Javalina with a 22 magnum

[Phil C]

Finally got out today to hunt Javalina. Used my H&K 22 magnum. I was lucky to get a 25 yard head shot.

[Stan Hillis]

Looks great, Phil. My 22 WMR is one of the last guns I could ever get rid of. It is a Ruger 77/22M that I've owned for 30+ years. I have a compact 4 power Burris on it and did a trigger job. Other than that it's stock, and a tack driver. Fun on crows, too.

Thanks for the pics!

[Phil C]

Stan I love my 77/22. It’s not the magnum but is a wonderful rimfire. I can only imagine how nice the magnum shoots.

[Double Lab]

Phil, how are they as table fare?

[Harold Pickens]

On my walkabouts scouting, shed hunting, etc, I am generally carrying a 22 mag, a Savage. I tend to prefer the heavier 40 gr hollow point loads over the lighter, faster loads. What did you use on the javelina?

[Phil C]

Daryl they can be, the key is proper field dressing. The Javelina has a musk gland that is located on its back just behind its stub of a tail.
Many people will tell you that it must be immediately cut this out. This is bad advice. It’s been on the Javelina since birth so leave it alone. Trying to cut around the gland will more than likely have you getting the oily muck on the meat.
The best way to deal with it is just hang the animal up and skin it. The gland comes off with the hide. Next I do not gut the animal I simply bone out removing the quarters and back straps.
A lot of the local Mexican people say they like it better than venison. I think the meat is complemented with chile and other spices.
Myself I like to smoke it and then cook it slow in a crock pot with spices and then add BBQ sauce.
Served up on extra large Hamburger buns people love it.

[Phil C]

Harold I shot him with a a Remington soft point 40 grain. The Javelina was facing me So I placed the crosshairs between his eyes and he dropped at the report.