Javelina hunting in Jan (Not sure which sub forum this should go in)?

[4IDARCHER]

Going down to visit with some relatives in Jan in Arizona and my wife's cousin’s husband is an avid bow hunter and taking me with him on a javelina bow hunt. He has been on the cover of a few mags with his giant 394 (and others) elk, so I know I am in great hands. He is an awesome guy just and I am sure will impart some great knowledge to me on our hunt (hunt # is 5092 if that makes a difference). I am just looking for some general tips and tactics on gear and methods that I can learn before I go so I am not a complete noob. Also looking for a small pack that will be a perfect fit on the hunt. I have a 2200 but that seems a little large. I was thinking more along the lines of a hybrid, or maybe an X2 in case we have to pack them out. He told me though that you can tie them up like a purse and carry the animal to the truck, so maybe overthinking the pack thing.

 

[Coueshunter]

Which unit is the 5092 hunt?

 

[realunlucky]

Ones I saw looked like they weighed 40lbs but I have never hunted them. Why not ask your host what would be best to bring he sounds like he would be happy to give pointers

 

[4IDARCHER]

5092 is an archery only hunt in unit 3 I believe.

 

[MattB]

Your 2200 will be fine. I either strap them to my pack/put them in my pack or just grab the rear hooves and sling them over my shoulder if the walk to the truck is short. In terms of tactics, typically folks get high and glass for them. Bring a butt pad of some sort to stay out of the rocks and cactus. They are among the easiest species to stalk and they can be called in the right situations.

 

[AZ Vince]

Your 2200 will be fine. I either strap them to my pack/put them in my pack or just grab the rear hooves and sling them over my shoulder if the walk to the truck is short. In terms of tactics, typically folks get high and glass for them. Bring a butt pad of some sort to stay out of the rocks and cactus. They are among the easiest species to stalk and they can be called in the right situations.

What Matt said.
Butt pad and optics are your most important pieces of equipment.

 

[SDHNTR]

One of the easiest to stalk, but one of the hardest to spot. 15's, a tripod and a comfy seat are key. And a predator call if your stalk goes south.

 

[jjentringer3921]

I was just looking into hunting these in New Mexico. It's 190 bucks though and seemed like such a small animal to hunt I'm not sure if it's worth it. They must be a fun challenge or taste pretty darn good. I want to hear how the hint goes when you get back!

 

[AZ Vince]

They taste like crap.
The only good, edible way, to eat one is to have it made in to chorizo. Chorizo and eggs is a common breakfast staple around here.

 

[RosinBag]

I had my entire Javalina made into chorizo...20+ pounds of meat and it wasn't bad at all. I wouldn't try it any other way.

 

[SDHNTR]

I had my entire Javalina made into chorizo...20+ pounds of meat and it wasn't bad at all. I wouldn't try it any other way.

X3.

 

[n2horns]

I have the same hunt. It's 33 and 37b. Desert scrub brush. I hunt in Carhartt double fronts to regular Carhartts. I use a 2200, and carry swaro 15x56 for longer glassing from the truck. Carry 10/42 around the neck for glassing in the field sitting on a butt pad, nothing that would pop. Get high as you can and glass, but I wouldn't bring the 15x56 in the field. Most places you will not be far from vehicle, hike in an hour make a loop, next spot. 2200 carries the Javelina out quite well. Some spots you can carry them back tied up to your vehicle.

Predator call or barking will help circle them back to you. They are small black dots running around. Areas are not hard hikes. Clean your nose out, you can smell them if near by and if you have wind in your face. Camo not really needed, they can't see to well and will smell you first.

You can do a nice low slow cook on it, or chorizo/sausage it all. Deer archery is open then too, check i out to confirm for out of state.

Good luck, it's fun.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

I stopped shooting them when they became a game animal in Texas.. Cant leave them lay any more LOL

 

[MattB]

My friends in AZ cook them a number of ways: crock potted with green chili for burritos or BBQ sauce for sandwiches or made into chorizo. My last one was made into chorizo and I had 0 complains from the folks who have eaten it. Just don't get your "hair hand" on the meat.

 

[4IDARCHER]

Got back from the hunt a few weeks back, it was extremely tough to say the least. We hike for miles to only get on one heard and I shot at the wrong pig, and shot under him. It was a blast though and a challenge and I will be back next year to do the same.