Tullahoma area - please check in here

Originally Posted by Patty

Short Springs is a State Natural Area, and is owned by Tullahoma City. Shooting snakes is illegal, even if you feel threatened, don't do it.

So I can legally shoot a human being when I feel in imminent danger, but not a snake?

Originally Posted by BrandonTN

So I can legally shoot a human being when I feel in imminent danger, but not a snake?

I hiked Machine Falls and Busby Falls today ... didn't see a single snake. I did see a tiny mention of no firearms on a small bulletin board inside the park.

The State defines the park as SHORT SPRINGS CLASS I SCENIC-RECREATION STATE NATURAL AREA.

Since the law specifies HCP carry legal in a "natural area... owned or operated by the state...", it is my opinion that Short Springs falls in with all other State parks and has been legal for HCP carry since July 1.

But one might argue that Short Springs is owned by the combination of the City of Tullahoma, the State and TVA and thus Tullahoma can exempt the park. In this case, the law is clear on jointly owned or operated properties:

If such area is jointly owned or operated by municipalities or counties, then a resolution adopted by a majority vote of all affected legislative bodies, voting individually, is necessary for such municipalities or counties to prohibit persons authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351, from possessing such handgun while within such park.

The State's position is clear that HCP shall be permitted. That might only leave TVA as a problem. But because the law is only specific in the case of areas jointly owned or operated municipalities or counties, I suspect the State's preemption law comes into play.

Thus it is my lay opinion that Short Springs is already HCP cleared! ... just don't shoot the snakes.

Originally Posted by cybernorris

I hiked Machine Falls and Busby Falls today ... didn't see a single snake. I did see a tiny mention of no firearms on a small bulletin board inside the park.

Do you have any info on these falls? I'm always looking for new waterfalls in TN to hike to and photograph.

Originally Posted by BrandonTN

Do you have any info on these falls? I'm always looking for new waterfalls in TN to hike to and photograph.

PM sent ... but for anyone else who comes across this, here's a list of all 615 waterfalls in Tennessee:

Tennessee Landforms -- Waterfalls

Update on Short Springs Nature Area... the TUB GIS indicates the majority is owned by the State. There is a small triangle (where a Charter tower used to be) that is owned by Tullahoma. Thus we can be confident this area is HCP clear as of July 1.

I just drove by Fast Jack's and Daddy Billy's and neither are posted yet!

Maybe they just sounded off for the newspaper and are not gonna follow through.

Still see nothing on the doors at Fast Jack's or Daddy Billy's.

As for the snake issue, the reason why it is illegal is because TWRA does not have a season for snakes. To kill a snake would be similar to a farmer killing a deer or something for eating his beans. It is just a good idea to not even get into a situation with it and just push them out of the way with a stick or something.

If a meeting is organized, I would like to know. I will attend if it is the next two weeks. Otherwise, I am leaving the area for a while and will not be able to attend.