FIREARMS... then simply leave your gun at home or go to another lake. Now if the "Lake" in question has or has ever had navigable or historically navigable waterways of the Tennessee or Cumberland River or any other navigable river then thats another story.

U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS has no legal Law Enforcement powers on the lakes of any tributary of a navigable waterway. They simply cover flood prevention and flood easements. BTW.. Just Dont try and enter a DAM with a gun!

I complied this information via the State of Tennessee Dept of Safety, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Law Enforcment Div, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit (Paducah, Kentucky) U.S. Coast Guard District 8 Legal Dept.(Nashville, Tennessee) and U.S Army Corp. of Engineers.

So thats it in a nut shell. Btw.. still looking for my other letters.

....snip....

[kingfish]

I went cat fishing on Old Hickory Friday night with no luck.  I didn't spot the Ol' Hick Bandits either.