Javelina Hunting
The desert peccary of the Southwest
About Javelina Hunting
The javelina or collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) is a unique game animal found in the desert Southwest. Despite their pig-like appearance, javelinas are NOT pigs - they belong to the Tayassuidae family, which diverged from true pigs (Suidae) approximately 35 million years ago.
Javelina hunting offers an exciting challenge in beautiful desert terrain. These small, social animals live in herds called squadrons and rely primarily on their exceptional sense of smell for defense.
With approximately 60,000 javelina in the U.S., hunting opportunities are available in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, with seasons typically running January through March.
Why Hunt Javelina
Unique Species
The only wild peccary hunted in the United States
Challenging Stalks
Their keen nose tests your wind management skills
Beautiful Country
Hunt the scenic Sonoran Desert and Texas brush country
Good Table Fare
Properly processed javelina makes excellent eating
Javelina Biology
Key physical characteristics and abilities.
- Weight: 31-68 lbs (average 35-40 lbs)
- Length: 2.6-3.5 feet; shoulder height 1-1.6 feet
- Coat: Bristly, coarse, grey to grizzled black
- Collar: Distinctive yellowish-white band under neck
- Tusks: Short, straight, interlocking (unlike pig tusks)
- Speed: Up to 21 mph in bursts
- Lifespan: Up to 24 years in the wild
Not a Pig!
Key differences between peccaries and true pigs.
- Family: Tayassuidae (peccaries) vs Suidae (pigs)
- Origin: New World animal vs Old World pigs
- Tusks: Short, straight vs long, curved
- Tail: Vestigial (2-4.5 cm) vs prominent
- Ears: Small, rounded vs large, pointed
- Scent Gland: Prominent dorsal gland (pigs lack this)
Families diverged 35 million years ago.
Social Behavior
Javelina are highly social animals living in herds.
- Herd Size: 6-15 animals typical (called "squadrons")
- Home Range: 700-800 acres per herd
- Territory: Semi-territorial with minimal herd overlap
- Scent Marking: Use dorsal gland for territory and recognition
- Breeding: Year-round (only NA ungulate with continuous breeding)
Herds rub scent glands together to share group identity.
Habitat & Diet
Desert-adapted animals with specialized diet.
- Primary Food: Prickly pear cactus (spines and all)
- Other Foods: Mesquite beans, roots, tubers, agave
- Water: Rarely drink - get moisture from cactus
- Habitat: Desert washes, saguaro forests, oak woodlands
- Range: Arizona (to Sedona), Texas (99 counties), New Mexico
Often found near prickly pear stands.
Arizona Seasons
Arizona offers the most javelina hunting opportunity.
- Archery-Only: January (some units year-round)
- Youth-Only: Late January/Early February
- HAM Season: Mid-February (Handgun/Archery/Muzzleloader)
- General Season: Late February (any legal weapon)
- Bag Limit: 2 javelina per calendar year
- Age: Ages 10+ for spring; ages 10-17 for fall youth hunts
Draw permits allocated through annual lottery.
Texas Seasons
99 of 254 Texas counties have javelina populations.
- Season Dates: Vary by zone; many South Texas counties year-round
- Bag Limit: 2 javelina per license year
- Possession Limit: 2
- License: Valid hunting license + javelina tags required
- Non-Resident: Special 5-Day Small Game license available
- Hunter Ed: Required for hunters under 17
155 counties have no open season - check regulations.
New Mexico Seasons
Limited javelina hunting in southern New Mexico.
- Bow Hunt: January 1-31 (360 licenses)
- Any Legal Weapon: February 1 - March 31 (1,200 licenses)
- Youth Hunts: February 1 - March 31 statewide (180 licenses)
- OTC Available: Starting July 1 for most units
- Excluded Units: GMUs 19, 23-28 require draw
Mandatory harvest reporting required.
Arizona Licensing
License and tag requirements for Arizona.
- General License (Res): $37
- Combo Hunt/Fish (Res): $57
- Combo Hunt/Fish (Non-Res): $160
- Youth Combo (All): $5 (ages 10-17)
- Valid Period: 365 days from purchase
Draw tags required for most hunts - apply September.
Application Timeline
Plan ahead for draw hunts.
- Arizona Spring: Apply end of September; tags mailed by end of November
- Arizona Fall: Apply beginning of June; tags mailed by end of July
- New Mexico: Check NMDGF website for current deadlines
- Texas: No draw - over-the-counter tags
- Leftovers: Available first-come, first-served after draws
Purchase NM OTC licenses at least 14 days before hunt.
Best Hunting Times
When to hunt during the season.
