2 hunters plead guilty to ‘extensive poaching’ violations in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An investigation into extensive poaching in Middle Tennessee has led to guilty pleas and a lifetime hunting ban for one suspect.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said game wardens in Wilson and Rutherford counties began investigating allegations regarding extensive wildlife poaching in the fall of 2024 after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen.

During the initial investigation, game wardens said they determined two people—identified as Robert Comer and Carson Smith—were engaging in the “illegal hunting of whitetail deer,” as well as the illegal sale and bartering of whitetail deer meat.

The TWRA added that Comer was serving a three-year hunting license revocation due to previous illegal wildlife poaching violations in Tennessee.

Following multiple search warrants, game wardens reportedly seized 50 white-tailed deer heads and antlers, one wild turkey head, and one “illegally possessed” fox squirrel. In addition, one rifle, one muzzleloader and one crossbow, which was allegedly used during multiple hunting violations, were also taken.

According to the TWRA, Comer pleaded guilty to two felony counts of possession/traffic of protected wildlife, one count of illegal take, possession, or destruction of wildlife, and two counts of hunting on revocation. As a result of the guilty plea, Comer was reportedly banned for life from hunting, fishing and trapping. Additionally, Comer received a lifetime ban from any TWRA-controlled lands, was ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution and ordered to serve a 60-day term of incarceration.

Meanwhile, officials said Smith pleaded guilty to three counts of illegal take, possession, or destruction of wildlife; one count of Statewide Bag Game Hunting Season and Bag Limit Violation, and one count of Big Game Tagging Violation. He also received a three-year hunting privilege revocation.

The TWRA is urging anyone with knowledge of hunting violations contact the Poaching Hotline at 800-831-1174. No additional details were immediately released.