This is what I got done a couple of years ago. This is the E-mail and response I received.
On page 12 of the 2008-2009 Hunting and trapping guide there is inaccurate information. In the section Illegal Equipment #10, it states that it is illegal to possess a short barreled shotgun or rifle therefore it is unlawful to hunt with one. It has never been illegal to possess a short barreled rifle or shotgun. All you have to do is fill out a form 4 or form 1 as per ATF instructions. This includes a background check, finger print cards, and a sign off by the local Sheriff. This is sent to the ATF with a $200 check. The ATF dose a thorough background check and if you are clean you are given a $200 tax stamp on your form 4 or 1. You must keep this form with the gun at all times. The process takes up to four months. If it is your opinion that these firearms are dangerous due to their shorter barrel I refer you to page 16 Legal Equipment #6. It states that center fire handguns firing a single projectile and having a barrel length of four inches or more....... Some of the hand guns have 14 to 16 inch barrels on them, the addition of a stock would only make them safer to handle. I am not implying that some one should be able to hunt with a illegal firearm I am merely suggesting that the rules allow for someone who legally owns one of these firearms be aloud to hunt with them.
Thank you for your time
XXXXX XXXXXX
The response I received
Mr. XXXXX,
You're e-mail has been forwarded to me for a response.
Paragraph 10, page 12 of the 2008 Hunting & Trapping Guide incorrectly states why short barrel rifles and shotguns are illegal to use for hunting. The reason is because the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission has not proclaimed them for use in hunting.
Thank you for bringing our attention to this matter.
Sheryl D. Holtam
General Counsel
TN Wildlife Resources Agency
PO Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
615-781-6606 phone
615-781-5264 fax
Sheryl.Holtam@state.tn.us
They were removed from the illegal equipment list the next season.