Javelina Hunt, Outdoor Fair To Be Held In February

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – For anyone tired of the daily routine, the time might be right to enjoy an old-fashioned camp out.

The Arizona Game And Fish Department, in conjunction with the Arizona Bowhunters Association and the Outdoor Experience 4 All, is offering just such an event: the Javelina Hunt and Outdoor Fair.

The event will be held Feb. 22-24 in the Bagdad area. The dates mark the opening weekend of the general javelina hunting season and the camp is free and open to the general public.

Not Just A Hunt

Those wishing to hunt must already have a javelina tag, but Game and Fish personnel are quick to note this is not just a hunt, but also an opportunity for anyone wishing to spend time communing with nature.

“We’ll have a number of presentations, archery will be available, and of course we’ll be sitting around the campfire away from our computers and the pressures of everyday life,” said Darren Tucker, wildlife manager for Game and Fish. “The focus is to get folks outdoors.

“This is the ideal opportunity for parents to spend some great time with their children.”

Need New Hunters

Tucker is quick to explain there is a need to recruit new hunters, although there’s more to this endeavor.

“We understand not everyone wants to hunt, but it is important to understand the critical role hunters play in modern wildlife management,” he explained. “Hunting and fishing dollars are the primary funding for wildlife management in Arizona with no burden on the taxpayer.

“I know there will be a focus on the ‘hunt’, but this is really about getting outside and spending time with family and friends.”

Activities, Displays

Activities available will include shooting archery, and how-to demonstrations will cover wildlife viewing, predator calling, javelina natural history and hunting, glassing and use of binoculars, wild game care, and basic camping skills. There will also be exhibitor areas to explore local sportsmen’s groups, manufacturers of outdoor equipment, and retailers of outdoor equipment.

A limited number of volunteers will be available for youth hunters under 18 years old. Those interested in a mentor must pre-register for the mentored hunting program. All youth must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times.

All those hunting are responsible for their own transportation to the hunting area and this is not a guided hunt. Participants are also responsible for their own camping equipment, hunting equipment, and food. Weather in February throughout the state can be unpredictable, so dress appropriately.

A Great Opportunity

Javelina are a big-game animal in Arizona. People ages 10 and older with a tag may participate, but youth 10-13 must first pass an Arizona Game and Fish hunter education class. For those 14 and over, the class is still strongly recommended, but not required. For more information on hunter education classes, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/hunterEd.

“This is a great opportunity for people to connect with nature,” Tucker said. “It’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy what this state has to offer.”

For more information or to register, visit http://www.huntingfair.com. Questions may be directed to dtucker@azgfd.gov.