“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
West Virginia’s muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 14 and the state Division of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to buy their stamp before the season starts if they want to harvest an additional deer.
During muzzleloader season, which runs through Dec. 20, hunters may harvest one deer on a base license and one additional deer if they purchase a Class RM or Class RRM stamp before the season starts. RM is the stamp designated for residents and RRM is the stamp designated for nonresidents.
“The muzzleloader season is a great opportunity for hunters to use a different style of firearm and enjoy a hunting trip at a time when there are fewer hunters in the forest to pressure the deer, compared to the rifle season,” said Vinnie Johnson, a WVDNR assistant wildlife biologist.
During the season, antlered deer are legal in all counties that have a buck firearms season and deer of either sex are legal in all counties or parts thereof that have an antlerless season. Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are closed to all firearms deer hunting, including the muzzleloader deer season.
West Virginia 2020 Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens Dec 14
WVDNR seeks holiday donations to Hunters Helping the Hungry
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/10/20
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No more than three bucks can be harvested in a calendar year (all seasons combined). All hunters afield during this week are required to wear 400 square inches of blaze orange.
Hunters are permitted to use a crossbow instead of a muzzleloader. Concurrent archery hunting is legal during the muzzleloader season and is subject to all archery deer hunting regulations. Concurrent waterfowl hunting is also legal.
For more information about the muzzleloader deer season and other hunting opportunities in West Virginia, hunters should read the 2020-21 West Virginia Hunting Regulations or visit wvdnr.gov. Hunters who need to register their DNR ID number, buy a license or to electronically check game, should visit wvhunt.gov.
WVDNR seeks holiday donations to Hunters Helping the Hungry
It's the season of giving and hunters in West Virginia are encouraged to give back during the holidays by making a donation to the state's Hunters Helping the Hungry program.
The program is administered by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and provides thousands of pounds of venison to needy families and charitable organizations around the state. Hunters can donate a harvested deer or make a financial contribution.
"I'm convinced that the only thing better than enjoying a successful hunting season and filling your freezer with venison is being able to share your good luck with others," said WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel. "We take a lot of things for granted in life and the holidays are a time for us all to take a step back and help care for someone who may be less fortunate. Our Hunters Helping the Hungry program is one of the best ways hunters can make a difference in their community."
Hunters who want to harvest a deer and donate the meat to the program have several hunting opportunities before the end of the year. The archery and crossbow season for deer is open until Dec. 31, the antlerless split season is open in select counties Dec. 10-13 and Dec. 28-31 and the muzzleloader season is open Dec. 14-20. Hunters who need to purchase a hunting license or stamps should visit wvhunt.com.
To make a donation, hunters may take a harvested deer to one of 13 certified meat processors, where the venison is ground, packaged and frozen. Donated meat is distributed to food pantries, soup kitchens and other charitable organizations around the state by the Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank.
Financial contributions also are accepted. Checks and money orders should be made out to Hunters Helping the Hungry and mailed to:
Hunters Helping the Hungry
WV Division of Natural Resources
163 Wildlife Road
French Creek, WV 26218
For more information about donating to Hunters Helping the Hungry, visit wvdnr.gov/hunting/hhh.shtm.
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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.
