While gulping a cup of coffee, I scrawled a note to my wife and kids telling them I was planning on morning javelina hunting. Little did I know as I threw my pack and bow into the truck, that it would turn into a full day hunt. I met up with a few buddies and spent the morning glassing the sunny slopes in search of pigs. When we finally found them, they were a good mile and half hike away, but after formulating a game plan, we made our way over to them working in to about a 100 yards. From there, we silently made our final stalk into a big herd of javelina, where at 6 yards, my arrow found it’s mark. When the dust settled, my friend David and I had been able to harvest pigs.

The sun was already headed deep into the western sky by the time we shouldered our heavy packs and started to make our way back to the truck. It turned into a long day in the field, but it was a good day javelina hunting with friends that I won’t soon forget.

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I drew a javelina tag this year and was very excited about heading up north to try and seal the deal. In the two and a half days of hunting, the wind gusted through the whole thing. We were able to get on a small herd the last day I hunted, but we couldn’t beat the wind. Although I had grand intentions of getting back up to camp, my schedule just would not allow it. There is nothing like javelina camp. Cold nights, good food, and good company.

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Many weekends find me camping out, either hunting or fishing in the Arizona backcountry. What’s ironic is that as wonderful and exciting as my time in the wild is, nothing really compares to the moment when I turn the truck on to my street and drive up to the house. The garage door opens, and I can hear the excited barks of my two pups, as I kill the engine of the vehicle. I drag a couple of bags into the house, give my girl a hug, and scratch the boys behind the ears. While I recount the weekend’s events to my wife, the dogs are going to find out the story in a different way. With their snouts buried deep into my hunting pack, their noses seek to find out what I was up to, where I’ve been, and if I was successful. Their tails never stop wagging, and they look at me with pleading eyes, hoping that next time I take them with me.

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Well, I didn’t have very high hopes for this season, hunting in a unit that I did not really know too well. Blowing my one opportunity at a pig early in the season was probably not a good place to start either. I hunted one more time this past Saturday in the hope of finding a herd, but the rolling hills and canyons provided the shelter that these javlelina were looking for. Looking at the calendar and weighing the pros and cons of trying to squeeze one more day in makes me think that Saturday was probably the last day in the field for me.

I could be cliche and say that any day in the field is a good day, but there is that nagging thought in the back of my mind telling me I should have been done a week and half ago, if I had been a little bit smarter on my stalk. No matter, I have a couple of hours free this afternoon. I just might dust off the fly rod and chase some carp.

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The morning sun was just starting to lighten the sky as I tiptoed to the top of the bluff where I was going to set up and glass the surrounding hills. I moved from rock to rock and quietly stood at the very top and was about to put down my bow and pack when I heard movement. As I peaked over the edge of the ledge I was sitting on, I could see a small herd of javelina feeding through the brush. Grunting and browsing through the brush, I slipped down behind them and followed them as the moved through the brush with the wind in their face.

For the next hour and a half, I stalked the herd as they moved over the next couple of hills. I passed up several marginal shots in the 20-25 yard range while I waited for something a little bit closer. Something closer never came. Cactus and palo verde trees kept this little herd safe and before I knew it, one of them circled around and winded me. After the sound of pounding hooves subsided, I was left alone with the sound of the wind rustling through the dry desert.

The beauty of shooting a stickbow is that the hunt becomes very intimate and personal, with the hunter being forced to close the distance between himself and his quarry. No looking through a scope over hundreds of yards across a canyon. No sites to rely on. No triggers. Nothing mechanical. Being in that close on a herd of wild animals is truly a thing of beauty and even though I did not loose and arrow, I feel grateful to be a part of the desert and have a front row seat to viewing God’s creation.

The post Arizona Javelina Hunting: So close yet so far… appeared first on Arizona Wanderings.

