First Javelina

[BillinOregon]

Very well-written post, sir. And as Juniata indicated, all the sweeter a harvest when accomplished with home-cast ball over home-made powder and home-made percussion cap.

 

[Nuthatch]

Congrats! I have a HAM tag for 24b, but have had to help my father with his hip replacement surgery and rehab, so I was unable to get down to Arizona this year.

Bummer. Next year, maybe.

 

[Elzay]

Congrats and awesome story I enjoyed the read!

 

[Spikebuck]

Sounds like a wonderful day afield. Congrats!

 

[Military Collector]

Congratulations on a successful hunt. Last time I had a HAM hunt I use my 50 cal. TC Hawken, missed unfortunately at 75 yards. Was hoping to go this year, but did not get drawn.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

View attachment 198841View attachment 198842View attachment 198843
This was my first javelina hunt. A buddy, also from CA, invited me to go with him this year after getting completely skunked last year. We started by glassing the washes from higher points in the landscape. I was getting concerned about not seeing any prickly pear where we were but tried to stay optimistic. At about 2pm, I suggested we climb out of the wash we were walking in and get up on a steeper ridgeline to finish the day. I found a little bit of prickly pear up there and was slowly walking along a deer trail up high, trying to keep my eyes open while my buddy followed some distance behind me. As I was looking around, he signaled that he found a group and the game was on.

Sure enough, about 400 yards off, there was a group of 6 javelina making their way down a finger and into a draw. The wind was in our favor and we had one more finger between us and the pigs. I slipped downhill to get out of sight (deer hunting habit) and we crawled into position along the ridgeline overlooking the group, putting us about 150 yards away. We agreed on taking alternate positions with my buddy continuing on to setup on the opposite side of the draw while I waited and moved closer from my side. The pigs, as they moved further down into the draw, would be in a perfect "kill box" for us to each get one, provided they didn't wind us. We dropped our packs, taking only rifles, binos and my trekking pole to steady on.

Once my buddy had made it across the low spot of the draw & started his approach, I started mine. He had cover. I didn't. So I was going slow & crawling. At about 60 yards from the group, two bedded down together, making me a bit more nervous about moving. The others were still feeding. I was into the draw at this point and would see one occasionally sniff the air in alert, which had me curious about whether there were swirls that might bring my scent their way, in spite of the prevailing wind being favorable up higher. But all alertness soon relaxed and I settled into position, steadying my rifle on the trekking pole in a seated position. At that point, my buddy had also gotten into position and had leveled his rifle twice when I signaled to go ahead & have him shoot first. After a minute or so, it looked to me as if he didn't have a shot after all. I continued to watch, seeing one smaller pig give me a broadside shot before turning again. I figured if the bigger one behind it followed and gave me a broadside shot, I'd take it. Sure enough, the second pig moved down to about 60 yards away & stopped broadside. I moved the cock back, hit the set trigger & started my shot sequence with the sights on the vitals.

Upon hearing the shot, the group scattered but not far. I couldn't see the initial reaction of my pig through the smoke. But he had ran about 10 yards and staggered a bit before stopping. Others puffed up and moved about 10-20 yards trying to figure out what the noise was. Then my buddy took a shot at one that was still running a bit & missed. That really got them moving. My pig ran uphill a bit more and staggered before stopping, giving me a clear indication he was going down soon. He puffed up and then dropped, barely 10 yards from where he stood at the shot.

It took me a few minutes to find him, though -- even though he went down in-sight. All the chaos had my eyes looking elsewhere for my buddy, scattering pigs & such. And there was no blood trail. Thankfully, he wasn't far. Upon gutting him, I saw that my shot had landed a little bit low in the chest, putting the roundball almost perfectly through the heart. I really don't think that pig knew he was shot. He just spooked at the noise and then went unconscious as the blood drained out of his brain. It's about as clean a kill as I could hope for.

There's way more to this story, of course. I was face-to-face with one of the pigs and really regretted leaving my pistol back in the pack 100 yards away. No harm came to either me or that pig, thankfully. We still had my buddy's tag to fill, which we did the next day. I think his spot/stalk was actually more exciting since I spotted that group about 1/2 mile away at about 10 am and he took his shot at around 12:30 at only about 15 yards. We didn't see any other hunters while we were out either. I'm sure it helps that we were 3-5 miles from camp.

