“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
Deer Hunters Reminded: CWD Testing Mandatory in Southwest Colorado
 


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 10/28/20
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds successful deer hunters in Southwest Colorado that their harvested animals must be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease. The testing is being done this year as part of CPW’s CWD Response Plan and is critical for deer management planning.
 
Testing is being required because CPW is working to determine the current prevalence of the fatal disease in western Colorado. This year’s mandatory testing is part of the 15-year monitoring program described in the CWD Response Plan. The plan can be viewed at cpw.state.co.us/cwd.
 
In Southwest Colorado, the Game Management Units where testing is required are: 411, 52, 521, 53, 54, 55, 60, 63,66,67,68, 70, 71,72,73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 81, 82, 83, 681, 682, 711, 741, 751, 771 and 791. Submission sites and locations can be found on the CPW web site at cpw.state.co.us/cwd-locations#list.

The testing service is free and individual results will be posted in about three weeks from the time of submission. Hunters whose deer tests positive for CWD will be notified by a single phone call attempt, email and a mailed letter; so hunters are encouraged to ensure their contact information on file with CPW is current. Hunters whose animals test positive can call CPW at 303-297-1192 or email [email protected] for information on the next steps to take.
 
For submission, hunters must present their license and an accurate location where the animal was harvested. Harvest locations are kept confidential. GPS coordinates are best, but a map location is also helpful. The head of the animal should be removed 4 inches below the lower jawbone and the base of the skull. Heads should be brought in as soon as possible, preferably within five days of harvest. In order to take samples -- lymph nodes and tonsils -- heads should not be frozen.
 
For those planning to mount trophies, antlers and capes from harvested deer may be removed by hunters before submitting heads. CPW will not remove antlers or capes. Hunters who are planning shoulder-mounts should take their animals to a taxidermist before submitting the head for testing. Please ask your taxidermist or meat processor to leave 4 inches of neck when removing the head. Hunters planning European-mount taxidermy should bring the head to the CPW submission site before taking it to the taxidermist. Hunters who are planning taxidermy or mounting should notify CPW personnel at the submission site.
 
In CPW’s Southwest Region, heads can be taken to the four area wildlife offices: Durango, 151 E. 16th Street, 970-247-0855; Gunnison, 300 W. New York Ave., 970-641-7060; Monte Vista, 0721 S Road 1 East, 719-587-6900; Montrose, 2300 S. Townsend Ave (U.S. Highway 550), 970-252-6000.
 
For convenience, hunters can also take their animals to other testing sites in western Colorado. The list of locations can be found at: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/ResearchCWD-Submission.aspx.

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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.
News # 14040