In Lauderdale County, Tennessee, a 53-year-old man has admitted to illegally hunting deer on state-owned land, according to WKRN. Terry Sellers, a resident of Henning, faces significant penalties for his actions. He has been ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and will be barred from hunting for six years. His guilty plea covers two counts of illegal possession and one count of hunting without permission, as determined by the Lauderdale County General Sessions Court.

The TWRA detailed that Lieutenant Tim Ward was alerted in January 2025 about a 15-point, double drop-tine deer that had been hunted in Lauderdale County. This particular deer was well-known in the area and frequently seen near West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP), where hunting is strictly forbidden.

Upon receiving the report, Ward initiated an investigation, speaking with various witnesses. To further the investigation, a court-approved warrant allowed law enforcement to access Seller’s cell phone location data, helping them track his whereabouts during the alleged hunting incidents.

Through their investigation, authorities concluded that Sellers had unlawfully hunted three deer on WTSP property. Together, the three bucks amassed a gross score of 491 5/8 inches. The deer were subsequently deemed contraband by Lauderdale County General Sessions Judge Scott Lovelace.

Investigators determined Sellers illegally killed three deer on WTSP property. The three bucks had a combined gross score of 491 5/8 inches and were declared contraband by Lauderdale County General Sessions Judge Scott Lovelace.

The TWRA will now use these deer for educational displays.