CLARKSVILLE, TN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and partners will begin its annual campaign to reduce the number of feral swine at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area on Jan. 12.
With collaboration from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, also known as APHIS, will use aerial operations and bait trapping to euthanize feral swine at Land Between the Lakes through February. Feral swine are non-native and threaten visitor safety, cultural sites and native plant and wildlife species. They also cause negative ecological impacts, including to agriculture.
“Feral hogs have become a challenge for all of us who care about Land Between the Lakes. They can harm the land and wildlife we enjoy, so we’re working together with our partners to manage the problem in a responsible way,” said Jim McCoy, area supervisor at Land Between the Lakes. “This is a team effort, and we’re thankful for everyone’s support in helping keep this area healthy and welcoming for visitors and neighbors alike.”
Night-vision helicopters will track hogs
The combined efforts in 2026 will include the use of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) equipped helicopter to aid the search for feral swine and direct wildlife specialists to their location, which will increase the efficiency of removal operations. This technique is an additional tool necessary to curb the feral swine population. APHIS also works to trap the animals year-round with the help of sighting reports from visitors.
At the forefront of the collaborative effort is the safety of visitors and staff, with a detailed plan for efficiency and effectiveness. Visitors recreating should be aware of additional official vehicles and aircraft in areas of Land Between the Lakes for the remainder of the winter season.
Feral swine are largely localized to the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, with some reported sightings north of the state line. The location of swine will dictate APHIS’ daily operation areas.
APHIS began assisting the Forest Service with trapping in 2014 with success, but not at a rate that successfully eliminated them. In 2018, 70 feral swine were euthanized by APHIS. In 2025, with a lengthened operational period, that number grew to 1,445.
Do not hunt feral pigs
Wildlife experts agree hunting feral swine is not the right approach at Land Between the Lakes. In 2024, Kentucky prohibited wild pig hunting in an effort to stop the illegal release and spread of wild pigs. Feral swine can only be taken on designated public areas in Tennessee and are illegal to possess, transport and release.
Hunting is an important conservation activity widely valued in the culture and heritage of western Kentucky and Tennessee. Land Between the Lakes is seeking to fully eradicate feral swine to protect and conserve native game species such as white-tailed deer and turkey. Feral swine eradication is necessary for the conservation of native wildlife species.
Visitors to Land Between the Lakes are encouraged to report feral hog sightings immediately using this form on our website: https://tinyurl.com/y5239k78.