Where can I go hot hunting in TN?

[Guest markwilson]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum. I've lived in Knoxville for several years now, but with work and family I haven't made it hunting since I've moved here. I was wondering if anyone could give me some information on hog hunting here in East Tennessee? I've heard multiple things on the topic. I'm  not looking for a guided hunt. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Good places for deer hunting would be welcome as well.

[peejman]

https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/mammals/large/wild-hog.html

There is no "hunting season" for hogs in TN.  You can kill hogs only on your property or property owned by a family member.  You can kill them if you happen to see one while hunting deer or bear, depending on the area. 

As for deer, there's a handful of WMA's around or private property. 

[Handsome Rob]

In TN, unless you know a private land owner with a BAD hog problem, you can basically forget it.

There are plenty around, but chasing the things around the eastern mountains, without dogs, is an exercise in futility. They're extremely wary, have immense ranges & are virtually nocturnal. 

There's always a chance you might bump into one, every now & then, but you've got to be super dedicated to actually target the things with any chance of success.

Honestly, I'd take a run to south Carolina, Georgia, Alabama or Florida to stand a reasonable chance. It's a cheap hunting vacation on public land. Usually a $40-100 license plus traveling expenses.

Altamaha wild fowl management area in south Georgia is a quick 8 hour drive & is thick with the things. There's great fishing, primitive camping (or cheap hotels in Darien) and several thousand acres of swampy wetlands to roam around in. It's mostly muzzleloader/shotgun only, but that's absolutely no disadvantage as you can only really see 50yds max in the palmettos anyway! I've never NOT seen hogs when I've been there (and lots of cotton mouths....) & generally average a pig a day, if I put the time in. A good GPS is essential, as is at least one thermacell, and not being afraid of lots of walking in ankle-ball deep water. It's mostly miserable as hell, to be honest. 90+ degrees with matching humidity, but it's the most pork rich environment I've ever hunted, this side of west Texas.