![Big South Fork wild hogs]()
Wild hogs are seen rooting in a sensitive area. Hog season opens later this month in Big South Fork. National Park Service
ONEIDA — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area this week announced regulations for those wanting to kill invasive wild hogs during the 2022 fall and winter seasons.
Most hog populations within the protected areas of BSF are believed to be present on the Tennessee side of the park, which spans the Kentucky border. Feral hogs have been present in East Tennessee for generations. They destroy local flora and fauna mainly by rooting in low-lying mountain and valley areas. They are especially fond of salamanders, many species of which are in grave decline. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hunters are regularly deployed to cull hogs throughout the park.
“The wild hog is an invasive exotic species that has a significant negative impact to native species and do a great deal of damage to farmlands and residential areas. The damage they cause threatens park resources including federally listed plants,” according to a release from the park service.
“Deer hunting season opened in Tennessee Sept. 24. During these big game seasons, wild hogs may be harvested with the appropriate weapon that is legal for that specific season and during an extended hog hunting season that lasts from the end of the deer season until the end of February.”
To clarify:
- Archery season: a hog hunter can hunt with a bow or crossbow.
- Muzzleloader season: you can hunt with a muzzleloader, crossbow or bow.
- Rifle season: you can hunt with a bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun or pistol.
- Extended hog season you can hunt hogs with anything as long as it is legal for harvesting a deer.
Hunters in search of wild hogs in the area are told to go to the Tennessee side of the park.
For more information on hog permits, contact Big South Fork NRRA at (423) 286-7275, or Obed WSR at (423) 346-6294.
