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Wild Hog Hunting Checklist
Wild hogs are not a game animal in Tennessee; they are classed as a destructive species. Landowners may shoot them year-round in daylight, and a Landowner Wild Hog Exemption from TWRA allows night spotlighting.
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Trail camera
Cameras show when and where hogs are using a property, which is key to getting a shot.
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Hunting spotlight
Night spotlighting is allowed only for landowners and designees holding a TWRA Landowner Wild Hog Exemption.
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Shooting sticks
A steady rest from a ground set or blind tightens groups more than any scope upgrade.
Binoculars
Glassing the edges helps you spot deer early enough to get ready for a shot.
Rangefinder
Archery shots are short and steep from a stand, and an angle-compensated reading keeps you from shooting over a deer.
Hearing protection
Electronic muffs protect your hearing at the range and still let you hear deer walking.
Headlamp
You walk in before legal shooting light, 30 minutes before sunrise, and out after dark.
Field dressing gloves
Gloves keep you cleaner and reduce contact with blood and body fluids.
Field dressing knife
Field dress promptly to cool the meat, especially on warm September and October evenings.
Pocket knife sharpener
Hog hide and gristle dull a blade fast.
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Deer drag harness
A drag harness makes it easier to move a deer out to a truck or ATV trail.
Cooler
Ice down birds quickly in September heat to keep the meat from spoiling.
First aid kit
You may be far from a road and without cell signal in East Tennessee bear country.
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Checklists for hunts other than wild hog hunting
Season dates and limits: Feral Hogs. Legal weapons and blaze orange: Tennessee hunting laws.
Wild Hog Hunting checklist questions
What do I need for wild hog hunting in Tennessee?
The 13 items above, starting with trail camera, hunting spotlight and shooting sticks.
What gear does Tennessee law require?
Nothing on this list is required by law, but licenses, hunter education and blaze orange rules still apply; see the laws page.
Do these links cost more?
No. Affiliate links do not change the price.
Do you test this gear?
No. Each item links to a search of current listings.
Where can I buy locally?
See the archery and sporting goods directory.
Is blaze orange required?
For big game during gun and muzzleloader hunts, 500 square inches on the upper body and head.
Are crossbows legal?
Yes, in every deer, bear, elk and turkey season.
When is the season?
See Feral Hogs for 2026-27 dates.