“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 2021 Spring Trout Fishing Information
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/25/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14290
- March 15-March 31: Fishing prohibited on trout stocked waters as pre-season stocking begins*. Catch and release for trout in all other waters. (* See below)
- April 1 at 8 a.m. - April 9: Trout stocked waters will be open to catch-and-release fishing
- April 10 (12:00 a.m. - 7:59 a.m.): Waters closed to all fishing
- April 10 at 8:00 a.m.: Opening day of trout season
From April 10 to May 31 the minimum legal size is 9" with a daily limit of 6 trout in most trout waters. Beginning June 1 through March 20, 2022 the legal size remains 9" but the daily limit is reduced to 4 trout.
Fortunately, production of trout at the Pequest Trout Hatchery has not been affected by the pandemic. In addition to approximately 570,000 production (10.5") trout, there will be approximately 6,000 two- and three-year-old broodstock, ranging in size from 14"-26" and weighing up to 7 lbs. stocked this spring. These trophy-size fish are slated for waters across the state which are suitable for fish of that size and which do not conflict with management goals.
All anglers should remember:
- ALL REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL REGULATION WATERS REMAIN IN EFFECT (e.g. TCAs, Catch & Release Areas, and Trophy/Holdover waters).
- ESTABLISHED SEASONS, SIZE, AND CREEL LIMITS FOR ALL OTHER SPECIES APPLY.
- THERE WILL BE NO IN-SEASON CLOSURES ON ANY WATERS.
Don't forget that a fishing license and trout stamp are required to fish for trout if you are 16 years or older. Children under 16 and New Jersey residents 70 years and older can fish without a license. Licenses and stamps may be obtained through one of the many license agents statewide, or online.
* Exceptions: Trophy Tout Lakes, Lake Hopatcong, Mountain Lake, Lake Shenandoah, Lawrence Brook (section from Davidson's Mill Rd. to Farrington Lake dam), Prospertown Lake and Swartswood Lake are open year round to fishing. However, all trout caught during this period (above) must be released immediately. Catch and release opens April 1 at 8 a.m. Seasonal and Year-round Trout Conservation Areas and designated Holdover Trout Lakes (see pages 21–23 in the Trout Regulations) are also open to fishing but are catch-and-release only for trout. Fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on April 10, 2021. Round Valley and Merrill Creek Reservoirs (Trophy Trout Lakes) are open to year round fishing; trout may be harvested within the regulations as shown on page 23 in the Trout Regulations.
2021 SPRING TROUT STOCKING UPDATES / CHANGES
- Spooky Brook Park Pond (Somerset Co.) - Will not be stocked due to ongoing work to dredge the lake.
- Hooks Creek Lake (Middlesex Co.) - Due to the fluctuating salinity levels, Hook's Creek Lake remains suspended from the Trout Stocking Program until salinity levels become more stable.
Any deviations from the stocking schedule are also noted on the 2021 Spring Stocking Schedules page.
For more information see; https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/trtinfo_spring21.htm and/ Trout Fishing in New Jersey
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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 reminds anglers of updated 2021 Spring Trout Fishing Information.
Due to the continuing pandemic and the Division's efforts to reduce exposure of staff and the public to possible transmission of Covid-19, the 2021 trout stocking program is again modified. Rather than the traditional three-week preseason closure followed by seven weeks of in-season stockings, the season will be as follows:
