We will be headed back to Texas in a few weeks for our annual javelina hunt. Have been doing this for at least 10 years.
I am thinking about trying a javelina 3D target for a decoy. Has anyone tried this and what were the results? I would probably place it under a feeder just to see what happens. Also thought about putting the hide from a shot javelina over it for scent.
Your thoughts?
Sounds like it would work, let us know what the outcome is. I've seen that idea done with turkeys. Maybe javies are just as smart.
-Jeremy :coffee:
Sounds like a good idea. Please let us know how it works. I will be down in Ft Stockton chasing them in Feb and have a target to use if it works out.
I will be interested to hear if this works as well. I will be headed to TX in a week myself. I may pick up a cheap one to try.
I have hunted javelina many times here in az, but have never heard of anyone using a decoy. May be an effective way to get them to feed closer or used to stalk in closer. I do believe javelina rely on their nose though as they do have poor eyesight. Let us know how it works
I would bet it will work.
Gene:keep us posted , interesting to see if it works :coffee:
Randy:
Give it a try, then I will know if I should bother hauling my 3D along. Hope you get some. See ya at the Trad shoot next month.
Lonnie:
We also hunt the Ft. Stockton area. I know it is not the same ranch, as we are the only bowhunters they allow. They are really good to us and we have become good friends. I have heard there are a lot of little pigs this year, even though it has been very dry for a long time. Send me a PM and let me know where you hunt.
I have Hunted Javys for a long time now..... I have tried a decoy once... With mixed results . First Group, freaked when they saw it , and scattered. Second Group, walked right by and never gave it a second look.... I have had better luck once I am into them to use a call, especially after I have one down... Literally, they go crazy and are running everywhere, darting back and forth across the sendero, running into my stool and daypack. It was wild...
As far as the decoy goes, give her a try... You may have better luck. Tu Compadres, Sutty
Interesting idea never tried it. Where I hunt javies it is all spot and stalk and a little calling which works on occasion but if you are hunting a known feed source it may be effective. Good luck...Shawn
Alot of those 3D animal targets look almost real. Certainly worth a try.
I bowhunt javelina.
If the area you're bowhunting in has lots of javelina and very few bowhunters, if you people really want a "rush", forget the decoy. Spot and stalk them.
There is nothing more exciting than spotting a group of javelina feeding and then working your way towards them and getting a 10 yard shot.
Just pay attention to the wind. Work upwind to them. If the wind changes and they get your human scent, they take off instantly.
Just watch out for rattlesnakes and be wary of not getting stuck by cactus quills.
Of all the animals I bowhunt, javelina are the only ones I can stalk and can get close enough for a shot.
You want to try something absolutely incredible? Forget the Javelina target and bring along a predator call and a stuffed rabbit. While it is indeed fun to spot and stalk a group of javelina feeding through a pear flat, there are few hunting exploits more hair-raising than having a gang of tooth-popping, hackle-raised javelina charge in at close range and proceed to tear apart your daughter's stuffed animal.
FYI: Bring a clean set of under garmets.
Don:
Sounds like fun using a stuffed rabbit. I have used the preditor call with great success after I have shot one. Most of our hunting is stalking as the feeder only attracts them for a short time in the morning and evenings. Looking forward to trying the 3D as well.
Gene,
That Ft. Stockton country is incredible for spot and stalk hunting. I live and hunt in deep south Texas and the country is really just too thick in most places to hunt by spot and stalk methods unless you corn the roads. It certainly works, but the use of a predator call is something to behold. I don't know how or why javelinas get as worked up as much as they do when they hear that sound, but it is pretty doggone cool to see. I want to try it at night with a red light some time, although I have a feeling that would constitute playing with fire in a big way.
Good luck.