“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
Hunters across northcentral and northeast Montana reported seeing a large number of mule deer bucks in velvet this general hunting season. The reason may lie in the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease outbreak that affected deer in several areas across the region this fall. Although EHD is often fatal in white-tailed deer, mule deer can still acquire the disease and, according to some studies, it may not always be fatal but instead affect testosterone production in bucks.
Without proper testosterone production, buck deer often have issues with the normal cycle of antler growth and may retain the antlers year-round. Several issues can cause testosterone production abnormalities, including disease, injuries, and old age, but the high number of velvet mule deer bucks seen this year pointed to other factors.
“We saw several mule deer in velvet brought by the Havre check station this year, and many more were reported by hunters,” said Scott Hemmer, Havre biologist.
Montana Reports Large Number of Mule Deer in Velvet in 2020 Hunting Season
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/14/20
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News # 14132
“We have seen this phenomenon happen in Montana after past outbreaks of EHD, and past research has suggested a possible association between EHD and antler irregularities in deer, and other abnormalities like hoof sloughing.”
A 2015 article in the Journal of Wildlife Management featured a study of mule deer in Colorado that suggested that the presence of velvet bucks in mule deer had some ties to EHD. Some of the velvet bucks that were sampled showed antibodies of EHD in their system. The EHD infection apparently caused lesions on their testicles, which then affected testosterone levels and ultimately antler growth.
EHD is an infectious, sometimes fatal virus that is usually spread by a virus-carrying gnat or midge. The disease mostly impacts white-tailed deer, often fatally, but also shows up occasionally in mule deer and antelope. Many of the animals affected with EHD lose their appetite, often are drawn to water, lose their fear of people, grow weak and typically die. EHD is not transmissible to humans.
EHD often occurs in central and eastern Montana in late summer or early fall, and outbreaks typically occur in river bottoms and large creek bottoms, likely due to higher concentrations of white-tailed deer and the insects that transmit EHD. These outbreaks often end shortly after a hard frost kills the insect vectors that carry the disease. The EHD outbreak was widespread in central and eastern Montana this year.
“I have talked to many hunters who had reports or questions about velvet or ‘stag’ bucks, and we saw a number of pictures shared on Facebook, as well,” added Glasgow biologist Drew Henry. “As I recall, we had high numbers of velvet bucks reported in other years that had EHD outbreaks, so there does seem to be a pattern.”
Marc Kloker, Region 6 information and education manager, visited with hunter Ron Evans about a velvet mule deer buck that he harvested this fall.
“The deer did not have normal testicles, but it did have the biggest body and is the fattest deer that we have ever seen,” said Evans.
Understandably, deer that have low testosterone levels don’t have the hormonal triggers to breed and are not burning up energy chasing does and scrapping with other bucks. This allows those deer to put on fat reserves, rather than burn them during the rut.
EHD does not affect humans, and any deer that has velvet is likely just fine to consume. However, if a hunter does see an abnormality in their harvest and they are unsure about consuming it, they can always contact their local biologist or warden.
For more reference information see; http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/hunting/nr_3128.html
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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.
