The Division of Wildlife documents the counties and townships where feral swine have been observed but more specific locations are not recorded.  Hunters interested in pursuing free-ranging wild boars should start by talking to local folks (agricultural supply stores, check stations, local diners, and area farmers) and then do some scouting in the county you plan to hunt.  Wild boars have been reported in southeastern Ohio counties of Belmont, Guernsey, Noble, Morgan, Monroe, Athens, Hocking, Vinton, Washington, Gallia, Lawrence, and Scioto; southwestern Ohio counties of Butler and Preble; and central Ohio counties of Auglaize, Logan, Champaign, and Knox (see map). Always obtain permission from the landowner before hunting on private property. Ohio’s hunters are encouraged to harvest any feral swine they encounter in the wild in order to limit the spread of this destructive wild animal species in the state.  Wild boars feed most heavily at dawn and dusk, spending their days resting in dense vegetation or wallowing in mud holes. These nuisance animals may be legally harvested year-round by hunters with a valid Ohio hunting license or by landowners on their own property.  During the deer gun and the statewide muzzleloader seasons, a valid Ohio deer permit is also required and hunters should use only the firearm legal for the season.         Known in Ohio as “wild boars,” they also are also called free-ranging European wild boar, Russian wild boar, wild pigs, wild hogs, or razorbacks.  These “eating machines” damage agricultural crops, degrade wildlife habitat and consume ground-nesting bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, or just about anything else they come across, say state wildlife biologists. They also carry diseases that can infect domestic livestock, wildlife, and even people. At present, the two most significant diseases wild boars carry are Pseudorabies and swine brucellosis. With no natural predators and because feral swine can reproduce year-round (1-7 piglets/litter), populations can quickly become established and rapidly expand from the release or escape of just one pregnant female. In Ohio, wild boars brought into the State for hunting have escaped from confinement and unwanted animals may have been intentionally released into the wild.  The rangy-looking, non-native members of the domestic swine family are increasing their distribution in Ohio. Wild boar meat is reportedly excellent to eat. As with any game, proper field dressing and thorough cooking are always recommended. Experts recommend cooking all types of meat to 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms and parasites. Feral pig sightings can also be reported by e-mail (wildinfo@dnr.state.oh.us). For further Information on wild boars and disease: Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Swine Brucellosis and Pseudorabies