Although I did not get drawn for my go-to unit, I bought an over-the-counter javelina tag in a unit closer to town. While quail hunting there over the past couple of years, I have kicked up a couple of herds of pigs and figured I could get lucky. I put some miles under my feet and looked at a bunch of country but could not find the pigs that I know are there somewhere. I made it back to the truck around noon and decided to check out another area a little farther out of the way. Bumping along I heard the unmistakable hissing of escaping air which also deflated my spirit. After getting the spare squared away, I figured without cell service, continuing on would not be in my best interest. So I headed back to town to get my blown tire replaced with hopes of getting back into the field a little later this week. Hopefully, I can get these pigs figured out and get lucky enough to get an arrow off before I head back to school next week.

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Rambling Review – Browning Pursuit Jacket

Why:

Even though Arizona is a desert, we still get some fairly serious weather that rolls through the mesas and canyons in our later season hunts. Mornings can start below freezing and the wind can make it feel so much colder. As I started my search for the right jacket, I wanted to find something that would be quiet and form fitting for bow hunting, but rugged enough to stand up to the prickly desert foliage. Enter: The Browning Pursuit Jacket

First impressions:

Soft Shell – The Browning Pursuit Jacket caught my eye immediately because of its construction. This outer layer of the jacket is a polyester/spandex blend while the inside is lined with fleece. This combination makes an extremely rugged article of clothing. The coat boasts an OdorSmart scent control as well as being wind and water resistant.

Pockets – This jacket has a two deep outside zipper pockets and one nice pocket on the inside that also closes with a zipper.

Detachable Hood – I know many guys do not like to have a hood on their jacket but Browning Pursuit fixes that problem. The hood offers warmth on those windy days when you cannot feel your ears, but you can take it off when the weather gets a little warmer.

Form Fitting – Although the sizing was a little bit off, the XL fits me just right (normally I can get away with a large). The arms are slim and not bulky allowing me to shoot my recurve without having to put an armguard on. Although it fits very well, I am still able to load up on layers if necessary.

OdorSmart Technology – I am not one to jump into all the hype of needing to wear specially constructed garments to cut down on scent. I believe in playing the wind and being smart. Mankind has been killing animals for centuries just fine without the marketing of scent free clothing. All the same, the Browning Pursuit jacket does boast OdorSmart Scent Control Lining.

Field Use:

I have worn this jacket for 2 seasons of hunting and plan on many more years of use. Glassing for deer or javelina on those early January mornings, things can get real cold, real quick. The coat is incredibly warm for its relatively lightweight and the wind resistant material coupled with a fleece lining definitely delivers. I will say that once I start moving and hiking (generally uphill) things heat up pretty quick inside this jacket. My normal layering has me in a long-sleeved t-shirt, my Cabela’s Wooltimate Vest, with the Browning Pursuit on top. Once I start hiking the Pursuit jacket comes off and I stalk in just the vest. On a tree-stand though, the Browning Pursuit jacket is the ticket and keeps me warm all day long.

I really like the camouflage pattern that Browning has on this jacket. Although not a huge freak about the actual pattern itself, I believe the purpose is to break up the silhouette of a human. The Mossy Oak Treestand pattern does just that and I think it is appropriate for many different hunting situations.

The Browning Pursuit jacket is great for late season Arizona bow hunting (or any cold weather bow hunting) because it is so quiet when I need to position myself and draw my bow. The slim sleeves keep the jacket bulk down allowing for the string to clear my arm.

The wind always blows strong during javelina season and the utility of this jacket is great. Since it is not extremely bulking it folds up relatively small and can be tucked into a pack for the stalk. The jacket is water resistant and does a good job of beading up water during inclement weather. After two seasons of use I have reapplied a water resistant spray to keep up its water resistant features.

Pros:

Extremely quiet

Wind/Water resistant

Rugged Construction

Light but extremely warm

Camouflage pattern

OdorSmart Technology

Cons:

Sizing may be off (I recommend trying the jacket on)

No armpit vents

Prognosis: An amazing bow hunting jacket that rises to the occasion when taken into some very nasty country. I highly recommend this jacket if you are looking for a durable, quiet, and warm softshell jacket.

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Rambling Review – Garmin Etrex H GPS Unit

Why:

In short, I don’t like getting lost.

