Arizona Javelina Hunting 2023

Javelina, properly known as the collared peccary, are found in nearly all units in Arizona south of the Colorado River. Since 1929, javelina have been designated as big game and have been subject to annual bag limits as managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Permitonly hunts were instituted in the 1970s as hunter interest increased, and permits are now allocated through the annual draw processes. Since 2007, fall javelina hunts have only been available to youth hunters (ages 10-17), whereas the spring hunt seasons are open to all hunters (ages 10+).

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For the 2024 spring season, Arizona will have the usual four hunting seasons – archery only, any weapon youth only, HAM (handgun, archery, or muzzleloader), and general any weapon. The archery-only season coincides with the over-the-counter archery deer hunt in many southern units, allowing you to pursue deer and javelina during the same hunt. Keep in mind that archery deer unit closures could be in place, so trying to line up which units will still have an open quota at the time when you need to apply for spring javelina will be difficult.

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 or in person at an AZGFD office.

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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.

A spring javelina hunt is an easy and cheap way to keep your skills sharp during the winter months, not to mention it is a great way to introduce youth hunters to hunting. Couple that with the average high temperature of 70 degrees in January and you may have found your next adventure. We recommend you consider adding a javelina hunt to this year’s hunting schedule.

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Application Dates for Javelina in Arizona

The deadline to apply for Javelina is 11:59 P.M. (MT) on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

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Arizona Non-Resident Javelina Hunting Fees