Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: WAcoueshunter on February 23, 2018, 11:49:23 AM
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My son and I traveled to AZ over the weekend for a muzzy javelina hunt with a couple buddies and their kids. Three dads, five kids ages 8 - 12, it was a great time. None of the kids are hunting yet (next year), but the three dads each drew a tag.
First day (Friday) it was cold and rained most of the day. Pigs hunker down in the cold, so none spotted the first day. The weather broke on Saturday and we went our separate ways to see if we could find a herd. About a mile into our hunt, my son says "dad, wait, I just heard something". So we stop and listen, and after a short bit I heard the unmistakable "woof" of a pig. Game on! Nice job kid!
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With only the one woof to go on, it was hard to pinpoint exactly where they were. But after about 10 minutes I caught a glimpse of one on the hillside in front of us at about 200 yards and the stalk was on. We could get to 115 yards before having to cross the wash between hillsides, so I set up there and waiting for a shot opportunity. The herd was small, four pigs, but all were boars. The pigs seemed nervous, so I took the first shot I could and put one down. We then backed out and held tight, got on the radio, and hoped the remaining three pigs would settle down and give the other dads an opportunity. It worked - they settled down and got back to their business on the same hillside. It was fun to watch them run around, dig up roots, fight, and just go on about being their piggy selves.
Here's the ATL pic of my pig. Yes, they blend in pretty well.
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After about an hour the other dads made it to our location with their kids in tow. They made a couple of nice shots while we all watched on, and were able to take two of the remaining three pigs. The lucky fourth, with the free pass, casually walked right through the middle of our group. Really great to have all five kids there to watch it all go down.
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Done early, we spent the rest of the weekend enjoying our time in the desert. Such a cool place, outside of an ATV club that drove by one day, we didn't see a soul the entire time. The kids had a great time being kids - they dug holes, built fires, shot rifles, collected old horseshoes, gathered mesquite for the fire, and just generally enjoyed their freedom in the middle of nowhere. Great time. My kid and I also took a muzzy coues in the same area in November. Sure is fun having him as my partner.
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Really cool pics and story. Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing, well done seizing the opportunity to continue the hunting legacy.
:tup:
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that looks like fun might have to try it. thanks for posting the pics
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Looks like a fun trip for sure. It's cool you all got your pigs out of the same herd.
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That’s such a fun hunt! I’ve hunted with my bow out there a few times for the “HAM” hunt with a buddies dad. I’ve tagged out both times and had a blast.. those pigs are pretty tasty too in my opinion... good times man! Nice job!
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That’s awesome. I’m wanting to do this hunt in the next two years when my health recovers from a long battle I’ve been in. Could you tell me what’s the process for getting tags for javalina there? I’ve been looking blonde but I’m not clear if they’re over the counter or if they have to be drawn.
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Thanks all, indeed, it is a fun time down there!
That’s awesome. I’m wanting to do this hunt in the next two years when my health recovers from a long battle I’ve been in. Could you tell me what’s the process for getting tags for javalina there? I’ve been looking blonde but I’m not clear if they’re over the counter or if they have to be drawn.
Technically the tags are draw only, application deadline is around October. That said, many of the units have leftover tags that you can get on a first come, first serve basis following the draw. The HAM (handgun, archery, muzzleloader) hunts are in February, and are generally easier to draw than the rifle hunts that take place in March. There is also an archery only season in January. You still need to draw the archery javelina tag, but you can buy an archery deer tag over the counter for the same timeframe in January. Before kids came along, we always did the archery deer/javelina combo hunt.
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Oh, I though this would be about a new way to make a wiener in a blanket! :chuckle:
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Thanks for the tips coueshunter. I appreciate the input.
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Awesome! Being a father is the greatest job in the world. Cant wait for my boy to be old enough to join me on trips.
