New Wild Hog Regulations

There is no more wild hog hunting in Tennessee on private land. Special control measures have been implemented for landowners (see details below). Several East Tennessee WMAs allow incidental take during scheduled hunts. See specific WMAs for more details.

Landowners may use the following methods without exemption

1. Any legal weapon and ammunition for taking big and small game during daylight hours.

2. Live traps with bait. Bait may not be used during big game seasons without an approved exemption. All targeted wild hogs must be killed before removal from the trap.

Landowners will be granted an exemption to the above upon request

1. Landowners may request a wild hog methods exemption by two means:

a) Call the regional office and provide information for the immediate issuance of an exemption. The exemption form number issued will serve as their proof of exemption until the hardcopy arrives by mail.

b) Landowners may visit regional office or request and officer visit to complete a request for exemption.

2. Landowners and family members legally allowed to hunt the property without a license, and up to 10 designees may assist in the control effort provided by the methods exemption. No more than 10 individuals may be used as designees annually, as defined by the calendar year.

3. The exemption will allow shooting at night with the aid of artificial light, shooting over bait during big game season, or any other methods, approved by TWRA. Dogs may be used as part of the experimental management program in Overton, Fentress, Cumberland and Pickett counties, but no dogs may be used in November or December.

4. Landowners must keep accurate records of total number of hogs killed on their property. This information must be provided to the TWRA on the Wild Hog Methods Exemption Report form provided by the agency within one month of exemption expiration.

Possession of wild appearing hogs

Possession or transportation of live wild-appearing hogs, without documentation from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture indicating such swine originated from a legal captive source is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Wild Hog Questions:

Why are wild hogs a problem?

Wild hogs are a non-native species that are extremely detrimental to native plant and animal communities. Not only can they affect native wildlife species but they also pose a tremendous disease risk to humans and livestock. Wild hogs can carry brucellosis and pseudo-rabies both of which pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

Can I kill a wild hog while I’m hunting some other species?

No. There is no longer a wild hog hunting season in the State of Tennessee. (Exception: Some East Tennessee WMAs allow the incidental take of hogs during other big game seasons, see WMA regulations for details.)

If you’re trying to eliminate wild hogs, why can’t I take one when the opportunity arises?

Not only have historic hunting seasons proven to be ineffective at controlling hog populations but they have inadvertently led to the increased spread of the wild hog range. This is primarily due to the illegal transport and release of wild hogs into new areas. Removing the incentive to hunt hogs will hopefully slow their spread across the state.

Can I kill a wild hog on my property?

Yes. As a landowner you can use methods above and beyond normal hunting means to eliminate wild hogs (see above). Landowners may also identify up to ten individuals who can assist with the removal of wild hogs on their property. You must contact TWRA to obtain a wild hog exemption before allowing others to assist with removal efforts.

For more frequently asked questions see our website:
www.tnwildlife.org