Javelina hunts in Texas?

[Traddict]

I would like to hear from guys that have hunted javelina in Tx.  Where did you go, cost, etc...
We were thinking of going around March.  Any input would be appreciated.

[Junglecat]

Two friends and I hunted javelina on the King Ranch several years ago.It was the Norias division of the ranch just north of Raymondville,Tx.We hunted during the last of Feb. and the first week of March as I recall.Primitive camped at an old cowboy bunkhouse located about 9 or 10 miles back from the highway.There were a few other hunters there as well--all camping in tents or campers.The bunkhouse itself was reserved for the guide that was there at that time taking care of the hunting concession in that area.No drinking water available but water for other uses was available.There was a walk-in cooler and a portable john available.All hunters camped in the same campground but all hunted different areas.My two friends and I actually had a 10,000 acre pasture to ourself for 5 days.Security was very tight.You had to be back in camp no later than dark each day.Shoot something close to dark and instead of searching for it you were required to report back to camp and let the guy know you had shot an animal.He would then let you go back to retrieve it.We actually had to write our names on our arrows with a permanent pen.You were only allowed to travel in a vehicle from the camping area to your hunting area and of course within your hunting area itself.Lots of huge deer that seemed almost tame-like as they received little pressure.Javelina,hogs,and vamints were eligible game.Nilgai was also huntable if you happen to run across one.I think our cost at that time was about $25 or $30 for a 4 or 5 day license and then it was $60 per day for each of us as I recall.We were allowed 2 javelinas and 4 hogs for that price I think.This hunt was actually written about in Traditional Bowhunter Magazine in the Feb. 2001 issue.I would love to go back some day but I am sure those prices are severely outdated.I am not even sure the King Ranch still does those type of hunts.It would be worth doing some research on it though.Good luck if you decide to go this route.My avatar picture under my name was actually taken on that hunt.

[centaur]

I hunted with Ken Burton on 14000 acres south of Ft. Stockton a couple of years ago. There were lots of javelina, and he had ground blinds that were trad bow friendly.  We stayed at a ranch house on the property. There were only two of us hunting at the time; myself and fellow TGer Josh Adams. We both got javelina.
I think we paid $150/day, which included everything but food. Ken Burton was a good guy, and he has loads of javelina. We went in late March.

[huntingarcher]

The King Ranch is not for the working man any longer.It is an amazing ranch for sure.

Lance I sent you a PM.

[Traddict]

Thanks for the responses.  I had seen Ken Burton mentioned in a previous post when I did a search.  I'll give him a call.

[Arwin]

Keeping an eye on this thread. Going to Texas in 2012 specifically for hogs and javi's!!  
Right now I'm in the planning stages of where and when.  

[fishntrap]

I have been to texas three times for pigs and javis. Loved goining everytime!! I shot a javi the last time I went with a 60# Thunderstick MOAB. All three times I went i hunted with Lazy R Hunts, saw a lot of pigs and javis.

[Night Wing]

One of the sponsors on here, Kent Ostrem of Mahaska Bows does Texas javelina hunts out in west Texas.

http://www.mahaskacustombows.com/page4.htm

[imhntn]

I have been with Kent Ostrem once and he is a great guy and we had a fun hunt but for some reason, that year the javis were just hard to find.  We got 2 between 4 of us but one of the guys missed one.
Last year we went with Curtis Keller.  Eight of us went last year and one guy got 2 javis and the rest got none.  A couple other guys had shots.  One guy saw a hog and missed it.  Not as good of a setup for camping, etc as Ostrem had.
We are going with Burton this year. I had a connection with the game warden in Ft Stockton and he gave him a good recommendation.  I'll let you know after our hunt how it went but talking to him sounds like he has good javi numbers right now and he is also taking us out on some night predator calling for an extra fee.

[Steertalker]

There is gov land that is available to the public....areas in the Trans-Pecos area of West Texas; just requires a permit for a nominal fee:

 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/

Brett

[Red Beastmaster]

Pedernal Bowhunts in Laredo TX.

A few years back, 15 of us met at the Laguna Ranch for a traditional archery only bowhunt sponsored by The Bowyers Journal magazine. It was fantastic! We all stayed in the bunkhouse and enjoyed really good Tex Mex meals by their cook. We were into javelina almost constantly for three days. In the end I believe there were 17 javelina and 1 hog killed. I was lucky and killed two javies in the last hour.

[Tim Finley]

Try Brett Bolting He took over for Jeff Massey who had the hunts on the King ranch and the Cadena . We've hunted the Cadena for 10 years and always have had good luck . This year Brett will have a new ranch next door to the Cadena and it has not yet been bowhunted. Last year my 2 friends and I took 10 animals .I chose to only take one Javie (I like the hogs more) and could have shot more. They do a great job of baiting and will help you with anything I highly recommend them....Tim

[Tim Finley]

I forgot Bretts  phone # 361-727-2685 -- 361-947-9424

[Traddict]

Wow! Lots of great information.  Looks like I need to get on the phone.  I'll post what we decide and try to update the hunt once it happens.  Thanks again to everyone.

[Pokerdaddy]

Great thread.  I've been wanting to go on a javi/hog hunt and I'd love to get back to Texas (did most of my Army time at Ft. Hood).  Absolutely love the Lone Star State!!

[joe ashton]

last year I went with Kent O of Mahaska and had a great time.

[coaster500]

ttt

[Arwin]

Looks like a few of us Michiganders are thinking road trip!!!      

[Shedrock]

Are the javi hunts with Kent un-guided? I want to plan a hunt with a sponsor, but I do not want a guide.

[WoodsyDave]

The very first response from Junglecat sounds exactly like a hunt I went on at the King Ranch a couple of times.  It was booked through 4 Arrows Outfitters for bow only hunters. You were allowed 2 hogs, 2 Javalina and one nilgai for each 2 days booked. We all scored on various animals but left with hogs, javalina and nilgai (blue bulls)

The last year I hunted there, the Wenzel brothers showed up with 2 trailers and had a few of their hunts there. Don't know how well they did.

WoodsyDave