Not only was this my first javelina hunt, it was also the first time I've managed to take any animal from all homemade components -- powder, cap and ball. It was a hardcast ball that I normally use for practice -- figured it would be fine for javelina. .480 round ball with 80 grains of homemade powder (kind of a 60-70 grain equivalent of commercial powder) & a beer-can cap. That 60 yard shot was certainly at the furthest end of my range with that setup. I've practiced out to 90 yards in field positions and knew I wanted something right around 50 or less for javelina. But when the time came and I was looking down the sights, I was calm, the rifle was steady, the pig was still and unaware -- it all seemed right and I had no question in my head that I could make that shot. The stagger of the pig told me everything I needed to know -- him falling just confirmed that all was as it should be. It was also the first time I've had a spot & stalk hunt. Thus far, I've always gotten my deer and bear by ambush or still-hunting. After trying to stalk deer many times, I was absolutely floored at what javelina will let you get away with. They are very forgiving animals on the stalk as long as the winds stay favorable.

I'm grateful for the experience and hope to come back to AZ for their HAM (Handgun, Muzzleloader, Archery) season next year.

I live in Cave Creek. Our area and Prescott are the best places to find them. Unfortunately, it has gotten a bit crowded though. Something to keep in mind when you come back. It helps that they have really bad eyesight. I ran into a group of them (a pod?) once by mistake while prospecting for Au. I froze and they went by me like I was a Saguaro standing there. Not something I recommend doing thought. If you hunt them, I'm sure you have heard the joke of how to cook them.

 

[Snydly]

View attachment 198841View attachment 198842View attachment 198843
This was my first javelina hunt. A buddy, also from CA, invited me to go with him this year after getting completely skunked last year. We started by glassing the washes from higher points in the landscape. I was getting concerned about not seeing any prickly pear where we were but tried to stay optimistic. At about 2pm, I suggested we climb out of the wash we were walking in and get up on a steeper ridgeline to finish the day. I found a little bit of prickly pear up there and was slowly walking along a deer trail up high, trying to keep my eyes open while my buddy followed some distance behind me. As I was looking around, he signaled that he found a group and the game was on.

Sure enough, about 400 yards off, there was a group of 6 javelina making their way down a finger and into a draw. The wind was in our favor and we had one more finger between us and the pigs. I slipped downhill to get out of sight (deer hunting habit) and we crawled into position along the ridgeline overlooking the group, putting us about 150 yards away. We agreed on taking alternate positions with my buddy continuing on to setup on the opposite side of the draw while I waited and moved closer from my side. The pigs, as they moved further down into the draw, would be in a perfect "kill box" for us to each get one, provided they didn't wind us. We dropped our packs, taking only rifles, binos and my trekking pole to steady on.

Once my buddy had made it across the low spot of the draw & started his approach, I started mine. He had cover. I didn't. So I was going slow & crawling. At about 60 yards from the group, two bedded down together, making me a bit more nervous about moving. The others were still feeding. I was into the draw at this point and would see one occasionally sniff the air in alert, which had me curious about whether there were swirls that might bring my scent their way, in spite of the prevailing wind being favorable up higher. But all alertness soon relaxed and I settled into position, steadying my rifle on the trekking pole in a seated position. At that point, my buddy had also gotten into position and had leveled his rifle twice when I signaled to go ahead & have him shoot first. After a minute or so, it looked to me as if he didn't have a shot after all. I continued to watch, seeing one smaller pig give me a broadside shot before turning again. I figured if the bigger one behind it followed and gave me a broadside shot, I'd take it. Sure enough, the second pig moved down to about 60 yards away & stopped broadside. I moved the cock back, hit the set trigger & started my shot sequence with the sights on the vitals.

Upon hearing the shot, the group scattered but not far. I couldn't see the initial reaction of my pig through the smoke. But he had ran about 10 yards and staggered a bit before stopping. Others puffed up and moved about 10-20 yards trying to figure out what the noise was. Then my buddy took a shot at one that was still running a bit & missed. That really got them moving. My pig ran uphill a bit more and staggered before stopping, giving me a clear indication he was going down soon. He puffed up and then dropped, barely 10 yards from where he stood at the shot.

