“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
No Retention of Oregon 2021 Wild Spring Chinook on Mainstem Umpqua Feb 1-June 30
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/29/20
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News # 14150
Over the past two decades, yearly returns averaged about 200 fish, which is below the 600 fish goal set in ODFW’s Coastal Multi-Species Conservation and Management Plan (page 167). One of the highest priority conservation goals in the Plan is improving the status of the South Umpqua spring Chinook salmon population. Harvest is one of several limiting factors identified for this population, and harvest in the mainstem Umpqua fishery is considered a significant risk at current abundance levels.
“With continued low returns of spring Chinook to the South Umpqua, we believe this management action is still appropriate to help this vulnerable population,” said ODFW District fish biologist Greg Huchko. “It is encouraging to see the numbers increase over the past three years, but we are still well below average.”
Poor ocean conditions have resulted in reduced salmon runs on most coastal rivers in recent years. Warmer water temperatures and flows lower than normal on the South Umpqua are also impacting this population.
The South Umpqua run of wild spring Chinook is a unique population that has always faced tough conditions. To survive to spawn, these fish must get above Tiller and spend the summer holding in a limited amount of deep pools where they are susceptible to predation and poaching.
Over the past several years, ODFW and partner agencies have been part of a working group identifying and addressing possible limiting factors and causes of declines for these fish. This year that group worked together to modify the South Umpqua Falls fish ladder to improve passage at lower flows. The working group also plans increased monitoring and research, greater enforcement against poaching, and evaluating and limiting predation impacts on Chinook in the upper South Umpqua.
For the latest on SW Zone fishing regulations, visit https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/southwest-zone
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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.
Oregon retention of all wild spring Chinook (jacks and adults) in the mainstem Umpqua River is prohibited during the Feb. 1 - June 30, 2021 fishing season. Anglers may only keep hatchery chinook.
North Umpqua River anglers can still retain wild spring Chinook as per the 2021 aggregate bag limit regulations.
This emergency rule for mainstem wild spring Chinook was also in effect during the 2020 season to help protect a vulnerable population that returns to the South Umpqua River. Recent low returns of wild spring Chinook to the South Umpqua (120 this year, 64 in 2019, 29 in 2018) are of concern to ODFW and other partner agencies.
