Hogs vs. Javelina

I drew out on a javelina hunt in AZ area 32. I've hunted deer there quite a bit and have shot a coyote or 2 there also. Area 32 also has one of Arizona's few herds of feral hogs. I ran into a few of them the last time I was out there. Here is some information about hogs v. javelina from Texas Parks and Wildlife:

Feral Hogs vs. Javelina
What's the Difference?
Feral hogs are a real problem in Texas! They destroy habitat and compete with native species and livestock. Javelina are smaller, native species that feed mostly on prickly pear cactus.

Although somewhat similar in appearance and habits, feral hogs and javelinas are not related. While feral hogs are indeed true pigs, javelinas belong to a totally separate family of mammals. Javelinas are smaller, have an unnoticeable tail, only one dew claw on the hind foot, a scent gland near the base of the tail, a grizzled-grayish coat with a white band of hair around the shoulder or "collar," and are more social or herd-like animals. Although feral hogs and javelinas inhabit the same range in South and Central Texas, they are not compatible.

Look for the differences in these tracks of the javelina, white-tailed deer and a feral hog.

This is a mount of a javelina my brother shot in south Texas a few years ago:


So what to shoot hogs and javelinas with? Javelinas can easily be taken with medium caliber weapons, from 5.56 in an AR-15 and pistols from .38 on up. It seems they are made perfect for bow hunting. Hogs, on the other hand, require something a bit heavier. I would not shoot one with a pistol smaller than a .357 Magnum, and I would want a heavier upper on my AR15 than the 5.56. An Ar10 would work, but the ideal upper for your AR15 would be the .450 Bushmaster or the .458 SOCOM.

Here is a site that has various AR15 uppers for sale. It gives an idea of the costs, etc. . . .

Added to my collection? Maybe!

AR15 Problem

Last Saturday I went out shooting with a friend who works for the Border Patrol. We had an enjoyable time shooting several different guns. He told me that the BP has a new rule that they cannot shoot their service weapons leisurely anymore, that it has to be on a certified range. No problem. We have several guns at our disposal that are not BP service weapons.

One of the guns we were shooting was my new Armalite AR15.



After about 50 rounds we have a failure to eject issue. Might be due to the cheap ammo I had. I dropped a cleaning rod down the barrel and popped the spent case out. Tomorrow I will go out and shoot it again and see if the issue repeats itself.
The other gun we were shooting was a Remington 742 in 30.06 that I recently picked up. I put on a Bausch and Lomb 3-9 scope on it. Years ago I borrowed one of these from my uncle and shot several deer with it, so it is nice to get this one. Brings back good memories!