Feral pig hunting - Big South Fork

[Guest bang-flash]

So a co-worker and I are interested in hunting hogs in the BSF. I'm looking to gather any and all information to help make this a successful hunt. The tentative plan is to be there sometime middle February for a weekend hunt. Since we work together asking for more time off would be hard. Hence the need to get there and be "on the hunt" quick.

So if you have hunted hogs in the BSF and wouldn't mind sharing what you know, I would be very appreciative.

Specifically I would like to know what tactics would be best. Maybe areas that have good populations of the pigs. Choice of firearms and loadings would also be beneficial.

I understand we need the special permit in addition to the usual TN Hunting license. Because of this I am hesitant about trying the KY side of the park.

Again, any other information would be helpful.

Thanks

[ShaunM]

here is a link with a map. http://www.nps.gov/biso/planyourvisit/hunting.htm

I hunted hogs when I was 15 my friends dad took us and paid for everything, not sure were we went just know it was on the Cumberland Plateau. I do remember I used a bow and a 243 to harvest my animals. It is fun I will tell you that.

[ninja128]

I can't wait to see the feedback on this one. me and a friend have never been hunting and wanted to try the same thing.

[cknight8]

i've hunted at BSF quite a bit in years past...and honestly its been hit or miss. i dont think they have as big a hog problem as they let on honestly, i've seen sign there and actually seen wild hogs running around, just couldnt get a shot on them. i have seen much more concentrated hog sign though at Catoosa WMA, which is a few miles south of BSF as the crow flies. hogs are much more abdundent in that area. bad thing is though Catoosa WMA is a quota/draw hunt only system, and its already tagged out for the year.

[Guest Mugster]

i've hunted at BSF quite a bit in years past...and honestly its been hit or miss. i dont think they have as big a hog problem as they let on honestly, i've seen sign there and actually seen wild hogs running around, just couldnt get a shot on them. i have seen much more concentrated hog sign though at Catoosa WMA, which is a few miles south of BSF as the crow flies. hogs are much more abdundent in that area. bad thing is though Catoosa WMA is a quota/draw hunt only system, and its already tagged out for the year.

+1. But they do have some at least.

As for caliber a .30-30 or a 12ga with a slug should work fine. I'd go with something short and fast handling, .30 caliber or better. I took a .30-30 M94 several years ago. I'd go with my 7.62x39ar and a 1-4x optic on it now I think. Most of the terrain up there, you can't see very far.

[cknight8]

<SNIP>Most of the terrain up there, you can't see very far.

+1000 on this one...that is some rough country up there. in some places rough isnt the right word for it...

[fizik]

Regarding terrain, the rock climbing at big south fork is phenomenal. anyone familiar with the stone door are?

I hadn't thought about that in a while. maybe i schould keep up with this thread and research hunting out there.

[towerclimber37]

here's what I know about hog hunting.

1. use a shotgun with slugs...you never know when you'll run into a hogzilla...especially in short range situations like the one you're describing.

2. it's better to sandpaper your butt and slide down a road flare than it is to be hemmed up with a bunch of wild hogs in close quarters. I know this how? I got ran up a tree by some when I was a boy..that rifle I was carrying? I dropped that sucker faster than a politician taking a bribe, when they started after me..so I could get up a tree.

3. look for dense thickets and game trails..find places where they root around and chances are you'll find them!

4. there's a reason the guys that hog hunt with dogs, buy them kevlar vests so they can tangle with the hogs.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Guest Rem_700]

I live a few mile from BSF and "try" to hunt them regularly during and after deer season during there special season.There are hogs up there,but I have never seen one while i was actually hunting.I think they go nocturnal once gun season opens.I know of some spots that has so much hog sign in it that you can actually smell them.So good luck,your going to need it.

[Guest Fuel]

I used to mtn bike at BSF. Can't say I ever ran across any pigs while riding up there. Come to think of it I never saw that many deer either. The bike trails are near the horse trails. Maybe they shy away from those areas.

[ninja128]

If anyone wants some copany on a next trip...give me shout......I would appreciate the education.

[Guest Mugster]

Regarding terrain, the rock climbing at big south fork is phenomenal. anyone familiar with the stone door are?

I hadn't thought about that in a while. maybe i schould keep up with this thread and research hunting out there.

I've hiked the John Muir trail in the summer a few times but its been a few years...isn't the great stone door a different place? We've free climbed a little just running a compass bearing but nothing major. Had a tough time with the dogs.

I think hunting the south fork, the further you get from any kind of road or 4 wheeler trail the better off your going to be to avoid the swarm of rednecks. Of course hauling out the meat would be a bitch if you did score.