At that time of year you can expect that there will be snow on the ground above 5,000 ft or so. Seeing that you're coming from Montana, I don't expect that you're coming here for the snow... Elevations from 3,000--4,000 ft should have the best weather and habitat. When it's cold, or just after a storm, glass sunny hillsides that have prickley pear cactus on them. The pears should all be gone by then, but I kid you not javelina love to eat cactus. Tough little buggers. If it's hot out, or you get bored glassing, walk the washes for sign and listen for them rooting around. They seem to spend a lot of time and do a lot of traveling in the washes. I haven't hunted them myself, but I see them when hunting quail-- which, by the way, is also open in January and is covered by your license. As far as the scent glands go, what I've been told is that they come off with the skin, and not to try to cut them out on their own. Also, be careful not to touch the meat after touching the skin-- gloves are a good idea-- they're called stink pigs for a reason. Feel free to PM me for details on the general areas where your buddy has scouted, and I'll see if there are some places I can add to his list.
