Wild Hog Regulations

Wild hogs are invasive exotic animals that cause extensive damage to crops and wildlife habitat, contribute to erosion and water pollution, and carry diseases harmful to livestock and humans.

In Tennessee, they are classified as a species deemed destructive and it is illegal to possess, transport, or release live wild hogs.

Private Land Control

Landowners have these options on their private properties:

• Shoot wild hogs without limit, year-round, during the day, with any weapon and ammunition legal for taking big and small game.
• Trap with bait outside of big game seasons.
• Obtain a Landowner Wild Hog Exemption from their TWRA regional office. It allows extra methods of take like using a spotlight at night and allows family members and tenants that qualify under the Farmland Owner License Exemption (see License Information) and up to ten additional designees to help with control efforts. For properties over 1,000 acres, an additional designee per 100 acres may be assigned. Landowners are required to report take at the end of each year for annual exemption renewal.
• Acquire technical assistance by contacting USDA Wildlife Services at 615-736-5506 or a regional TWRA office.
• New details coming January 2025.

Bear hunters - Individuals licensed to hunt bears may take wild hogs during scheduled bear hunts where dogs are allowed.

Public Land Control

Wild hogs can only be taken on designated public areas, summarized below. Refer to specific regulations for individual WMAs for more details.