It took me a few minutes to find him, though -- even though he went down in-sight. All the chaos had my eyes looking elsewhere for my buddy, scattering pigs & such. And there was no blood trail. Thankfully, he wasn't far. Upon gutting him, I saw that my shot had landed a little bit low in the chest, putting the roundball almost perfectly through the heart. I really don't think that pig knew he was shot. He just spooked at the noise and then went unconscious as the blood drained out of his brain. It's about as clean a kill as I could hope for.

There's way more to this story, of course. I was face-to-face with one of the pigs and really regretted leaving my pistol back in the pack 100 yards away. No harm came to either me or that pig, thankfully. We still had my buddy's tag to fill, which we did the next day. I think his spot/stalk was actually more exciting since I spotted that group about 1/2 mile away at about 10 am and he took his shot at around 12:30 at only about 15 yards. We didn't see any other hunters while we were out either. I'm sure it helps that we were 3-5 miles from camp.

Not only was this my first javelina hunt, it was also the first time I've managed to take any animal from all homemade components -- powder, cap and ball. It was a hardcast ball that I normally use for practice -- figured it would be fine for javelina. .480 round ball with 80 grains of homemade powder (kind of a 60-70 grain equivalent of commercial powder) & a beer-can cap. That 60 yard shot was certainly at the furthest end of my range with that setup. I've practiced out to 90 yards in field positions and knew I wanted something right around 50 or less for javelina. But when the time came and I was looking down the sights, I was calm, the rifle was steady, the pig was still and unaware -- it all seemed right and I had no question in my head that I could make that shot. The stagger of the pig told me everything I needed to know -- him falling just confirmed that all was as it should be. It was also the first time I've had a spot & stalk hunt. Thus far, I've always gotten my deer and bear by ambush or still-hunting. After trying to stalk deer many times, I was absolutely floored at what javelina will let you get away with. They are very forgiving animals on the stalk as long as the winds stay favorable.

I'm grateful for the experience and hope to come back to AZ for their HAM (Handgun, Muzzleloader, Archery) season next year.

Javalina is number 3 on my bucket list.

 

[Nuthatch]

I live in Cave Creek. Our area and Prescott are the best places to find them. Unfortunately, it has gotten a bit crowded though. Something to keep in mind when you come back. It helps that they have really bad eyesight. I ran into a group of them (a pod?) once by mistake while prospecting for Au. I froze and they went by me like I was a Saguaro standing there. Not something I recommend doing thought. If you hunt them, I'm sure you have heard the joke of how to cook them.

We weren't near Prescott. As it was, we were the only hunters we saw in the 3 days we were out. Plenty of folks camping & riding OHVs. But no other hunters. It helps that we didn't really even start hunting until we were a mile or two into the backcountry.

I don't think I've heard that joke yet. Care to tell it?

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

We weren't near Prescott. As it was, we were the only hunters we saw in the 3 days we were out. Plenty of folks camping & riding OHVs. But no other hunters. It helps that we didn't really even start hunting until we were a mile or two into the backcountry.

I don't think I've heard that joke yet. Care to tell it?

The joke is about how Javelina taste. This is the shortened version. After cleaning the animal, carefully wrap in newspaper (other versions have you putting it in a vat of excrement), roast it in a pit like they do in Hawaii. Remove the meat from the newspaper, throw away the meat and eat the newspaper. Keep in mind that I cannot tell it as well as others can.

 

[Nuthatch]

The joke is about how Javelina taste. This is the shortened version. After cleaning the animal, carefully wrap in newspaper (other versions have you putting it in a vat of excrement), roast it in a pit like they do in Hawaii. Remove the meat from the newspaper, throw away the meat and eat the newspaper. Keep in mind that I cannot tell it as well as others can.

I think I've heard a similar joke about coyote. Too bad, though. Javies are great meat -- as good as any wild pig.

 

[CuNosecap]

I’m sure you are aware they are not in the pig family, right. Not a “wild pig”. Think big rodent.

