The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has uncovered a case of illegal hunting in Wilson and Rutherford counties. Following a tip from a local resident last fall, an investigation revealed that Robert E. Comer and Carson Smith engaged in unauthorized hunting of whitetail deer and the trafficking of the meat. Comer, who was already prohibited from hunting due to previous offenses, and Smith were both implicated, according to TWRA.
The extent of the violations came to light when game wardens executed multiple search warrants, resulting in the seizure of numerous wildlife trophies and illegal hunting equipment. As per TWRA, authorities confiscated 50 white-tailed deer heads and antlers, one wild turkey head, and one illegally possessed fox squirrel. In addition, a rifle, a muzzleloader, and a crossbow used in the illegal hunting were also seized.
Robert E. Comer pled guilty to multiple wildlife-related charges, including two felony counts of Possession/Traffic of Protected Wildlife. He received a lifetime ban on hunting, fishing, trapping, and accessing TWRA-managed lands, along with a $15,000 restitution payment—partly tied to a 2022 conviction—and a 60-day prison sentence. Carson Smith also pled guilty and was sentenced to a three-year revocation of his hunting privileges…