Species - Javelina / Peccary -  Howell Wildlife Outfitters

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Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Tayassuidae Genus: Pecari Species: tajacu

 

Geography – Range
The Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts of southwestern Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, southward through Central America to northern Argentina.

 

Vital Stats   Weight: 35-60 lbs.   Length with tail: 40-60"   Shoulder Height: 20-24"   Sexual Maturity: 2 years   Mating Season: year round   Gestation Period:  140-150days   No. of Young: 1-3, 2 avg.   Birth Interval: 1 year   Lifespan: 10 years in the wild   Typical diet: agaves and prickly pears

Facts Collared Peccary is the only wild, native, pig-like animal found in the United States. The Collared Peccary, also known as the Javelina, Tayaussa or the Musk Hog. They are called Javelina because of their razor-sharp tusks, Spanish for javelin or spear. You may smell a peccary before you see it. The prickly pear is ideal food for the Collared Peccary due to its high water content. Collared Peccary have poor eye sight and good hearing.

Javelina' s are mostly herbivorous (vegetarian), although occasional animal matter is sometimes ingested. Because Javelina sows are not restricted to a particular breeding season (rut), they are unique in that they can produce litters year-round. Litter sizes vary from 1-4, but generally average two. They can live up to seven years of age, although they have been known to survive in captivity as long as 16.
 

While early explorers and settlers thought them to be ferocious, Javelina's are generally timid and fearful of humans, unless cornered. When these animals are scared or threatened, a “clicking” sound is often heard. The rapid opening and closing of the mouth creates this sound. Javelinas have four canine teeth (two upper/two lower) that fit together like the blades of a scissors. This rapid opening and closing of the mouth makes the canine teeth create this “clicking” or popping sound. This sound heard up close can be quite discomforting and even unnerving!
 

Research on any animal is critical to gaining knowledge about behavior, habitat and food requirements, life history, and human/Javelina interactions. Research activities pertaining to Javelina biology has been quite extensive in Arizona and in southern Texas.
 

Prior to giving birth, sows will frequently separate from the herd and remain isolated. Following the birth of her offspring, she will rejoin the herd. In the course of my study, several sows were seen by themselves prior to and immediately after giving birth.
 

The home range of the study herds ranged from 142-198 ha (1.4–2.0 km2). Various types of habitats comprise the home range of each herd. The igneous rock formations, or outcrops, that are common throughout the Davis Mountains, played a significant role in daily life. Two herds favored these rock outcrops for bedding sites (dens). These rock outcrop habitats are dominated by oak and juniper, and provide excellent protective cover from the hot sun as well as cold winter winds. Within these habitats, Javelinas frequently utilized caves and rock ledges for dens. Areas of dense brush comprised of Whitebrush, Texas Honey Mesquite, and Catclaw Mimosa, are frequently used by herds as travel corridors. These corridors offer protection from the elements and from predators including the Mountain Lion, Bobcat, or Coyote. Although considered an inhabitant of desert scrub, Javelinas are also seen at some of the highest elevations in the Davis Mountains.
 

This wary animal is also known as the Collared Peccary, although similar to the American pig they are not part of the pig family. Arizona has the largest population of Javelina, in the United States and offers the best opportunity to harvest a Trophy Class Boar. Javelina live mainly in the desert, ranging in elevation from 2000 feet to 6500 feet, the “Pigs” are found from the southeastern mountains all the way north to the Mogollon Rim.

They are very elusive and at times can be very difficult to locate. However once spotted the “EXCITEMENT BEGINS” with woofing and teeth snapping close encounters.

Arizona offers several hunting seasons, for Javelina. “Archery Only”, “Rifle” and the “Ham” (handgun, archery, muzzleloader). To hunt Javelina, in Arizona, you do have to draw a permit with application deadlines. Many offered hunts run a 100% draw success rate! Arizona also offers a “Rifle Youth Only Javelina Hunt”, in February providing a super opportunity for a first hunt situation, to get that youngster started. Just remember you must apply for this lottery draw permit.

HWO offers two hunts for Javelina. The fist is a 3 day Javelina Only Hunt. The second, “our most popular hunt” being the “Desert Safari Hunt” offering a combination of Archery Javelina, Archery Mule Deer (during the rut) and with (over the counter tags), Predators and Quail all combined into one hunt. This is a five-day action packed hunt and the Mule Deer can reach up to the 30” class. The Desert Safari Hunt is in January offering a great time, lots of hunting action, as well as the mild desert climate that ranges from 40 to 70 degrees daily. So please come join us, in Arizona, get away from those cold blizzards, for some short sleeve hunting.

Our Professional Team has the Knowledge, Expertise and Experience to “TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO A REALITY!”

Please click here to view some of the 'HOGS' that our clients have harvested.

We limit the amount of clients that we take Javelina Hunting, so that we may provide the Professional attention that will make your hunt special. Please book early, as availability is limited.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve your hunt. With the remaining hunt balance due thirty days prior to your hunt start date.

CALL HWO TODAY!!! We thank you for your time, and we look forward to the opportunity to help you with your quest for a World Class Trophy Javelina!