Speedy Report post Posted January 28, 2021 I joined the club a few weeks ago when I finally was able to connect with a javi (story is on the AZ forum). I located them by smell which was quite strong. I killed a nice sow but she had hardly any odor at all, so was it the boar that stunk? The next day when I went to get the skull there was still a strong lingering odor in the area. I did the gutless method with several pairs of gloves, not my best work but the meat (what little of it!) seems fine. I pan fried a piece of backstrap as I never had javi before and it was delicious. No unusual odor cooking either. I'm kinda wondering what the fuss is all about. Or did I just get a good one? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted January 28, 2021 I can't speak to scientific fact, but my crew has probably shot about a dozen javelin over the past few years. I would estimate they were probably 50/50 boars to sows. Every boar we have shot had a much stronger odor than any of the sows. The meat also tends to be a bit stronger with boars. But if you clean them carefully and not touch hide than meat (I always go through multiple pairs of gloves as well), it really is excellent high quality meat. With the lingering smell the next day, it is highly likely that the herd (or at least part of the herd) returned to the spot. I have a video of several javelina returning to a dead pig my hunting buddy's son shot, and lay down and bed next to it. My son then shot one. I'll see if I can find the video. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted January 28, 2021 In this second video, I am trying to get them up for a shot. Initially I was tried throwing some rocks, not to hit them, (they were about 200 yards away if memory serves correctly), but to make noise. That didn't work very well. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted January 28, 2021 I've certainly noticed the boars are much more pungent than the sows from a smell standpoint. As for taste, haven't noticed any difference although I am careful to use multiple sets of gloves and even switch out blades between skinning and cutting off meat. Javelina are one of the animals I look most forward to putting in my freezer every year. 🍖 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roosevelt Mark Report post Posted January 28, 2021 Some do smell more than others. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted January 28, 2021 I think some smell more than others but I feel it’s more to do with the last rain fall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CatfishKev Report post Posted January 28, 2021 I've noticed some people definitely smell much stronger then others.... 🤔 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
savagman Report post Posted January 30, 2021 My 2 cents - quick kill less odor. Wounded and they spray just like when startled which leads to more musk on the hide and more challenge keeping it off of you and the meat. And probably boars stink worse although maybe not young ones? I have had younger boars that smelled good ( for a javi) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites