Craig every year bird dogs tangle with Javalina here in southern AZ. I usually hear about one or two encounters. This year with Scout it makes 6 just in the guys I am associated with. Dog number 5 had its knee eaten up and vet costs have now reached $6,000 and it's not over.
Lucky for me no major damage to bones or arteries on Scout. As soon as I got home he went into the shower with me, washed 3 times from head to toe nail, then wound scrub with antiseptic wash, alcohol, and peroxide. Good flush of the wound with hand held shower head. Followed by a drying and then a shot of penicillin and antibiotic Suave. His dog house filled with fresh cedar shavings, and 100 mg Gabapentin for pain had him resting and on the mend. Counting my blessings it was not worse.
I would not have hesitated to take him to the vet if it was worse, but over the years and multiple dogs during that time I try to doctor them myself when possible.

Phil, is there a bag limit on javelina? My diet would consist 100% of wild pork.






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Rich on the loads I purchased from you ( 28 ga. # 6's) I bought for use on our Dusty Grouse , Gamble and Scale quail. These birds are a little tougher and the desert quail shot at further ranges.
For Mearns I shoot 2 1/2 low pressure " RST shells exclusively. Shot size no larger than 8 shot.

Dean, I think you will find that javelinas are members of the Peccary family, and are not hogs, although they look like hogs. According to the Arizona Wildlife website, they can be nasty critters.


https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/livingwith/javelina/

Glad Scout is all right. Great pictures all, thanks

Two years ago when we were down there one of our groups witnessed a guides dog attacked by a Coatimundi - stitches were necessary and the hunt was cut short.

They too are nasty creatures. so between the Javalina, coatimundi, rattlesnakes, big cats and...more, its tough to be a Mearns dog! Hats off to them all!

Does anyone carry something a bit more persuasive in addition to their favorite small bore?

Yes the Coatimundi are cute when they are small. When they get big thats another thing. A friend of mine that I took my first lion with, lost 2 dogs and one seriously hurt 2 years ago. His dogs got on the trail of a large Boar Coti and pinned him in a small dished out area in some rocks. He rolled on his back and used his claws to rip the downs bellies open. They may be worst then Javelina.

I dont carry a pistol most of the time. I have been told that a 20 ga. SXS is quit effective at 20 yards.

I grouse hunt in the land of the porcupine, wolf and bear and carry a Kimber 1911. If the dog gets into something nasty I can end her suffering and be able to bring her home. I can see her barking at a tree with bear cubs in it and momma coming to the rescue:eek:

I'm of the opinion it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.