“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.
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are that of the authors and not necessarily that of TBC Press
Numerous Delaware hunting and trapping seasons are open in December, including the third and final duck hunting season split that opens Friday, Dec. 11 and the special antlerless deer hunting season opening Saturday, Dec. 12. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective deer hunting season, with more information available online at de.gov/sundayhunt. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) to help manage the size and quality of the deer population.
Hunting and trapping seasons opening in December:
Hunting:
- Beaver: Dec. 1 to March 20, 2021, private land only
- Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 5 to Jan. 19, 2021
- Ducks, coots and mergansers: Dec. 11 to Jan. 30, 20
- Brant: Dec. 11 to Jan. 30, 2021
- Antlerless deer: Dec. 12 to 20, including Sundays Dec. 13 and 20, 2020*
- Canada geese (migratory): Dec. 19 to Jan. 18, 2021
*Archery and crossbow hunters may hunt deer during the December antlerless season, but they may NOT harvest antlered deer.
Numerous Delaware 2020 Hunting/Trapping Seasons Open in December
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/03/20
The Backcountry Press
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Trapping:
- Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria:
- New Castle County: Dec. 1 to March 10, 2021 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
- Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 to March 15, 2021
- Red fox and coyote: Dec. 1 to March 10, 2021
- Beaver: Dec. 1 to March 20, 2021, private land only
Continuing hunting seasons include:
- Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 2, 2021
- Mourning dove: through Jan. 30, 2021
- Sea ducks in the Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 30, 2021
- Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 30, 2021
- Snow goose: through Jan. 30, 2021, and Feb. 6, 2021
- Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2021, including all Sundays
- Gray squirrel: through Feb. 6, 2021
- Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 6, 2021
- Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
- Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
- Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021**
- Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 27, 2021
- Crows: through March 27, 2021, and June 24-26, 2021 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
- Groundhog: through June 30, 2021
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. For more information, including wildlife area maps and rules, visit de.gov/hunting. Sunday deer hunting information specific to individual wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.
More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2020/2021 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.
More information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/hunting or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.
More information can also be found at numerous-delaware-hunting-and-trapping-seasons-open-in-december.
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Publishers Notes: 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.