 

[CuNosecap]

When I lived in suburban Phoenix, packs of javelina would roam the streets, 8-10 or more. They’d turn over trash cans, root what lawn you had, make a general mess.
The best time was around Halloween. They love pumpkins. You’d hear them, look out the window at them, then through the door you’d smell them.

 

[CuNosecap]

OK, I typed before I read from a reliable source(the internet, LOL).:Javelina, or peccary are in the same Family as old world pigs, but quite different in toe bone anatomy, dental anatomy, and possessing musk glands.
So yes they are pigs, but only sort of. Called new world pigs.
My apologies for spreading misinformation on the internet. Shame on me.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

OK, I typed before I read from a reliable source(the internet, LOL).:Javelina, or peccary are in the same Family as old world pigs, but quite different in toe bone anatomy, dental anatomy, and possessing musk glands.
So yes they are pigs, but only sort of. Called new world pigs.
My apologies for spreading misinformation on the internet. Shame on me.

Actually, I heard they were related to rodents. Rats can only breathe through their noses. I have to wonder if it is the same for them. I don't believe they can cross breed with swine. They do tend to trash the yard. I finally welded up a security cage for my trash cans to keep them and racoons out. I don't get too close to them, at least no on purpose. Anything that can eat pad cactus, spines and all gets my attention when they are around.

 

[Flintlock Whiskey]

I think I've heard a similar joke about coyote. Too bad, though. Javies are great meat -- as good as any wild pig.

I have to admit here that I have never hunted them or even tasted them. One thing is for sure, I hear pros and cons but not much in the middle. In your opinion, what is the minimal caliber you would hunt them with?

 

[bushytail]

Congratulations! I like your story too. Javelina is on my bucket list.

 

[Nuthatch]

I have to admit here that I have never hunted them or even tasted them. One thing is for sure, I hear pros and cons but not much in the middle. In your opinion, what is the minimal caliber you would hunt them with?

Whatever is legal as far as muzzleloaders go is fine. They're not big. All the ones we saw that weekend were in the 30-50lb range. A .22 wouldn't fill me with confidence for a quick kill & recovery but an accurate .32 with soft lead would probably be fine if it's legal. I'd think a .40 would be ideal. Plenty of folks chase them with 9mm handguns, I hear.

For my part, I used a .50 (.480) but it was hard cast, not soft lead. So it just sailed on through without any expansion, which is fine for a .50 on such a small critter. Soft lead would have been fine too & probably would have done more internal damage.

My buddy used an unmentionable type muzzleloader with a .50 copper conical and a healthy amount of Pyrodex Select. That loading is fully capable for much larger game and was, in my opinion, overkill for the little javies. It left a 3" diameter hole out the back. Quick kill but definitely not needed.

I think people who have bad experiences with javelina meat likely had some kind of contamination issue. You can't touch the scent gland on the back and then touch the meat or let your knife touch it before it touches the meat. We field dressed immediately after tagging. Once back at camp, we strung them up on a gambrel & skinned them, taking care to remove the scent gland as we peeled off the skin. The skinless carcass doesn't stink -- just the hide. From there, it's really just like wild pork. Get it cold fast. Dirt, heat and time are your enemies. Ice is your friend. Same as a pig, a bear, a deer or any other carcass.

The liver, on the other hand, was just plain nasty. But I don't like any kind of liver anyway.

 

[Nuthatch]

OK, I typed before I read from a reliable source(the internet, LOL).:Javelina, or peccary are in the same Family as old world pigs, but quite different in toe bone anatomy, dental anatomy, and possessing musk glands.
So yes they are pigs, but only sort of. Called new world pigs.
My apologies for spreading misinformation on the internet. Shame on me.

Yea, it's complicated, I suppose. It's almost like somebody bred a skunk with a porcupine/marmot hybrid and then further bred that offspring with a wild pig. To me, they look like a pig and taste like a pig. So they're pigs. The boar I got tasted just like wild boars I've taken here in CA. The rest is for biologists to quibble about. I think "skunk pig" is a good name for them.

 

[j2adams]

Great story and photos! Congratulations!

 

[Loja man]

What a great hunt!!