Wild Hog hunting
in the American West.
Wild hog and javelina hunting delivers year-round action with no preference points and no draw in most areas. Whether you're after collared peccary in Arizona's Sonoran Desert or feral hogs on private Texas ranches, it's some of the most exciting close-range hunting available.
Coverage
Where to hunt wild hog in the West
Arizona — Javelina
Jan–Feb (gun), archery JanJavelina (collared peccary) are native to the Sonoran Desert and are a unique Arizona hunting experience. Archery javelina is OTC with no draw. Gun javelina requires a simple draw process — one of the easiest draws in Arizona. The Desert Southwest offers excellent habitat across the southern third of the state.
Texas — Feral Hogs
Year-round, no limitTexas has an estimated 3–4 million feral hogs and they're considered an invasive species — year-round hunting with no bag limit on private land. Night hunting, suppressed rifles, and helicopter hog hunting are all legal. Private ranch access is key and guides deliver the best opportunity.
California
Year-round (private land)California has a significant feral hog population, primarily on private ranch land on the coast and in the Coast Ranges. Year-round hunting on private land with a pig tag — no draw required. California's hog hunting is underrated compared to Texas but offers excellent terrain and quality animals.
Why hire a guide
A licensed outfitter changes your odds.
Wild hog hunting on new ground without a guide means competing with landowner access challenges, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and missing the most productive hunting times and locations. A hog guide has the property relationships, knows where hogs are moving, and maximizes your time in the field. In Texas, night hunting with thermal is a guide-only operation in most situations — the technology and local knowledge combine for extraordinary hunting.
What you get
- ✓Private land access and landowner relationships
- ✓Night hunting with thermal optics (TX)
- ✓Spot-and-stalk in desert terrain (AZ)
- ✓Water source and wallow knowledge
- ✓Processing and packing assistance
Wild Hog hunting — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between wild hog and javelina?
Wild hogs (feral pigs) are descendants of domestic pigs and are invasive species across much of the southern US. Javelina (collared peccary) are native North American animals related to pigs but are a distinct species found in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Both offer excellent hunting but are different animals with different hunting methods and regulations.
Do I need a license or tag for javelina in Arizona?
Archery javelina in Arizona requires only an OTC hunting license and an archery javelina tag — no draw. Firearm javelina requires a tag through a simple application process that is one of Arizona's easiest draws. Season runs January through February.
Is there a bag limit on feral hogs in Texas?
No. Feral hogs in Texas are classified as an invasive species with no bag limit, no closed season, and minimal licensing requirements on private land. A standard Texas hunting license is typically all that's required. Some operations permit night hunting with lights and thermal optics.
How do you hunt javelina in Arizona?
Javelina are typically hunted by glassing open desert terrain, locating a herd by smell (they have strong musk glands), then planning a spot-and-stalk approach. They have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell. Calling with predator calls can sometimes bring them in. Desert washes, cactus flats, and rocky hillsides are primary habitat.
Can I combine a javelina hunt with other Arizona hunting?
Yes — many hunters pair javelina hunting with elk or bighorn sheep scouting trips in late January and February. It's also an excellent early-season introduction to Arizona's hunting terrain before applying for other species. The open desert requires different glassing and stalking techniques than mountain hunting.
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HuntScouts connects you with licensed wild hog outfitters across the West. Filter by state, season, price, and availability.