When I moved to Arizona the new big country was very daunting and I always had a sick feeling in my stomach as I watched the truck get smaller and smaller the farther I walk away.  Specifically, quail hunting makes me nervous because as I wander around chasing birds, it is very easy to get disoriented. I have always found my way back, but before every hunt I mark the truck’s location, just in case. Since I car so much about my truck I get help from these motor trade insurance brokers. Having insurance is a big deal for me, especially when I go out to a new country that I am not familiar with, I have to be safe and be prepared for anything that may happen.

Note: I still always carry a compass so I can plot a course, just in case the GPS fails.

First impressions:

Solid Construction – When I held the Garmin Etrex GPS Unit is the store, I was struck by the solid block construction. I try not to make a habit of dropping electronics, but it has been known to happen. While tromping around the outdoors, a pack can be dropped or worse yet, the GPS unit itself could be banged around. The hard plastic coupled with durable rubber gives the Garmin GPS a very rugged feel.

Features – (Some key features that I thought were important)

–          Waterproof – Garmin claims that this device can take an “accidental dunk” in the creek. Not a terrible feature when it is lodged in my pack while I fish.

–          5.3 oz

–          17 hours of battery life

–          Able to log over 500 waypoints.

–          Not able to upload maps

Price – Tough to beat the price on this great GPS when others in the same market are hundreds of dollars more. Enough said.

Field Use:

I have been nothing but pleased with the performance of this GPS. One thing that I have noticed about this GPS is how easy it is to use. With only 5 buttons, this Garmin is very easy to navigate. Most of the use that this device sees is during hunting trips. Once I park the truck I turn the GPS on and mark a waypoint. Then I turn off the GPS to conserve battery life and put the unit in my pack. I have a fairly good sense of direction and can usually find my way back to the truck without a whole lot of difficulty, but there have been a few times where I need to take the GPS out and double check my bearings. This GPS is perfect when I am in a new area or even an old standby. I love having the extra insurance in my pack, knowing that it is there just in case.

I also like to mark locations of my hunting stands or quality bedding, feeding, “gamey”- looking spots. This makes wandering my way through the dark trying to locate a tree stand, much easier. Also, if I am feeling generous, I can give a buddy the exact coordinates and he can make his way to the stand on his own.

This particular GPS does not have an actual topographical map.  Instead, it offers a compass like view that points to whatever waypoint you have designated. This is perfect for my use, but I know some like the high-tech features that other more expensive GPS units have. I am a simple guy and like to keep my hunting simple. Becoming too reliant on technology is a recipe for disaster if that technology decides not to work once you are in the field.

Waypoints are generally logged as numbers but there is the opportunity to put specific labels on waypoints. This helps when I go back later and have things specifically labeled so I remember what waypoint is what. I have also used the sunset/sunrise features to figure out exactly what time I should be getting into my stand. I always make sure to carry an extra set of batteries just in case.

Pros:

Simple to use

Rugged Construction

Flawless performance for over multiple years

Waterproof

Large waypoint capacity

Cons:

Black/White/Gray Screen

Not able to upload maps

Prognosis: An extremely useful piece of equipment to have in the field if you are looking for a little extra insurance that you make it back to the truck. For more information about online insurance services, visit https://mexicaninsurance.com/automobile-insurance-for-mexico-mexican

* Disclaimer:

The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review.  My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.

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Archery javelina season ended a three year long quest for one of these Arizona pigs and truth be told, my cold weather hunting gear was washed and put away. I have been focusing on staying close to home on the weekends and hunting Gambel’s quail and thinking about maybe trying out my new three weight reel. Instead, I was offered an opportunity to go up and help Austin’s cousin on his first bigger game hunt. Arizona Game and Fish has a great juniors program set up in order to get younger blood into the field and give them a decent chance at harvesting an animal. For example, archers usually get two or three weeks of hunting, followed by juniors, then HAM, then rifle. In my opinion, it’s fairly advantageous to take up archery and get out before the majority of the other hunters start driving the roads. The juniors hunt is extremely beneficial too as it gets the kids into the field before the game is too spooked, and I was looking forward to helping Haden bag his first javelina.

