CPW Offers Additional Refund Options for Hunters Impacted by Wildfire Closures

“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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CPW Offers Additional Refund Options for Hunters Impacted by Wildfire Closures

Submitted by: TBC Press

Posted on: 10/23/20

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is providing options for hunters impacted by Tuesday's announcement from the U.S. Forest Service regarding closures in Boulder, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. With the announcement of these new closures, hunters with tags in Game Management Units (GMUs) 29, 38 and 39 will be affected.

In response to that announcement, CPW is reaching out directly to hunters with second season rifle licenses in those units. CPW staff will lay out options for hunters and explain how to get a refund on their tag. That direct communication will come via email to the address the customer has entered on their account with CPW.

“We are working closely with the Forest Service and will continue to monitor the situation and prepare for potential impacts to other seasons,” said Kristin Cannon, CPW’s Northeast Deputy Region Manager. “These are unprecedented times and we ask that hunters do their part to observe emergency closures and other restrictions.”

See the press release from the Forest Service announcing the new closures as well as a map of the closure area (page 2 on PDF).

The Canyon Lakes Ranger District, encompassing approximately 650,000 acres mostly in Larimer County, has already been closed due to the Cameron Peak Fire. It was announced Tuesday by the Forest Service that it is closing its Boulder and Clear Creek Ranger Districts given the extreme fire danger and the CalWood and Lefthand Canyon fires sparking up within the last week.

The Boulder Ranger District encompasses over one hundred thousand acres of the Front Range in western Boulder and northern Gilpin counties. The Clear Creek Ranger District manages approximately 200,000 acres in different counties (Clear Creek, Gilpin along with small portions of Jefferson) along the I-70 corridor.

Licenses in GMUs 6, 7, 9, 19 and 20 along with S1 and S40 have already been given refund options due to the Cameron Peak Fire.

Please visit our website for the latest information on wildfire refund options.

Meanwhile, much of the rest of the western half state is under Stage II fire restrictions, but public lands are still open at this point. It is important that hunters are aware of any restrictions before going out into the field. Stage II fire restrictions mean that no campfires or warming fires are allowed. Violations of fire restrictions can lead to federal and local charges. Law enforcement agencies are taking a zero-tolerance policy and will be citing anyone who violates fire rules.

List of new licenses being offered for refunds:

Deer:

DM029O2R

DF029O2R

DM038O2R

DF038O2R

DM039O2R

DF039O2R

Elk:

EM029O2R

EF029O2R

EF020L3R

EF038O2R

EM039O2R

EF039O2R

Previously announced licenses that have been offered for refunds due to the wildfires.

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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.

News # 14025