If you have ever dreamt of going javelina hunting, these are 4 things you should know. 

Image via: By Alan Vernon (Flickr: Collared Peccary crossing the road.) [CC BY 2.0  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Hunters today have a lot to be thankful for. Sure, there issues that need to be addressed such as solidifying public access, disease control, and ensuring proper herd management, but for the most part things are pretty good. Almost no big game species are considered threatened and most species have rising populations to boot. Add to that our ability to easily travel and hunt a variety of species and we can clearly see how blessed we are. One prey that is gaining popularity is the javelina. If you have never gotten the chance to go javelina hunting, you might find this beginner’s guide a useful place to get started.

Javelina Biology

Right off the start it might be worth noting technical name for a javelina is actually peccary. Peccary are found throughout Central and South America, with small populations extending into the American Southwest. In the United States we actually hunt what is more specifically called the collared peccary.

Although these animals may resemble pigs, they are not related. This should make sense if you consider the history of both species. Pigs, or wild hogs, were domesticated in the “Old World” and brought to America when European explorers began to colonize the new land. Javelinas are native to the regions they inhabit today. Some sources theorize the two species may have taken different evolutionary paths around 30 million years ago, which would account for the differences. Since they are their own separate species, javelina have a biology that is unique to them.

One major difference is that javelina are significantly smaller than hogs. The largest male javelina weigh somewhere near the 80-pound mark. At around 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet long, they are much smaller than hogs. They also have different feet and lack tails. Javelina have other biological differences between wild hogs such as having different stomach structures. Simply put, although they look similar to wild hogs, javelina are very different.

Javelina can live to be around 15 years old in the wild. They also tend to live in groups of around 10 members, although these groups can be much larger. Since they are native to the region they inhabit, their diet is keenly developed to the natural vegetation of those areas. Javelina are omnivorous but feed mostly on plant life. Some of their favorite food sources are agave, mesquite, and prickly pear cactus. Unlike hogs, javelina do not cause noticeable crop damage.

Javelina Habits and Senses

Before going javelina hunting it is also important to gain some understanding of their habits and senses.

As mentioned, these animals live in social groups and tend to feed together. If you see one javelina, there are likely to be more around. Because they live in groups these animals have developed a few special adaptations for social behavior. First off, they have scent glands present on their heads and on their backs. These glands are used to mark territory, allow others to locate them, and release scent when alarmed. The glands play towards the javelina’s biggest strength; their nose. Like many game species, javelina have excellent noses and it is their primary defense against predators like mountain lion, coyotes, and humans.

Although the javelina sense of smell is excellent, their eyesight is regarded as extremely poor. As a result they tend to feed during nighttime hours and feed in areas with thick brush. In these areas a good sense of sight is not as vital since the line of sight is not far. They also grow hair that is well camouflaged to their surroundings and have earned the moniker “The Ghost of the Desert”.

Javelina have also developed a reputation for being aggressive and occasionally charging. Part of their aggressive behavior is to confront threats with posturing, bristling their hair, and snapping their jaws. Javelina do have sharp canines that rub together each time their jaws are opened. The constant rubbing is a way of sharpening the canines. By popping their jaws they can also create a clacking sound to intimidate predators.

Although there are rare documented instances where javelina attack people, most cases involve dogs. Some biologists believe since dogs resemble coyotes, and coyotes are a natural predator of javelina, they have a natural aggression toward them. This video will highlight problems one Arizona community was having with javelina attacks. If you do go javelina hunting, play it safe and be ready for the aggressive behavior.

Javelina Hunting Strategies

Although you can hunt javelina in many different ways, the most common seems to be spot and stalking. Before beginning your hunt, you can help yourself by finding good habitat that includes access to water and vegetation they prefer. Once you have identified a likely area you can start looking for signs of javelina activity. This includes rooting, tracks, and droppings. Javelina have small ranges rarely more than around 700 acres, so if you can locate sign you are likely getting close.

Seasoned javelina experts suggest that climbing to a high vantage point and setting up with good optics is the best way to find a group. They are small and spotting them through tall grass and brush can be difficult. Like many game animals, you may spend more time sitting behind your optics than actually pursuing the animal.

Once you have located some javelina you want to hunt, the stalk has one major rule; always play the wind. Javelina rely chiefly on their noses for survival and they are well adapted to staying alive in their habitat. If you try to move in close with the wind at your back you’ll be busted for sure.  If you are able to close the distance to around 50 yards, you then need to pay attention to their sense of sight and hearing. Although these senses are considered poor, they are enough to pick you off. If you are spotted, remain still and allow the animal to return to feeding. Javelina have short memories and oftentimes will return to feeding if you simply stay still.

Although spot and stalk hunting is the most common approach, there are also those who will bait them and hunt from blinds. Like many game animals, you can bait them with corn if you know where they are living. However, before baiting it is always important to check local regulations to ensure it is legal. When setting up a blind you will certainly want to take the prevailing wind into consideration and avoid the javelina’s nose.

Another option some hunters use is to scatter a group of javelina then sit in the spot and begin a distress call. Some folks have had luck calling back adults when imitating a juvenile in distress and it might be an option after a busted stalk.

Places to Go Javelina Hunting

Since javelina are not an introduced species, they have a pretty concrete home range. Their range is predominantly in Central and South America, but they do take up residency in North America. If you are looking to hunt them in The States you will need to review regulations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Each of these 3 states have javelina seasons that vary according to state legislation. Most of the public land hunting takes place in New Mexico and Arizona, while Texas is predominantly leased and outfitter hunting. Indian reservations like the San Carlos and the White Mountain Apache reservation also have special hunting seasons within their borders. These offer another option for those looking to book a javelina hunt. As with any hunt, it pays to do your homework before hitting the road.

If you are looking for a unique hunt at a time of year when most other hunting is over, you might try javelina hunting. These small native animals live in a region they are uniquely suited for, and provide a real challenge. Take advantage of our ability to move around the country and try your luck at pursuing the collared peccary of the American southwest. Happy hunting.

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