Cherokee Hunting Guide Service is a no frills, low cost guide service for those individuals who wish to hire an experienced guide to hunt wild turkey, black bear, deer, and wild boar/hog in the bountiful mountains of Southeastern Tennessee and Southwestern North Carolina. Tennessee hunting will be in the Tellico Ranger District which is one of the most popular big game hunting areas in the state.
For those individuals who wish to rent a cabin, there are many cabin rentals available near the Cherokee National Forest. Two bedroom cabins typically rent for approximately $250/month and reservations are recommended. Weekend rentals are available. There are several campgrounds nearby but hunt site camping is available at no cost.
In order to keep the cost at a minimal it is recommended that all hunters provide for their own meals. However, breakfast, lunch and dinner can be provided as part of the service for a cost of $20 per day per person. Breakfast menus would include bacon, sausage, or country ham, eggs, grits, coffee or milk and homemade buttermilk biscuits and gravy. Lunch would include a sandwich, chips, a snack, and drink. Dinners would typically be one meat, two vegetables, cobbler, rolls and drink. Snacks can be provided for those who want to take extra into the field. Snacks would consist of a sweet roll and/or candy bar, chips, and soda.
Individuals will be responsible for their own gear and hunting licenses. If you need to buy any gear there are several local businesses who can furnish most anything you need. Licenses can be purchased locally. Annual licenses and permits are valid from March 1, 1996 through the last day of February, 1997. Please note that wild turkey is classified as a big game animal. A Tennessee and/or North Carolina Hunting/Fishing Regulations brochure can be mailed to you upon request.
If you do not have dogs and wish to hunt with dogs (advisable for wild boar and black bear), guide service can provide experienced hunting dogs. Please advise guide in advance if you require the use of dogs
Fishing
Guide service can provide trout fishing in some wild streams as well as the Tellico River. The Tellico River is one of the most popular trout fishing area in the state of Tennessee. Lake fishing for bass, crappie, and cat fish is available at Appalachia Lake or Hiwasee Lake in Southwestern North Carolina. White bass fishing at best from June until August. Other species included in the area are rainbow and brown trout, large mouth and small mouth bass, blue, yellow and channel catfish, sunfish and bluegill. Guide will provide boat only. Day or night fishing available. Guide doesn’t furnish fishing equipment, bait or food.
Hiking/Camping
There are 630,000 acres in the Cherokee National Forest and many excellent hiking trails. Most of the area is mountainous and elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,321 feet. Hiking guide service is available for the Tellico Ranger District which consists of 123,372 acres. Elevation in the Tellico Ranger District ranges from 900 feet near Tellico Plains to 5,472 feet in the Haw Knob. There are 9 developed campgrounds and numerous undeveloped areas available for camping and hiking. Campsites are on a first come, first serve basis. Camping along the Tellico River and North River is allowed in designated areas only. Camping in the forest is permitted unless otherwise posted. There are 105 miles of hiking trails in the Tellico Ranger District, and has three wilderness areas.
All participants will be responsible for their own food, camping gear, tents, bedding, etc. Children must be supervised by parent at all times. Guide will not be responsible for accidents or personal injury to any participant while hiking or camping. Guide must be informed prior to hike of any medical condition and/or health impairments. Hiking requires some physical endurance. Participants with known heart disease or adverse health conditions should first consult their physician before hiking. A summary of the hiking/camping guidelines will be provided to each hiker prior to the hike.
Ginseng Hunting:
Wild ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) hunting guide service is available in the Tellico Ranger District in the Cherokee National Forest. Ginseng permits are available at the Tellico Ranger District Office. Assistance to obtain permits is available. Season opens August 15th and closes on December 31st. Mountain hiking is required to find ginseng and all participants are responsible for their own food, water, and/or gear. Two day or overnight trips are available. Dried ginseng root sold for $480/lb. locally last season. The name(s) of local ginseng buyers will be provided upon request for those wanting to sell their ginseng root.
