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Danny

Archery or rifle for Javelina ?

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I'm trying to figure out what hunt to sign up for. What are your thoughts on going with Archery to get first crack at the Javelina vs Rifle to get longer shots? Also I'm assuming archery gets better draw odds. Anything else I should consider for a first Javelina hunt ?

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I don't exactly know the correct answer but you might be better off trying to draw the rifle hunt and picking up a left over archery if you don't have a preference. I'm also not sure if we are still allowed two pigs or if that was just last year.

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Put in for both! I talked to the lady at g&f she said you can apply for 2 hunts as long as they are different hunt numbers.

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I'm also not sure if we are still allowed two pigs or if that was just last year.

 

I just checked the reg book and it looks like there will still be a 2 bag limit as long as one is from a left over tag or an over the counter tag.

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Archery javi is my favorite hunt. That said, I've always wanted to do one black powder with a flint-lock or my 1858 navy. Rifle javi is good for kids, or others looking for their first of second...Once you get comfortable, it's a lot of fun to break out the other tools you don't always get to use.

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WHEN I WAS SINGLE!!!! I found a pond and scouted twice a week. I had the pig, deer,and fox schedule down within a 10 minute time. I shot my pig within that time in unit 33 (first year I'd hunted that unit) if your married, good luck! or you have an awesome wife, you'll do ok either way. Rifle is usually easier but archery is more fun. My fun comes from scouting and knowing where they will be when my tag is legal. The actuall hunt is boring and quick if idid my job right. If I didn't, watch out!!

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I'm probably going to enter the draw for a rifle hunt since I would have a better chance. I bought a bow a few months ago and would love to use it for a hunt, but I really just need to get one down. I like the idea of going for an OTC tag or leftover tag for archery.

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Hunting javelina with a rifle is like fishing with live bait in an artificial only pond...jk theyre fun no matter what weapon you choose just remembe that if you do get a rifle tag you can still use your bow if you want to.

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Javelinas with a rifle is cheating!! I am not serious, but it's almost cheating. They are easy enough to kill with a bow, challenge yourself and tackle them with a bow. The hardest part will be finding them, after that, the fun begins.

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I'm good with cheating to get my first Javelina ! Seriously though, I'm still going back and forth on this. I really want to do the hunt by bow, but I dont want to blow my chance. I have only even seen a Javelina once, so I will need every advantage I can take. Really I was wondering if archery hunters have an advantage since they haven't been spooked by other hunters yet. I'm all for the best chances and not the biggest challenge for my first Javelina.

 

Also since I'm starting from scratch, can anyone recommend a unit near the West Valley ?

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20b or 21 both have high densities of Javelina. Archer's only advantage is the length at which they can hunt for, 3 weeks instead of 1 week for rifle hunters. Also if you have a herd patterned, obviously they will not be disturbed if you get them on opening day. Get high, glass low and I am sure you will be able to find some javies. They blend in very well, and a tripod is a must when glassing for them. Start scouting in November, and if you put your time in, you will find a herd or 2. They have small home ranges, and will be in the same spot or close by just about every year. If you are able to watch them for extended periods of times, you will find their dens or caves, and your hunt odds just went up exponentially. Look for rooting on the hillsides, watch creek/wash bottoms. They will be in both.

 

Good luck on whichever method of take you choose. Just FYI, there will be leftover tags for both rifle, and archery. So whichever you get drawn for, just go pick up a leftover tag for the other, and you have 2 chances to kill one.

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Pigs were made to archery hunt.

 

I couldn't agree more! I always say that the good Lord put javelina on this planet to give us archery hunters a taste of success every once in a while. hahaha!

 

 

-Tracy

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