Uncle Don and Haden were already camped and had put in a hard day of hunting without seeing any javelina. So Austin and I dragged ourselves two and a half hours to their camp to offer our eyes for Saturday, before coming back home later that night. (It is the playoffs after all.) A quick strategy was arranged and we split into two groups in order to glass more country and try and catch a herd coming out to feed in the morning sunlight.

After glassing for a half hour or so, I hear a tremendous sigh and Austin say, “There aren’t any pigs here, let’s take off.”

On any normal day, it would usually be me saying this. Being relatively new to the west, the concept of staring through binoculars for hours on end can become tedious and boring. Over the past several seasons, I would like to think that I have become a little more patient and experienced.

“Hold off. 15 more minutes.”

I can’t believe the words were actually coming out of my mouth, but sure enough, a minute later, I pick of the distinct movement of javelina feeding their way through a patch of prickly pear. Austin raced off to find Don and Haden, and before long Don and Haden had stalked their way into 40 yards of the herd undetected. Within moments, Haden put a perfectly placed shot behind the front shoulder of a nice looking javelina. The entire scene unfolded through the lenses of my binoculars and was truly awesome to watch. Whopping and hollering could be heard echoing across the valley as we realized Haden had been successful. Photographed, field dressed, and tagged, Haden was carrying out his first pig by 10:30. Not to shabby for a Saturday morning.

It was rewarding experience to go up and help Haden hunt javelina and being a part of his success will always be a cherished memory. I think it is an important to pass along the tradition of hunting in respect to American conservation and ultimately family values and respect for God’s creation. Some of my best memories as a young man are walking through the woods with my dad and brothers looking at and learning all that the natural world has to offer. I think it is for this reason that I get so much joy from taking up a fly rod, bow, or gun and getting into the big country of Arizona and taking advantage of everything it has offer.

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It felt as if I had just fallen asleep from our New Years celebration, when my alarm told me to pull my aching body from bed. Most of my gear had been sorted and packed the day before, so once the coffee was made and the truck was loaded, I drove to meet my good friend Austin and head up to the high country in search of Arizona’s javelina.  Javelina are a strange animal by all accounts and everyone has a different description of what type of animal they actually are, but for all practical purposes, they look like a hairy pig. Most of their lives are spent in a herd and can be found rooting around the cactus filled hillsides of Arizona. The best time to glass up these animals is during the morning or evenings when the javelina are in search of the warm sun to heat their bodies. After setting up camp and gathering firewood for a cold evening, we geared up and spent the rest of our afternoon until dark hunkered down behind the lenses of our binoculars searching for their little camouflaged bodies, but to no avail. As the sun went down, the temperatures plummeted. Most years, evening temps stay in the low 30s, but an unusual cold snap kept our nighttime temp in the teens which can make for a long night in a tent.

Morning came quickly and we wasted no time in brewing coffee and putting on the extra layers to combat the freezing temperatures.  Once we were situated and glassing the surrounding hills, Austin wasted no time in spotting a herd slowly working their way across the hillside. A plan was hatched, wind calculated, obstructions noted and we made our way slowly and somewhat quietly through the prickly southwestern foliage. Over and over again, we would stop and check our progress and each time doubts would creep into my mind about our plan and its execution, but in our final approach, my ears heard the unmistakable sound of rooting javelina slowly working towards us.

With patience and persistence, both of us were able to work into a position for shots and I was able to find a quartering away pass through shot on a mid-size boar. Mortally wounded he made his way a dozen yards away and expired. Austin also placed a quality shot on another male who put up a tough fight until another arrow put him down for good.  As we posed for a self timed picture, it really began to sink in that this truly was an amazing experience to double up on javelina out of the same herd on the second day of the season.

Camp was broken quickly and meat, hides, and skulls were carefully packed away. Rumbling our way out of the back country, it is tough not to be thankful for such a quality hunt. The last two years had seen probably 15-20 days in the field searching for these little buggers and I was unable to connect even though the opportunities were there.  So the completion of a hunt and goal is extremely rewarding. Phone calls were made and the wives are happy we will not be “wasting” any more weekends on pig hunting, at least until we get tags again and can go back and wander around Arizona.

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