“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
Illinois 2021 Spring Wingshooting Clinic April 10-11
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/27/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14240
The clinics are designed primarily to improve the wingshooting skills of hunters. Hunters interested in improving their ability to hit moving targets with a shotgun are encouraged to attend. However, these wingshooting clinics are not limited only to hunters. Anyone from 12 years of age and older who wants to improve their shotgun shooting skills can attend. However, young shooters need to be at least in the novice wingshooting skill category to attend.
Hunters Wingshooting Clinics are hands-on and include extensive live fire at a variety of clay target presentations on specially designed sporting clays courses. The clay target presentations represent typical hunting scenarios.
The JEPC sporting clays course will be laid out at the hand-trap range area on County Highway 11 east of the site headquarters.
The participant-to-instructor ratio is four-to-one. Typically, participants are grouped with others of similar shooting ability. There will be a briefing about shotgun safety and handling and on-range safety at the start of each session.
Advanced registration is required. Registration information for the JEPC Hunters Wingshooting Clinics can be accessed at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/recreation/wingshooting/Pages/default.aspx .
Click on the “Calendar” button, then view the April 10 or April 11 dates to access and click on the “Online Registration” link. From there you will be redirected to the Illinois Conservation Foundation website to register for your chosen session. Please note you must download the information and forms packet. Registration is not complete until all necessary forms are submitted per the instructions in the downloaded information and forms packet.
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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.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sponsoring wingshooting clinic sessions for hunters on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and 11 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek (JEPC) State Fish and Wildlife Area.
All participants in the clinics will be required to follow public health guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, including wearing masks when social distancing cannot be achieved, and carrying hand sanitizer.
The Hunters Wingshooting Clinics at JEPC consists of two 4-hour wingshooting sessions each day. Morning sessions run from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, and afternoon sessions run from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The clinic sessions will be taught by instructors certified by the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and/or the IDNR.
