“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
While winter in Texas is often synonymous with spending dawn and dusk in a deer blind, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants to remind hunters of the various upland and migratory bird hunting seasons that are still open throughout the colder months.
Hunters can take part in several seasons for a range of species including dove, quail, duck, turkey and Sandhill Cranes. The winter months are also a good time to take part in lesser-utilized seasons, hunting for species like woodcock, rails, gallinules and chachalacas.
A few of the winter bird hunting season dates are as follows:
Multiple 2020-21 Winter Opportunities for Texas Bird Hunters
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/09/20
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14122
Second segment of the statewide dove season;
- North Zone – Dec. 18, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021
- Central Zone – Dec. 18, 2020 – Jan. 14, 2021
- South Zone – Dec. 18, 2020 – Jan. 23, 2021
Quail;
- Statewide through Feb. 28, 2021
Regular duck season and “Dusky” duck;
- High Plains Mallard Unit and North Zone open through Jan. 31, 2021
- South Zone – Dec. 12, 2020 – Jan. 31, 2021
Turkey (Fall Season);
- North Zone – Open through Jan. 3, 2021
- South Zone – Open through Jan. 17, 2021
- Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy Counties – Open through Feb. 28, 2021
Sandhill Cranes;
- Zone A – Open through Jan. 31, 2021
- Zone B – Open through Jan. 31, 2021
- Zone C – Dec. 19, 2020 – Jan. 24, 2021
Woodcock;
- Statewide Dec. 18, 2020 – Jan. 31, 2021
Rails, Gallinules and Moorhens;
- Open statewide through Dec. 30, 2020
Chachalaca;
- Open through Feb. 28, 2021
Season dates for other species including pheasant, common snipe and geese, along with bag limits and specific license requirements for each season, can be found in the TPWD Outdoor Annual. Hunters can access the Outdoor Annual online or via the Outdoor Annual app.
Texas hunters, residents and non-residents, are required to have a valid Texas hunting license and an upland game bird and/or a migratory game bird endorsement depending upon what species they plan to hunt. A Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification is required for those hunting migratory birds. Various statewide conservation projects, as well as public land hunting opportunities, are funded in part by migratory and upland game bird endorsement funds.
Those who need a place to hunt in Texas can take advantage of over 1 million acres of publicly accessible hunting land. Texas public land hunters need to have an Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit in addition to their hunting license. A map booklet of public hunting areas and information on how to purchase an APH permit can be found on the TPWD website.
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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.
