Quick Answer
In Arizona, javelina hunting is regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, with a season that typically runs from mid-October to mid-January, depending on the region. Javelina can be hunted over bait, but this requires a special permit. Bag limits and hunting hours vary by region and method of take.
Javelina Hunting Season and Permits
Arizona’s javelina hunting season is one of the longest in the country, with a 90-day season in most areas, and a 120-day season in the southeastern region. Hunting is allowed over bait in certain areas, but this requires a special permit, known as an “over-bait permit.” These permits are limited to 250 per year and are issued through a random drawing.
Hunting Methods and Regulations
Javelina can be hunted with firearms, archery equipment, or muzzleloaders. The bag limit is two javelinas per hunter, and there is no minimum size requirement. Hunting hours vary by region, but are typically from sunrise to sunset. In areas where javelina can be hunted over bait, hunters are limited to using only the permitted bait and are required to follow specific guidelines to prevent the spread of disease.
Javelina Habitat and Behavior
Javelina are found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, grasslands, and riparian areas. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and tend to congregate around water sources and food caches. Hunters can use this information to their advantage by setting up ambushes near these areas, or by tracking javelina sign to locate them.
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