“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
South Dakota Accepting Tag Returns for All Limited Draw/Big Game Seasons
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/09/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14316
“We realize that people have busy lives and plans can change very suddenly,” said GFP Department Secretary Kevin Robling. “Whether it is an injury, vacation, family emergency or welcoming a new baby, we understand that life happens. Providing the best customer service and flexibility while enjoying the great outdoors is a priority for this department.”
Currently, the following seasons are eligible for returns:
Prairie Spring/Custer State Park Turkey
• Returns must be postmarked by April 9.
• Online applications for returned licenses will be taken from 12 p.m. CST April 14 until 8 a.m. CST April 19.
• Lottery draw on April 19.
• Tags mailed out April 19.
• One application per person with a 1st and 2nd choice.
Black Hills Turkey
• Return tags must be postmarked by April 9.
Lake Francis Case Paddlefish
• Return licenses must be postmarked by April 30.
• Online applications for returned licenses will be taken from 12 p.m. CST April 26 until 8 a.m. CST May 5.
• Only open to anglers not holding a 2021 license for this season.
• Lottery draw on May 5.
• Tags mailed out May 5.
Archery Paddlefish
• Return licenses must be postmarked by May 31.
• Online applications for returned licenses will be taken from 12 p.m. CST May 24 until 8 a.m. CST June 3.
• Lottery draw on June 3.
• Tags mailed out June 3.
• Only open to anglers not holding a 2021 license for this season.
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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) is now accepting tag returns for all big game and limited draw seasons.
License holders not planning on hunting for any reason, must have their licenses postmarked before the beginning of the respective season based on specific dates provided by GFP. Hunters returning their tags will receive a full refund, no questions asked, and preference points for that season will be retained.
Any returned license will be posted on the GFP licensing website and available via the lottery process. Hunters applying for return tags will be able to put in a first and second choice for each season. Preference points will not be used during this process. In many cases, such as paddlefish, a current license holder for that season will not be eligible to apply for a return tag.
