Anybody hunt at Big South Fork?

[KahrMan]

I just found out a special hog season is open until the end of February. My cousin and I are going to go up there next week. If anybody has any info I would appreciate it.

[Guest Mugster]

I've hunted there before. Been a few years. Its rough terrain, and finding a place to do some shooting is hard. I say that, I'm not sure you can appreciate the place until you've spent some time there. I had a sounder of pigs run right past me one time and never saw one, just a few flashes. Its that thick, and the pigs tend to stay in the thick stuff. They don't look like these massive boars you see these pictures of. They run about 125 mebbe 150 for a bigger one from what I've seen, and they are quick and smart. I wound up passing some shots because I was unsure of my impact area, but I'm pretty cautious. I didn't get that many shots either and even fewer good shots. I'm not saying some monsters aren't out there though, I've seen some tracks that were real big.

I think what I'd do is hire a local for a guide. I don't mean scouting on the ground, just drive around or 4 wheeler around and designate some likely areas. You can probably find a local at a market or something for 20 bucks. Get good topo maps. I've got a couple spots, if I can find my maps. I'll look around later tonight.

Its not like hunting 100 acres, where you may have only a couple decent spots to get a shot and the game travels the fencelines and creeks. You can go 10 miles this way or 10 miles that way, whatever you want. Pack heavy, imo, short rifle, long rifle, stand or 2, maybe a blind. Never know what you might need.

Its really a good place for dogs, but they only allow that before the new year (I think).

Good luck, its alot of fun. Real challenging.

[Guest billwilly73]

A few years ago I went to the information center at Bandy Creek and talked to the Ranger, he was very helpful, he gave me a map and marked several areas for me where the hogs were tearing up the place and being seen. You can also talk to the guy running the check-in shack at the campground or maybe some of the horseback riders.

[Guest Bronker]

I just found out a special hog season is open until the end of February. My cousin and I are going to go up there next week. If anybody has any info I would appreciate it.

Kahrman, if you look in the new Tennessee Outdoor News from somewhere (Walmart has them in sporting goods) you'll see an article my dad wrote about his and my uncle's experience at South Fork. They are in there for sure, but hard to get to. You can email my dad from the article and he can help you out! I was going myself this year maybe. Let you know if I do.

[KahrMan]

Thanks for the info guys. Was thinking about going tomorrow but weather might be an issue. I will start a new thread after I go about the trip.