News Release

Harvesting Wild Hogs in the Big South Fork NRRA and Obed WSR

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 17, 2024

Contact: Nicholas Melton, [phone]

Contact: Daniel Banks, (423)-286-9059 ext4029

Oneida, Tennessee: Deer hunting season open in Kentucky on September 7 and opens in Tennessee on September 28. During these big game seasons, wild hogs may be harvested 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.

Although an occasional individual hog or its 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. We recommend the Tennessee side of the park 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.

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.

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.

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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