Arizona Javelina Hunting 2025

Javelina – more formally known as the collared peccary – can be found throughout most of Arizona south of the Colorado River. These unique animals have been classified as big game since 1929, which means they’ve been carefully managed with annual bag limits by the Arizona Game and Fish Department ever since. As interest in javelina hunting grew in the 1970s, the state introduced a permit-only system, and today, those permits are awarded through an annual draw.

Go on More Hunts with Better Information, Join Huntin' Fool Today!

Since 2007, all javelina hunts have been reserved exclusively for youth hunters aged 10 to 17, while spring seasons remain open to all hunters aged 10 and up. Looking ahead to the 2026 spring hunt, Arizona will once again offer four distinct seasons: archery only, youth only weapon, HAM (handgun, archery, or muzzleloader), and general any weapon.

One exciting perk for archery hunters is that the archery javelina season overlaps with the over-the-counter deer archery season in many southern units. That means you could be chasing both deer and javelina on the same hunt. Just be aware that some deer units may close early due to quota limits which can make planning tricky. If you’re hoping to line up units for both species, timing your spring javelina application will take a bit of strategy.

Bag Limit

An annual bag limit of two javelina is allowed per calendar year. However, only one javelina can be taken per permit for a given hunt number. The second permit must be issued for a separate hunt number. You may not apply for two hunt permits in the initial draw, but you may obtain your second permit by purchasing a leftover permit available first-come, first-served after the draw. You may purchase a leftover tag via mail-in application, in person at an AZGFD Office.

Our Memberships Include The Most Accurate Draw Odds Available, Join Now!

Hunt tactics

Arizona javelina are descendants of their tropical ancestors from Southern Mexico and Central America. Currently, they inhabit Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. While many hunters in Texas are accustomed to harvesting javelina in a similar manner to wild hogs, it is quite a different hunting experience in the Arizona desert where they can be glassed and hunted in big, desert, mountainous areas. Javelina feed on a variety of plants and small animals, but they primarily rely on prickly pear cactus and other desert plant roots. Most successful hunters use spot-and-stalk tactics to locate a javelina herd. Tracking methods can also be effective on the low desert floors, but many hunters prefer glassing the mountain hillsides to find a herd to pursue. Javelina are known to have poor eyesight, but they have a keen sense of smell to keep you on your toes. They are most known for their oily secretion produced by their scent gland that has a very unique odor specific to their social group. They rely on each other to keep an eye out for the herd for any approaching danger. Stalking into archery range of these “pigs” hiding in the rocks or tall grass is enough to spark the hunting fever in even the most seasoned hunter.

Self Guided DIY Arizona Javelina Hunts

For access to all of our research and data we've collected over the last 20+ years, then join today and access the best research tools for hunting Javelina in Arizona including 3D Maps, Draw Odds, Consultations and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!

Application Dates for Javelina in Arizona

The deadline to apply for Javelina is 11:59 P.M. (MT) on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!

Arizona Non-Resident Javelina Hunting Fees