- Early Morning: Best for glassing - javelina sun on south-facing slopes
- Mid-Morning: 10-11 AM when moving to bedding areas
- Midday: 10 AM - 2 PM for water hole ambush
- Late Afternoon: Feeding activity resumes
- Cold Days: More active during daylight
January-February can have cold temperatures (below 40 F).
Spot and Stalk
The primary method for javelina hunting.
- Set Up High: Glass from elevated vantage points
- South-Facing Slopes: Javelina sun themselves in early morning
- Target Terrain: Hillsides with prickly pear cactus
- Look Low: Small, dark animals low to ground
- Check Washes: Desert drainages are productive areas
Spend quality time behind glass before committing to stalk.
Wind Management
The most critical factor in javelina hunting.
- Always Downwind: Non-negotiable - they have excellent smell
- Check Constantly: Desert winds shift quickly
- Plan Route: Approach based on wind direction
- Scent Control: Use scent-free products
- One Watcher: At least one herd member is always sniffing the breeze
If wind shifts, reposition or abandon the stalk.
Exploiting Poor Eyesight
Use their visual weakness to your advantage.
- Vision Range: Cannot see well beyond 50 yards
- Detection: Spot movement and silhouettes within 100 yards
- Freeze: If spotted, freeze completely for several minutes
- Short Memory: They often forget about you if you freeze
- Close Approach: Can get within 10-15 yards with good wind
Their poor eyesight allows closer stalks than deer.
Calling
Effective technique when herds are disturbed or separated.
- J13 Call: Highly effective - imitates baby piglet squealing
- Range: Must call within 75 yards for best response
- Wait: Give them 15+ minutes to respond
- Predator Calls: Javelina investigate distress sounds
- Position: Set up with good visibility of approaches
Calling brings separated herds back on the run.
Water Hole Ambush
Effective during dry conditions.
- Prime Time: 10 AM - 2 PM for water visits
- Setup: Ground blinds near water holes
- Watch Washes: Drainages leading to water sources
- After Watering: Javelina typically feed up nearest hillside
- Best Conditions: Dry years with limited water sources
Javelina get most moisture from cactus - water dependence is low.
Shot Placement
Where to place your shot for clean kills.
- Heart/Lung: Primary target - behind shoulder
- Head Shots: Effective - clean kill or clean miss
- Trophy Consideration: Heart/lung preserves skull for mounting
- Distance: Most shots within 100 yards
- Bow Hunters: Regularly achieve shots under 20 yards
Javelina are tougher than expected - make clean shots.
Rifle Calibers
Smaller than deer calibers work well for these 35-40 lb animals.
- .223 Remington: Popular choice - "just about right" for javelina
- .243 Winchester: Favorite of many hunters; very effective
- .22 Hornet: Effective on javelina
- .22 Magnum: Works well at close range
- 7.62x39: Suitable choice
Any deer rifle works but is more than necessary.
Bullet Selection
Bullet type matters more than caliber for javelina.
- Recommended: Soft point bullets with cannelure (crimp groove)
- Examples: Remington Core-Lokt, Hornady Interlock
- .223: 55-grain soft point works well
- Good Choice: Barnes X bullets (controlled expansion)
- Avoid: Varmint/ballistic tip bullets (excessive damage)
Goal: Controlled expansion to reach vitals without fragmenting.
Optics (Critical)
Good glass is essential for spot-and-stalk success.
- Binoculars: 10x is best all-around (10x32, 10x42, 10x50)
- Quality Options: Vortex Viper 10x42 (popular, economical)
- Premium: Swarovski, Leica ($2,000-$3,500)
- Budget: Vortex Diamondback, Talon ($300-$800)
- Spotting Scope: 20x50 or 15-45x60 with tripod
- Rangefinder: Recommended for distance estimation
Javelina are small and dark - good optics help locate them.
Archery Equipment
Javelina are excellent archery targets.
- Draw Weight: 40-50 lbs minimum
- Broadheads: Fixed or mechanical - both effective
- Shot Distance: Regularly under 20 yards possible
- Crossbows: Permitted in New Mexico
- Range Practice: Practice at expected distances
Close approaches make javelina ideal for bowhunting.
Desert Clothing
Prepare for variable desert conditions.
- Layering: Essential - temps range from teens to 70s F
- January-February: Can stay below 40 F all day
- Camo: Preferred for stalking
- Tough Fabric: Desert vegetation tears clothing
- Multi-Day: 0-degree sleeping bag for winter hunts
Desert temperatures vary dramatically day-to-night.
Boots & Protection
The desert is hostile - protect yourself.
