“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
Enter the South Dakota 2021 Can-Am Raffle for a Chance to Win the Ultimate Rooster Chasing UTV
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/12/21
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News # 14262
Tickets are $100 each and available to both South Dakota residents and nonresidents. There is no limit to how many tickets can be purchased. The drawing for the winner will take place in October in conjunction with Governor Kristi Noem’s Annual Pheasant Hunt.
“This ultimate hunting rig is valued at over $50,000, and we cannot say enough great things about the multi-level partnership in place to raffle this off – all in support of habitat. Habitat is the foundation of hunting and fishing. For those of us who value these lifelong traditions, habitat is a top priority. Proceeds from the raffle will help ensure that our kids and grandkids can enjoy the natural resources we have today,” concluded Weyer.
About the Second Century Habitat Fund Board: The mission of the Second Century Habitat Fund Board is to be advocates of habitat stewardship, collaborate with community partners, and be conservation leaders to benefit all of South Dakota.
To learn more about the fund board, the raffle or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sdhabitatfund.org/raffle.
Image courtesy of SD Game, Fish and Parks
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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 South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced the opening of the South Dakota Can-Am raffle as a new opportunity to support habitat and the chance to win the ultimate rooster chasing UTV.
GFP has partnered with South Dakota Department of Tourism, Can-Am, and R+R Pheasant Hunting to raffle off a Can-Am Defender Max Limited with all proceeds supporting the Second Century Habitat Fund.
“This is an incredible opportunity to support habitat and give one lucky individual a one-of-a-kind UTV,” said Second Century Habitat Fund Board Executive Director, Lisa Weyer. “Partnerships are critical to habitat conservation, and this opportunity is a perfect example of what can happen when like-minded organizations work together.”
