From New York to Texas. From city to brush country. From non-hunter to hunter. That is just part of Edward Tomassetti's journey to study a native big game species.

Tomassetti came to Texas A&M University to study the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), more commonly known as the javelina. Javelina are classified as a game species in Texas, and found throughout the southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona). Although they are pig-like in appearance, they are not related to non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Despite their classification as a game species, there hasn't been much research on javelina, leading some to refer to javelina as the Rodney Dangerfield of the game world. Why? Because they just "don't get no respect."

In 2022, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department put out a call to conduct research on javelina. A group of researchers at Texas A&M University was awarded the project and it kicked off in late 2023, with the goals of evaluating population survey methods, understanding population dynamics, and determining habitat use and distribution.

An adult javelina on a ranch in south Texas.

Tomassetti was hired to work on the research project as he pursues his doctorate degree. He and several other graduate students have conducted camera and helicopter surveys and captured javelina to fit them with GPS collars to track their movements. 

Upon arriving in Texas, all the talk was hunting. Then, Tomassetti and crew helped collect research data during draw hunts at several wildlife management areas.

"I realized this was the perfect opportunity," Tomassetti said. Little did he know, a group of friends and colleagues were about to surprise Tomassetti with his first hunt for javelina.

"They heard my story and used their connections to help put this opportunity together for me. That kind of generosity and support speaks volumes about the hunting community here in Texas," explained Tomassetti.

Having studied javelina and learned more about their behavior and uniqueness, Tomassetti gained a much greater appreciation and respect for the animal he was about to hunt.

"I had been wanting to hunt for years, and now it was actually happening." Tomassetti said as he recalled the first morning of the hunt. "That morning was magical. Waking up early, sitting in a blind with a cup of coffee as the sun rose, and watching the world come alive. I've seen plenty of sunrises, but this one felt different. I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity, for the people around me, and for the landscape I was immersed in."

Tomassetti posing with a harvested javelina. Image Credit: Caitlyn Navarro

Everything fell into place. The first-time hunter wasn't just successful at harvesting his first big game animal, but his first harvest was his study species. And if that weren't enough, he harvested two javelina on his outing, reaching the statewide, annual bag limit.

Tomassetti and his guides had approached a squadron (the name for a group of javelina) to within 200 yards. As the javelina crossed an opening, he had a clear shot, so he took it and the javelina went down instantly. It was silent for quite some time. Everyone waited to get the hunter's reaction. Then, "That was freaking awesome!"

Then the celebration started. Photos were taken. Memories were made. And laughs were had when Tomassetti said: "I think I blacked out. But now that I think about it, my body, my mind, and my concentration were hyper-focused."

Harvesting a javelina as his first big game animal wasn't just symbolic; it was personal. Javelina are the reason he's in Texas doing what he loves—wildlife research.

"They've opened doors for me academically and professionally. To have that species be part of such a powerful personal milestone felt like everything came full circle," he said.

In the end, the hunting community recruited a new hunter. More than likely, a lifelong hunter. His friends, guides, and colleagues made a lasting impression on Tomassetti. He experienced everything hunting is about, and that it's not just about the harvest.

Hopefully, Tomassetti's hunting experience for javelina will help him conduct meaningful work on the species as he plans to contribute to the management of javelina and their habitat across southern Texas.

"In the future, I hope to be someone who can help others take their first steps into hunting, just like people did for me," said Tomassetti.