- Boots: Good hiking boots (ankle-high recommended)
- Non-Mesh: Cholla cactus penetrates mesh construction
- Snake Gaiters: Recommended Aug-Oct (Turtle Skins brand)
- Gloves: For handling cactus and brush
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
"Everything will either stick, prick, or sting you."
Physical Preparation
Spot-and-stalk hunting requires fitness.
- Hiking: Expect to cover rough, rocky terrain
- Elevation: Some Arizona units at moderate altitude
- Heat: Even winter hunts can have warm afternoons
- Hydration: Carry plenty of water
- Endurance: Long hours of glassing and stalking
Good boots break-in is essential before the hunt.
Scent Control
Critical for success against their keen nose.
- Scent-Free Soap: Use before and during hunt
- Scent-Free Shampoo: Avoid strong-smelling products
- Clothing Storage: Store in scent-free containers
- Food/Drink: Avoid strong-smelling foods before hunting
- Wind Check: Carry wind indicator powder
Their nose is your biggest obstacle.
Scouting
Pre-hunt reconnaissance improves success.
- Maps: Study topography and access points
- Cactus Flats: Locate prickly pear concentrations
- Water Sources: Identify tanks, springs, stock tanks
- Travel Routes: Desert washes and drainages
- Trail Cameras: Pattern herd movements if possible
Herds have predictable home ranges of 700-800 acres.
Processing Gear
Be prepared for proper field care.
- Sharp Knife: Field dressing kit
- Rubber Gloves: Small rubber gloves for field dressing
- Game Bags: Breathable bags for meat
- Zip-Lock Bags: Large bags for heart/liver
- Cooler: 50-quart adequate for javelina
- Ice: Plan for rapid cooling
Proper processing is key to good-tasting meat.
Desert Hazards
Know the dangers and how to avoid them.
- Rattlesnakes: Active Aug-Oct; wear gaiters
- Cholla Cactus: "Jumping cactus" - extremely painful
- Prickly Pear: Spines and glochids are everywhere
- Dehydration: Carry more water than you think
- Heat: Know signs of heat exhaustion
- Cold: Hypothermia risk in winter storms
Carry a first aid kit with trauma supplies.
Hunt Planning
Logistics for a successful hunt.
- Guides: Consider guided hunt first time in new area
- Access: Research public/private land boundaries
- Camping: Some areas allow primitive camping
- Vehicle: High-clearance helpful for backcountry access
- Communication: Cell service limited in remote areas
Arizona offers excellent DIY public land opportunity.
Meat Quality
Properly handled javelina makes excellent eating.
- Flavor: Like mild pork with slight wild flavor
- Best Meat: Immature animals or sows
- Texture: Lean meat with quick cooking time
- Reputation: Often unfairly maligned due to poor processing
- Food Safety: Unlike feral hogs, javelina don't carry trichinosis
Mature boars have stronger flavor but are still edible.
Scent Gland Removal
The key to good-tasting meat - don't rupture the gland!
- Location: Dorsal gland on back, 8" forward of tail base
- Appearance: Dark, oily spot resembling a nipple
- Secondary Glands: Below each eye
- Method: Skin from hind legs forward - gland peels off with hide
- Critical: Do NOT rupture - will taint meat
Musk doesn't naturally impart into meat - only through poor handling.
Field Dressing Tips
Proper technique prevents meat contamination.
- Rule #1: Never touch hair then meat - not even once
- Gloves: Change after removing hide
- Knife: Never cut through hide into meat
- Cooling: Cool meat rapidly to prevent gamey flavor
- Clean: Keep everything meticulously clean
Hair contamination is the main cause of off-flavor.
Stalking Success
Maximize your chances on the stalk.
- Patience: Spend time glassing before moving
- Wind First: Never approach with wind at your back
- Stay Low: Use terrain for concealment
- Freeze: If spotted, freeze completely and wait
- Close Distance: Their poor eyesight allows close approaches
Re-stalking is often possible if wind was the only issue.
Cooking Javelina
Popular preparation methods.
- Grilling: Steaks and chops
- Smoking: Excellent smoked
- Stewing: Perfect for slow-cooked dishes
- Sausage: Makes great breakfast sausage
- Chorizo: Popular preparation in Southwest
Lean meat cooks quickly - season well.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors.
- Ignoring Wind: Their nose will defeat you every time
- Moving Too Fast: Slow, deliberate stalks work best
- Underestimating Toughness: They're harder to kill than expected
- Poor Processing: Rupturing scent gland ruins meat
- Not Enough Water: Desert dehydration is dangerous
- Wrong Bullets: Varmint bullets cause excessive damage
Preparation and wind awareness are key to success.
Ready to Hunt Javelina?
Find hunting locations near you that offer javelina hunting opportunities.