“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 Jersey 2020-2021 Semi-Wild Hunting Season for Pheasant, Quail & Partridge Extended to April 4
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/24/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14289
The Division of Fish and Wildlife issues licenses to operate semi-wild shooting preserves for pheasant, quail and partridge. Applicants for semi-wild licenses must provide proof that at least one pheasant, quail and/or partridge will be stocked for each acre of land on preserves less than 200 acres in size. Preserves greater than 200 acres in size must stock a minimum of 200 birds. All harvested birds must be tagged with game bird tags sold by the Division for $0.15 each. Prior to issuing a license to first time applicants, a field inspection of the proposed preserve may be conducted.
Interested applicants must be the owner or lessee of the property to be licensed. Below are links to documents related to semi-wild shooting preserves. Questions should be directed to 609-984-6213.
Semi-wild Shooting Preserve Information Sheet (pdf, 140kb)
Captive Game Regulations (pdf, 39kb)
NJ Northern Bobwhite Action Plan
Semi-wild Shooting Preserve Permit Application Form (pdf, 190kb)
Game Bird Importation Application Form (pdf, 75kb)
For more information see; https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/semi-wild_preserves.htm
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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 New Jersey Fish and Game Council, the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recommended that the 2020-2021 Semi-wild Preserve hunting season Pheasant, Quail & Partridge be extended. The council approved the recommendation, and Director Dave Golden agreed to a 20-day extension to the season. This action provides for a revised season closing date of April 4, 2021.
This revision will only apply to the 2020-2021 hunting season, and does not apply to subsequent hunting seasons. Prior to this extension, the season was scheduled to close on March 15, 2021.
