“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
NY 2021 Striped Bass Season Open on the Hudson River: Marine Waters Open April 15
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/05/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14308
The Atlantic coast-wide harvest of striped bass is managed by ASMFC, which determined the striped bass resource is overfished and experiencing overfishing based on the 2018 stock assessment. ASMFC initiated and approved Addendum VI to Amendment 6 (PDF) of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass to reduce harvest, end overfishing, and bring fishing mortality to the target level. ASMFC required that all coastal states adopt circle hook requirements when fishing for striped bass with bait for the 2021 fishing season.
In January 2021, DEC proposed regulations to meet this requirement. The 60-day public comment period on the proposed rulemaking closed on March 8, 2021. DEC received more than 800 written comments on the proposed rule and over 700 of these comments expressed support for requiring the use of circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait.
On March 25, ASMFC issued new modifications to guidance on the circle hook requirements. DEC is now in the process of adopting regulations consistent with these latest ASMFC requirements. Regulations are expected to be in place by April 15.
DEC encourages anglers to use circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait as of April 1 to protect the striped bass fishery. In addition, anglers should prepare for the circle hook requirement as of April 15, when fishing for striped bass using part or whole of any marine/aquatic organisms or terrestrial invertebrates as bait. Circle hooks will not be required when fishing with an artificial lure, whether or not they are tipped with bait as previously described. Visit DEC's Best Practices for Saltwater Fishing webpage for more information on circle hooks and fish handling tips.
Anglers who fish for striped bass are encouraged to participate in DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program. For more information, anglers north of the George Washington Bridge in the tidal Hudson River should email [email protected] or visit DEC's Hudson River Striped Bass webpage. Anglers who fish for striped bass in New York's marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge can email [email protected] or visit DEC's Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers webpage.
DEC also encourages anglers to check DEC's Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the most up-to-date information before going fishing and to enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing in New York's Marine and Coastal District waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea," including striped bass. Anglers can enroll in the registry online or by phone or by visiting a license issuing agent location. To enroll, go to DEC's website.
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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 York start of the recreational striped bass fishing season in the Hudson River and its tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge opened April 1st. The recreational striped bass fishing season will open on April 15 in New York State marine coastal waters south of the George Washington Bridge.
DEC continues to work collaboratively with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to require the use of circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait. This new requirement is intended to increase the survival rate of striped bass in the recreational fishery. The circle hook regulations are expected to take effect by April 15.
In the tidal Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge, the recreational slot limit is 18 to 28 inches, no less than 18 inches nor greater than 28 inches, and the season is open April 1 through Nov. 30. In marine waters, the recreational slot limit is 28 to 35 inches, no less than 28 inches nor greater than 35 inches, and the season is open April 15 through Dec. 15. The recreational striped bass possession limit for all New York State waters is one fish per angler.
