Boar Hunting in Arizona
- Javelinas typically weigh 35 to 60 pounds. They have brown coloring, which can also show tan and ruddy highlights. The animals are social and typically live in small herds of around ten. In Arizona, they're typically found in the desert, chaparral and grasslands in the southern and central parts of the state.
- The first javelina hunting season in Arizona took place in 1929, and then grew in popularity through the following decades, especially among out-of-state visitors. By 1971, more than 30,000 hunters a year were killing thousands of javelina annually. Since that peak, the state has imposed stricter hunting seasons and regulations in order to make sure that the hunt remains sustainable.
- Javelina hunting season typically occurs in the fall and early winter (known as the spring season). Arizona has divided the state into different hunting areas so that hunters don't overburden any one particular population. As a result, the hunting dates can vary throughout the state According to the Arizona Department of Fish and Game, though, most of the regions had a general firearm javelina hunting season from February 19 through February 25, 2010. An additional hunting season occurred for youth hunters from January 22 through January 25, 2010. An archery season also took place from January 1 through January 31, 2010. A fall javelina hunt also occurs every year.
- For every hunting season, the state conducts a draw in which eligible hunters are selected for permits. Any leftover permits are then sold on a first come first serve basis. Draw deadlines typically precede the actual hunting season by several months. For example, the 2010 fall deadline for hunting javelina is June 8, 2010.
- In addition to obtaining a javelina hunting permit, hunters must also have a valid hunting license. Hunters may not take more than one boar per calendar year. Firearms, crossbows and other archery equipment must comply with state regulations.
