Javelina are plentiful in southwest New Mexico and they are a blast to hunt! Technically speaking, they are collared peccaries - named so because of the white ring of hair that circles the neck region - but few people call them that. Although javelinas have many similar characteristics to hogs, they are not related. They’re actually part of the rodent family.
Javelina are gregarious animals that live in a tight-knit family group of around 5 to 15 animals. The groups are territorial with a home range of about a square mile and a half. Because the mane on their neck sticks up, javelina appear to be larger than they really are. In actuality, they only weigh 35-60 pounds field dressed.
Spot and stalk is the technique we use to hunt these unique animals. Our guides use high-powered optics to locate a herd. Once we spot one, the stalk is on. Stalking them can be difficult because javelina are low to the ground and blend into their surroundings very well. They have a good sense of smell, so you must keep the wind in their favor when making a stalk and be extremely quiet in order to get within the desired shooting distance. On the flip side, they have poor eyesight, which can help you get close enough to them for a shot.
Big Horn Outfitters hunts javelina in unit 23. The unit has two seasons. The first is the whole month of January and the second is the whole month of February. Both are good hunts. More tags are issued for the second hunt, so if fewer hunter numbers are important to you, opt for the first hunt.
Licenses are obtained through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish draw. The application period to draw a tag opens mid-January and closes mid-March. Be sure and apply with us through the Outfitter Draw for the best opportunity to draw a tag.
Prices
1-on-1 3-day Javelina Hunt - $3,500.
2-on-1 5-day Javelina Hunt - $2,800 per hunter. (2-on-1 is two hunters and one guide.)