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Javelina Hunting Offers Unique Southwest Experience
Monday, January 31, 2011
PHOENIX - Don't miss out on a springtime hunting experience unique to the desert southwest. The javelina is one of those critters that invokes a "what's that" comment from most newcomers.
Javelina resemble wild pigs, particularly because of their pig-like snout, but with an extremely large, rodent-like head. This large head looks disproportionate to their small, compact body that sits atop relatively tiny legs. They have salt-and-pepper, bristle-like hair with a prominent vertical white stripe or "collar" behind the neck.
Because of their small size and coloration, they blend into the desert surroundings quite well. It takes a good eye and meticulous binocular work to locate animals, especially when they aren't moving.
Once they are located, the hunt is on. Stalking a herd of javelina can be challenging due to their keen sense of smell and hearing. If you are fortunate to harvest an animal, javelina meat can be barbequed, pit roasted, or processed into a variety of sausages.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department regulates the number of javelina permits issued each year. Hunter-harvested animals do not affect sustainable populations of javelina. Seasons are staggered based on method of harvest, including:
* Juniors-only javelina season, Jan. 21-30 - If you have a youngster, Jan. 30 is the last day for the juniors-only javelina season, but tags remain and successful field reports are common. This is a great hunt for a parent or guardian to mentor an up-and-coming hunter. Kids 10-13 must have completed hunter education to hunt javelina.
* Handgun, archery and muzzleloader (HAM) season, Feb. 4-13 - The HAM season gives the hunter two full weekends for an up close pursuit. This can be a challenging, but rewarding hunting experience. The ability to use a handgun makes this hunt very popular. A scope is not required and centerfire home-defense handguns are adequate.
* General firearm season, Feb. 18-24 - If stalking within handgun or archery range is giving you fits, the general season allows the hunter to use rifles. However, with the greater distance comes the need for greater accuracy, so be sure to sight in Old Betsy before taking to the field to make sure you know your distances and are on target.
For license and permit-tag requirements visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or stop by your local Game and Fish office in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Kingman, Pinetop or Yuma and ask a friendly customer service representative.
For those whose interests are piqued about hunting, but not yet ready to venture into the field on their own, we have you covered. The Arizona Game and Fish Department provided grants to local sportsmen conservation organizations to host free first-time javelina hunter camps, including:
* Women hunters' camp, Feb. 11-13 - This camp is just for the ladies (ages 18 or older) to provide a comfortable and non-intimidating environment to learn about hunting with other women. Preregistration is required in order to provide a quality mentored experience. The camp is located southwest of Tucson in the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. It is hosted by Coueswhitetail.com, Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Outdoor Experience 4 All. See details at www.coueswhitetail.com/womens_javelina_hunt_2011.htm.
* New hunters' camp and outdoor fair, Feb. 18-20 - This event is open to all new hunters, as well as those not hunting but interested in learning more about the outdoors, wildlife and camping. The camp is located just west of Prescott. It is hosted by Arizona Bowhunters Association and Outdoor Experience 4 All. See details at www.huntingfair.com.
Hunting is an eco-friendly lifestyle by only taking a small harvest from an abundant, sustainable wildlife resource. This usable bounty is the result of more than a hundred years of successful wildlife conservation, championed and funded by sportsmen - the original wildlife conservationists.
Wildlife conservation and management of the state's game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on certain related equipment). The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state's general funds to operate.
-30-
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.
Contact:
Doug Burt (623) 236-7215
Monday, January 31, 2011
PHOENIX - Don't miss out on a springtime hunting experience unique to the desert southwest. The javelina is one of those critters that invokes a "what's that" comment from most newcomers.
Javelina resemble wild pigs, particularly because of their pig-like snout, but with an extremely large, rodent-like head. This large head looks disproportionate to their small, compact body that sits atop relatively tiny legs. They have salt-and-pepper, bristle-like hair with a prominent vertical white stripe or "collar" behind the neck.
Because of their small size and coloration, they blend into the desert surroundings quite well. It takes a good eye and meticulous binocular work to locate animals, especially when they aren't moving.
Once they are located, the hunt is on. Stalking a herd of javelina can be challenging due to their keen sense of smell and hearing. If you are fortunate to harvest an animal, javelina meat can be barbequed, pit roasted, or processed into a variety of sausages.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department regulates the number of javelina permits issued each year. Hunter-harvested animals do not affect sustainable populations of javelina. Seasons are staggered based on method of harvest, including:
* Juniors-only javelina season, Jan. 21-30 - If you have a youngster, Jan. 30 is the last day for the juniors-only javelina season, but tags remain and successful field reports are common. This is a great hunt for a parent or guardian to mentor an up-and-coming hunter. Kids 10-13 must have completed hunter education to hunt javelina.
* Handgun, archery and muzzleloader (HAM) season, Feb. 4-13 - The HAM season gives the hunter two full weekends for an up close pursuit. This can be a challenging, but rewarding hunting experience. The ability to use a handgun makes this hunt very popular. A scope is not required and centerfire home-defense handguns are adequate.
* General firearm season, Feb. 18-24 - If stalking within handgun or archery range is giving you fits, the general season allows the hunter to use rifles. However, with the greater distance comes the need for greater accuracy, so be sure to sight in Old Betsy before taking to the field to make sure you know your distances and are on target.
For license and permit-tag requirements visit www.azgfd.gov/draw or stop by your local Game and Fish office in Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Kingman, Pinetop or Yuma and ask a friendly customer service representative.
For those whose interests are piqued about hunting, but not yet ready to venture into the field on their own, we have you covered. The Arizona Game and Fish Department provided grants to local sportsmen conservation organizations to host free first-time javelina hunter camps, including:
* Women hunters' camp, Feb. 11-13 - This camp is just for the ladies (ages 18 or older) to provide a comfortable and non-intimidating environment to learn about hunting with other women. Preregistration is required in order to provide a quality mentored experience. The camp is located southwest of Tucson in the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. It is hosted by Coueswhitetail.com, Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Outdoor Experience 4 All. See details at www.coueswhitetail.com/womens_javelina_hunt_2011.htm.
* New hunters' camp and outdoor fair, Feb. 18-20 - This event is open to all new hunters, as well as those not hunting but interested in learning more about the outdoors, wildlife and camping. The camp is located just west of Prescott. It is hosted by Arizona Bowhunters Association and Outdoor Experience 4 All. See details at www.huntingfair.com.
Hunting is an eco-friendly lifestyle by only taking a small harvest from an abundant, sustainable wildlife resource. This usable bounty is the result of more than a hundred years of successful wildlife conservation, championed and funded by sportsmen - the original wildlife conservationists.
Wildlife conservation and management of the state's game animals, which also benefits many non-game species, is made possible through the direct sale of hunting and fishing licenses, big game tags, and matching funds from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act (a federal excise tax that sportsmen pay on certain related equipment). The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive any of the state's general funds to operate.
-30-
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.
Contact:
Doug Burt (623) 236-7215
