News Release

Harvesting Wild Hogs at Obed WSR and Big South Fork NRRA

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 2, 2025

Contact: Christopher Derman, [phone]

Oneida, Tennessee: Deer hunting season opens in Kentucky on September 6, and September 27, in Tennessee. During big game season, wild hogs may be harvested with the appropriate weapon that is legal for that specific season. In Tennessee, hog hunting may continue during the extended season and will end at sunset on Saturday, February 28, 2026. In Kentucky, hog hunting will end at sunset on Monday, January 19, 2026.

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 recommended for those who wish to hunt wild hogs.

A $5 hog hunting permit is required to hunt hogs and may be purchased online at http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/hog-hunting.htm, or http://www.nps.gov/obed/planyourvisit/permits.htm.

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.

The wild hog is an invasive exotic species that has a significant negative impact to native species and does a great deal of damage to farmlands and residential areas. The damage they cause threatens park resources including federally listed plants.

For more information on hog permits, contact Bandy Creek Visitor Center at [phone], or Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center at [phone].
 

www.nps.gov

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