“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
ODFW Confirms Fungal Infection Strikes Geese in Willamette Valley



Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 11/09/20
ODFW wildlife biologists are aware of over 100 cackling geese that have died in various parts of the Willamette Valley over the last month.

Carcasses have been retrieved from Fernhill in Forest Grove, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area and east of Amity. Tests show a majority of the cackling geese died from aspergillosis, a fungal infection. Ongoing monitoring of the outbreak and additional tests are being performed to determine if there are other associated causes of death.

ODFW is asking anyone who sees clusters of dead geese or other birds to report it to the Wildlife Health Lab. Birds reported may be collected and sampled by ODFW, so please include the location, your name, contact info, time and date dead birds were observed in your report.

Report clusters of dead birds as soon as possible to 866-968-2600 or email [email protected] 

Aspergillosis is common in the environment, but wild birds that are exposed to it can sometimes get sick and die.

Cackling geese are the smallest species of wild goose that winter in the Willamette Valley. They migrate thousands of miles this time of year which can lead to increased stress and susceptibility to disease.

It is difficult to determine exactly where cacklers are picking up the infection, but the fungal spores are often found in crop fields and natural refuge sites.

According to the CDC, aspergillosis cannot be spread from animals to people or between people. Most people breathe in aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems. Similarly, aspergillosis cannot be transmitted to pets or livestock on clothing or by direct contact. More info at https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/risk-prevention.html.

Goose hunting season is open in the Willamette Valley on some days, see the regulations at http://www.eregulations.com/oregon/game-bird/. While aspergillosis is not considered a threat to human health, hunters should take all normal precautions including not consuming birds that look sick; wearing rubber or latex gloves when cleaning game; practicing good hygiene and cooking birds to an internal degree of 165 degrees.

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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.

Our country is still battling COVID-19. To avoid the spread of this virus 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 # 14072