Rocky Top Outfitter

Rocky Top Outfitter operates in East Tennessee, home to over 16,000 black bears and some of the South's best bear hunting. Deer and wild boar populations are at capacity in the region, giving clients solid odds at harvesting multiple species from the same hunt.

• •This is fair-chase hunting only. No high-fenced game. The outfitter doesn't hunt its own property and charges no trophy fees.

All prices are for half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) hunts. All big game hunts require a 2-day minimum. Many hunts allow you to pursue multiple species from the same blind.

If you're new to hunting, Rocky Top offers small game trips that cover tracking, stalking, and woodsmanship (January–February). Hunters born after 1969 and inexperienced hunters must possess a valid hunter safety certificate before booking.

Tennessee big game licenses include tags for bear, deer, turkey, and boar and can be purchased over the counter locally. State and federal rules apply to all big game hunts.

The operation is run by Greg Ward, who has owned and operated his guide service for 19 years. Beyond hunting, Ward teaches fly-fishing instruction courses through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is the co-author of The Ultimate Fly-Fishing Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains.