“Our added winter moisture and active calling period led to a very long nesting and hatching season, starting in late April and extending into early summer, with chicks hatching as late as early July,” O’Dell said. “From a population standpoint, we are out of a deficit for the first time since 2001-2002. Quail are starting to pop up in places they haven’t been seen in a while. 

“If you’ve never had the chance to experience what Arizona quail hunting built its name on, then this would be the year to get out and enjoy it.”      

Meanwhile, hunters should note that the season for Mearns’ quail doesn’t begin until Dec. 4. It’s summer rainfall that plays a key role in nesting success and population numbers of this species. After a spotty and relatively weak monsoon across southern Arizona, these birds are likely to be abundant only in pockets that received sufficient precipitation this summer.       

A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination hunt and fish license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. A youth combination hunt and fish license (ages 10 to 17) is $5.

The general bag limit is 15 quail per day in the aggregate, of which no more than eight may be Mearns’ quail (when the Mearns’ season opens Dec. 4). The general possession limit is 45 quail in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 Gambel’s, scaled or California quail in the aggregate may be taken in any one day. After the opening of the Mearns’ season, the 45-quail possession limit may include 24 Mearns’ quail, of which no more than eight may be taken in any one day.

More quail-hunting information can be found on the department’s website at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/. Another resource for both new and experienced hunters alike is “An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game.” Written by Randall D. Babb, the 196-page, full-color book covers where and how to hunt small game birds (like quail), squirrels, rabbits, ducks and geese. It also includes how to prepare and cook your harvest, with illustrations and recipes. The book can be ordered for $16.95 at www.azgfd.gov/publications.

Finally, hunters should check out O’Dell’s techniques for field-dressing quail at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gRwZAcWzzk.   

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Publishers Notes: OUT OF STATE HUNTERS, FISHERMEN & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS; Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there could be limitations for OUT of STATE hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to include a 14-day quarantine requirement or negative COVID-19 testing alternative. Please check with the State's Department of Natural Resources BEFORE you travel or apply for the 2020 Fall Hunts.
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North America Sportshows
Ohio To Release Pheasants in Public Hunting Areas Late Oct & Nov for 2020 Season 


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 10/23/20
News # 14023
Ring-necked pheasant hunters have the chance to pursue this popular game bird when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife releases the birds at 28 of Ohio’s public hunting areas in late October and November. More than 14,000 rooster pheasants are scheduled to be released to provide put-and-take hunting opportunities across the state.

The Division of Wildlife will release pheasants for the following dates: 
  • Oct. 24-25 (first youth weekend)
  • Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (second youth weekend)
  • Nov. 6, 2020 (opening day)
  • Nov. 11, 2020 (Veterans Day)
  • Nov. 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)

Pheasants will be released in the following locations: 
  • Central Ohio: Delaware Wildlife Area.
  • Northwest Ohio: Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, Oxbow Wildlife Area, Resthaven Wildlife Area, Ringneck Ridge Metro Park, Tiffin River Wildlife Area, and Wyandot Wildlife Area. Youth and regular pheasant hunting within the Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County require a free permit from the Sandusky County Park District.
  • Northeast Ohio: Camp Belden Wildlife Area, Charlemont Metro Park, Berlin Wildlife Area, Grand River Wildlife Area, Highlandtown Wildlife Area, Spencer Wildlife Area, West Branch Wildlife Area, Zepernick Wildlife Area.
  • Southeast Ohio: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (no youth releases), Salt Fork Wildlife Area (no youth releases), Tri-Valley Wildlife Area. 
  • Southwest Ohio: Caesar Creek Wildlife Area, Darke Wildlife Area, Fallsville Wildlife Area, Indian Creek Wildlife Area, Rush Run Wildlife Area, Spring Valley Wildlife Area. Fallsville Wildlife Area will not release pheasants on the weekend of Oct. 24-25.

This is the first time the Division of Wildlife has released pheasants at Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area southeast Ohio. Six-hundred rooster pheasants will be released on the wildlife area to provide additional hunting opportunities. The complete list of locations and dates is available at wildohio.gov.
 
A valid hunting license is required to pursue pheasants and other game birds in Ohio. An Ohio apprentice hunting license is available to people who want to try hunting, but apprentice hunters must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old. The apprentice hunting license is a great way to introduce someone to hunting and provide a positive experience in the field.
 
Ohio’s pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, Nov. 6, to Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. No hens (females) may be killed. Statewide pheasant hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

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Publishers Notes: OUT OF STATE HUNTERS, FISHERMEN & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS; Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there could be limitations for OUT of STATE hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to include a 14-day quarantine requirement or negative COVID-19 testing alternative. Please check with the State's Department of Natural Resources BEFORE you travel or apply for the 2020 Fall Hunts.

As OUR COUNTRY REOPENS AGAIN (from the COVID-19 pandemic) and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.