Author Topic: Appalachia Adventures ?? (Read 626 times)

rcn · « **on:** March 04, 2005, 10:47:54 PM »

Found this outfit on the internet, Appalachia Adventures Cherokee Guide Service. They guide in southeastern TN's Cherokee National Forrest and southwestern NC's Nantahala National Forrest. It's free range, fair chase hunting. It's three days for $600, no guarantees, with or without dogs. I understand this is pretty rugged terrain. Anyone know anything about this outfit or the area? Any suggestions for questions I should ask before signning up?

Oldtimer · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2005, 05:55:59 PM »

I have hunted the Nantahala out of Blue Boar Lodge and it is some really rugged country. As in any hunting camp, there were guys armed to the teeth with Bowie knives and long-barrelled handguns, in addition to their rifles. The first day. The second day, anything and everything extra stayed in camp. It is some rugged country, not high, but really steep.
Ask if you will have to split any kill with the dog handlers and if you will need to purchase a hunting license. The out-of-state fees take some of the shine off the prices. All that being said, the country is beautiful. I can still close my eyes and see the dawn colors on the snow fields and the incredible Carolina blue skies. And the women all sound like Dolly Parton, who is from those parts.

rcn · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2005, 09:39:55 AM »

Hi Oldtimer,

Funny how you described those hunters. That's how I was planning to go. Single shot rifle and .44 mag long barelled revolver for back up. Maybe I should reconsider my choice of firearms. I'm a 60 year old desk jockey so I know it's gonna be tough. I'm hoping to improve my physical condition by the time I go. I found info about the Blue Boar Lodge on their website but didn't see anything about boar hunts. Do you have any contact information for the guide sevice you used?

Thanks for the response,

RCN

Oldtimer · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2005, 07:00:18 AM »

I was there when the Wilsons were running it and they organized the hunts themselves. I looked at the website and it looks all gentrified. As you said, they don't even mention hunting, except in the historical note. What a shame. I don't have personal experience with any of the other outfitters in that area. The land that was hunted was public land, so you don't need a guide to hunt it, but it makes life a whole lot easier.
As for gun choices, I hunted that particular hunt with a Ruger #3 in .45-70, and carried a single-action 44-40 for backup. I felt I was well armed. I did not have a dinosaur cleaver hanging from my belt and I used only the open sights on the rifle. I got one crossing shot at a hog, about 15 yards away and shot behind it. :oops: They are some kind of fast.
Getting in shape can be a cheap exercise. Try climbing steps a lot. People don't really think about it, but coming down a steep slope can be harder than climbing up it. Also take along some strong medicine for those aching bones at the end of the day. Good luck.