“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
New York 2021 Regular Spring Turkey Hunting Season Opens May 1 - Youth Hunting Days in April
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/24/21
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News # 14287
Annual Jefferson County Youth Turkey Hunt
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) recently announced the 12th annual turkey hunt for youth ages 12 through 15. The event is free to the participants and all equipment will be provided if necessary. The two-day youth turkey hunt is being held at the Sackets Harbor Sportsmen's Club and begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 18 with an educational day and a hunt day on Saturday, April 24.
The hunt will feature special COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe learning environment, including health questionnaires, capacity limits to ensure social distancing, and mask usage. Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and valid turkey tags. The event is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club and sponsored by the Northern New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the New York Conservation Officers Association.
Signup sheets are available at the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club, 17500 County Route 66, Akins Archery, 25834 NY-12, Watertown and VanTassel's Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills. For more information or to sign up for the event please contact ECO Steve Bartoszewski at 315-489-6984 or by email at [email protected].
Annual St. Lawrence County Youth Turkey Hunt
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) in St. Lawrence County are partnering with the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to offer youth ages 12 to 15 the opportunity to hunt turkey this spring.
The hunt is a two-day event that starts with an educational portion at the Massena Rod and Gun Club at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, followed by a hunt day on Saturday, April 24. The hunt will feature special COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe learning environment, including health questionnaires, capacity limits to ensure social distancing, and mask usage.
Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and valid turkey tags. The event is free to the participants and equipment will be provided if necessary. The event is hosted by the Massena Rod and Gun Club and sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation and the New York Conservation Officers Association. For more information on the event, contact Lt. Troy Basford at (315) 265-2757 or ECO Ian Helmer at 315-559-8503.
Annual Oneida/Madison County Youth Turkey Hunt
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), along with the Madison County National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and the Oneida and Madison County Sportsmen's clubs, are offering youth ages 12 through 15 in Oneida and Madison counties an opportunity to hunt with them this spring. The event is free to participants and equipment will be provided if necessary.
The hunt starts with an educational day at Cassety Hollow Rod and Gun Club in Oriskany Falls beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, followed by a hunting weekend, April 24 and 25. Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and valid turkey tags. The hunt will feature special COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe learning environment, including health questionnaires, capacity limits to ensure social distancing, and mask usage.
For more information or to sign up for the event please contact Scott Faulkner, 3720 Gifford Road, Vernon Center, NY 13477 or 315-225-0192.
All hunters are advised to read the turkey hunting regulations and/or Turkey Hunting in NY before heading afield.
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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.
New York 2021 Regular Spring Turkey Hunting Season Opens May 1 through May 31 in All of upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary. Hunting Hours are one-half-hour before sunrise to noon. Season Bag Limit is Two bearded turkeys (one bird per day).
During both Spring and Fall seasons, you must report taking a turkey within 7 days, via the DECALS Online Harvest Reporting system or by calling 1-866-426-3778.
YOUTH 2021 SPRING TURKEY HUNTING
April 24 - 25, 2021 in All of upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary plus Suffolk County. Hunting Hours are one-half-hour before sunrise to noon. Season Bag Limit is One bearded turkey.
