Hunters in Tennessee and Kentucky will have expanded opportunities this fall to target wild hogs within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA) and the Obed Wild and Scenic River (WSR). The National Park Service (NPS) has confirmed that hog hunting will align with the 202526 deer and big game seasons, offering sportsmen a chance to contribute directly to invasive species management while enjoying the outdoors. The official announcement specifies that deer hunting season will open September 6 in Kentucky and September 27 in Tennessee. During these periods, hunters may harvest wild hogs using any weapon authorized for that particular deer or big game season. On the Tennessee side of the park, hog hunting will remain open until sunset on February 28, 2026, while in Kentucky, the season will close earlier on January 19, 2026. These dates ensure that hog hunting opportunities are integrated into the regular hunting calendar, avoiding the need for separate special seasons. Although Kentucky allows opportunistic harvests, biologists note that no established wild hog populations are currently present on that side of Big South Fork. Occasional sightings and tracks are reported, but the Tennessee side of the park remains the hotspot for hog activity and the recommended location for hunters pursuing these animals. This guidance underscores the state-specific differences in managing wildlife populations and the importance of targeting resources where they are most needed. Participation in hog hunting requires a $5 hog hunting permit in addition to a valid state hunting license. Permits can be purchased online through the official Big South Fork NRRA or Obed WSR websites, streamlining access for hunters. Importantly, there is no limit on the number of hogs that may be harvested, and harvested hogs are not required to be checked in. This unlimited harvest policy reflects the species classification as a destructive invasive pest that threatens both ecological systems and agricultural interests. Wild hogs pose substantial challenges across the United States, and the NPS highlights their damaging impact within park boundaries. Their rooting behavior uproots native vegetation, disturbs soil stability, and destroys important food sources for native wildlife. In agricultural contexts, wild hogs cause significant economic losses by tearing up fields, damaging crops, and even threatening residential areas. Within protected areas, they also jeopardize sensitive habitats and federally listed plants. By encouraging hunters to remove as many hogs as possible, park authorities aim to reduce these threats while leveraging public participation as a low-cost management tool. Hunters looking to take advantage of the new opportunities are encouraged to prepare properly. As with all hunting activities, adherence to state laws and park regulations remains essential. The NPS advises that hunters consult both Tennessee and Kentucky regulations to ensure compliance with weapon restrictions, licensing requirements, and seasonal rules. For additional guidance, hunters can contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at 423-286-7275 or the Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center at 423-346-6294. Staff at both centers are available to answer questions about permits, hunting zones, and safety protocols. The initiative reflects a growing trend in wildlife management: using recreational hunting as a frontline tool against invasive species. Rather than relying solely on government trapping or removal programs, which can be costly and resource-intensive, managers are turning to hunters to help mitigate ecological threats. In this case, hunters gain additional opportunities and flexibility, while the parks benefit from reduced hog populations and healthier ecosystems. The approach also builds a bridge between conservation and recreation. By embedding hog hunting within the established deer and big game seasons, the program ensures higher participation and keeps hunters engaged in broader conservation goals. This model highlights how hunting, often misunderstood in public discourse, plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance when managed responsibly.