The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Tuesday, 17 September 2024 10:06

Save our salamanders: Shoot wild swine in Big South Fork for $5

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Big South Fork wild hogsWild hogs root in a sensitive area in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.  National Park Service

Tennessee side of Big South Fork best for hunting invasive hogs

Daniel Banks is a public information officer at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

ONEIDA  Deer hunting season opened in Kentucky on Sept. 7 and opens in Tennessee on Sept. 28. During these big game seasons, wild hogs may be harvested by licensed hunters with the appropriate weapon that is legal for that specific season.

There is also an extended hog hunting season that lasts from the end of the deer season until the end of February with a weapon that is approved by that state for harvesting big game.

The wild hog is an invasive exotic species that has a significant negative impact on 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. (Their rooting also damages salamander and other amphibian habitat).

(Check out this video of natural pest control: A bear eating a hog in Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

Although an occasional individual hog or tracks are sighted in Kentucky, based on the current research and knowledge, there are no known wild hog populations on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The Tennessee side of the park is best for those who wish to hunt wild hogs. 

A $5 hog hunting permit is required to hunt hogs and may be purchased online

In addition, a valid state hunting license is required to purchase the hog permit. There is no limit on the number of hogs that may be harvested, and they are not required to be checked in.  

For more information on hog permits, contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275, or Obed Wild and Scenic River Visitor Center at (423) 346-6294.

  1. Archery season: A hog hunter can hunt with a bow or crossbow.
  2. Muzzleloader season: You can hunt with a muzzleloader, crossbow or bow.
  3. Rifle season: You can hunt with a bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun or pistol.
  4. Extended hog season You can hunt hogs with anything as long as it is legal for harvesting a deer.
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Last modified on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 22:50