New to website, hunting 33/37B in January with son

[CAelknuts]

My son and I drew 33/37B javelina tags, so we're going to bowhunt deer and javi's in January, probably near Oracle area. Any advice on which week would be best? We're leaning toward one of the first two weeks.

[AZP&Y]

The rut may be going a little stronger the second week , but for pigs it really won't matter. If it's cold and nasty they'll probably be hunkered down so hope for some better weather and a bit of sunshine for javy. That unit has plenty of pigs and I just came off the Oct hunt for coues. We will be down there in January chasin em' again.

 

It's all about glassing that big coues country! Get the tripod and binos and you should be good to go!

 

There are some whopper pigs in that unit- This guy is from last January {2008}!

 

Good Luck!

 

AzP&Y

[Redman]

My son and I drew 33/37B javelina tags, so we're going to bowhunt deer and javi's in January, probably near Oracle area. Any advice on which week would be best? We're leaning toward one of the first two weeks.

 

Welcome to a great website. I don't really think one week will matter much, I would watch the weather (if you can change your plans when the weather report is issued). Last year, the first week was extremly windy and I think the second was raining.. it seemed to rain a lot last Jan. Oracle is a good spot to be, you can get to multiple places in 33 and 37B with limited driving...but now gas is reasonable....so driving won't cost you an arm and a leg.

 

Redman

 

[CAelknuts]

Thanks for the information guys. Another question. We're planning on bringing a wall tent, but would we be better off just staying in a motel in Oracle, assuming there are any decent ones in that town? We like to tent camp, so that's what we've planned, but I am wondering if we'd be more mobile staying in a motel. Any advice?

 

Also, I've gotten quite a bit of advice about calling javelina. It sounds like a total blast, is it really as good as I'm hearing?

[AZP&Y]

Caelknuts,

 

Here is a pic of the only motel I know if Oracle. It's mini a-frames. Real primitive, here. No concierge or turndown service available.

 

From there you have about a 30 minute drive in any direction to get into pig country. You can camp in Peppersauce campground (like $12.00 a night) or just keep driving to the surrounding forest service and plop down for free. As Redman stated in his post, he was correct - I wacked my pig on 1/7-2008 it was blowing 30 mph and rained for 2 days. I drove home soaked to the bone and smiling with all tags filled.

 

As far as calling, we have a running joke with our Javelina crew, every time we've blown the J-13 (famous javy call) - they've gone running in the opposite direction- away. Maybe I'm just not doing it right, but calling can be VERY effective, but each pig responds in it's own way. Bring the call, but just don't expect em' to come in on a string

 

It's a great hunt and an awesome time to be in the hills!

 

AzP&Y

[IHunt2live]

From my experience with a call I would say definently bring one. My I think is buy quaker boy "Bear squealer” I think. I would say don’t use it until it is a last resort like when you bust a herd. I don’t speak pig so I can’t ask what they are thinking but I imagine they thought they were in danger and were running and when they hear the call they think someone got cought and they come in for the rescue. I used it last year after I missed, well grazed one pig (just a flesh wound), my first shot on a pig and the herd ran off, maybe 80 yards or so, started calling and they all came running back. The one a grazed was acualy the first one to come running n and was able to put him down for good. So yes, they due work.

[bearbait]

I am also gonna have to say bring the call! For the past 4 years I have used the call after one of us in our group takes a shot, and every time they all come running back and jump around like crazy, allowing for the next person to take a shot. Last year I took three 5yrd shots (and missed , but lets not talk about that! ) got on the call and the whole herd comes back. But becareful, my brother had to jump over one that was running right at him! If there are others in your group, make sure the are ready to shoot when someone gets on the call. Everything will happen real fast, and the pigs don't stay in one spot long, and a second or two then they change positions to get a better view at "what" is causeing a member of the herd hop and hollar!!

 

We use the famous J-13 call as well. Even if you don't use that particular call, check out javilinahunter.com and read everything he says on there. He talks about why, when, and how to call and has sound lessons as well. Also, he talks about how to hunt in different areas for these little guys! Well worth your time to check out!

 

Here is mine and my brothers from last year. Again, my brother spotted the herd so after we made our stalk, he got first shot and then got on the call, allowing me to take mine at 10yrds.

 

[azyota]

So far I have used my J-13 3 times on herds I busted out. Once a few of the pigs stopped, and I missed a shot. The other 2 times they ran the other way FAST. I would say it's worth a try if they are running anyway.

 

Edit: I did use the J-13 to call a Coyote in to 9yds once while archery pig hunting. He's done!

[AZn8tiv]

Just to add to the call situation, I've seen it work once and I was amazed! Two years ago a buddy and I were out scouting for coues and saw some javelina a good 100 yrds away. He pulled a Zepps Rattler call out and rapped on it a few times, would you believe those pigs turned and came strait for us?? Any way, I'm sure it doesn't work everytime, but I'd say there's a time and a place for it. I'll be going out on my first javelina archery hunt next month and intend on having my J-13 with me just in case!! By the way, as you all can see I'm brand new to the forum, so hello! I'll post a new thread officially saying hello!