The Best Places To Hunt Hogs in Ohio
If you’ve been hog hunting, you know that there’s nothing like pursuing a marauding mob of feral swine that can turn and charge you at any moment. You also know that there’s nothing like feasting on its meat as a reward. Once you know the best places to hunt hogs in Ohio, it’s hard to go back to a more sedate game.
If you haven’t tried hog hunting before, you have plenty of reasons to start. Their population is out of control, so it’s up to hunters to cull their numbers: at least six million in 35 states and rapidly expanding. They’re a danger to kids in backyards, and they destroy farmland and the habitats of endangered species. According to the Center for Disease Control, humans can get 24 diseases and 37 parasites from wild boar.
Feral swine offers a unique experience for hunters, not least because there’s a chance to snare several at a time. It’s a vigorous workout and even more thrilling when you try variations like hunting hogs at night or from a helicopter. Around here, you’ll find opportunities everywhere. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, hogs have invaded public land in the following counties:
- Adams
- Ashtabula
- Athens
- Belmont
- Gallia
- Hocking
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Monroe
- Ross
- Scioto
- Vinton
For a more structured outing, here are a few of the best places to hunt hogs in Ohio:
Shawnee Ridge Hunting
2240 West Fork Road in Stout, (937) 549-2346
The terrain is rugged enough here for the most avid hunter, who can go after hogs, wild boar, Russian boar, fallow deer, red stag, Corsican ram, and Texas Dall.
Southern Ohio Hunting Preserve
31625 Goose Creek Road in McArthur, (740) 596-5917
On this 600-acres preserve land, most of the hogs have been bred specifically for game hunting. The pure European wild boar breeding stock is imported from Manitoba, Canada, if you want to try something a step above feral swine. Some of the other wild game includes Black Hawaiian ram, Spanish Catalina goats, mouflon cross sheep, and Zebu cattle.
Salt Creek Hunting Preserve
26515 Narrows Road in South Bloomingville, (740) 398-1245
The deep ravines are a true challenge for hunters after wild boar, Russian hogs, rams, and exotics. Crossbows, muzzleloaders, pistols—they’re all welcome in this preserve, which has no barns or cages. Afterward, you can stay overnight in cabins and try again the next day.
Double D Ranch
58501 U.S. Route 50 in McArthur, (740) 596-4711
All kinds of trophies await outdoor enthusiasts at this ranch and hunting ground: deer, antelope, sheep, wild boar, goat, and elk are available year-round. Perks like skinning and field dressing are free, and a walk-in cooler can store the next night’s dinner.