“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
Oregon Turkey Hunt by Reservation Program Returns for Second Year
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/09/21
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News # 14317
ODFW has teamed up with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever to provide a new full-time program coordinator to manage and grow the Hunt by Reservation Program. The program benefits hunters by providing quality hunting opportunities on private land – and landowners by coordinating hunt logistics and managing for healthy wildlife populations in their area.
"PF an QF are extremely excited to partner with ODFW,” says Al Eiden, a Western Regional Director for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “This is an innovative program that will open new areas of private land for hunting. We have a great opportunity to build connections between landowners and hunters who demonstrate the highest level of respect and hunter ethics."
For 2021, hunt dates will be available in weekly “releases” to spread interest out over the season. Reservations will open at 10 a.m. on each of the following dates. Each hunter will be limited to two active reservations at a time (active means hunt is happening that day or in the future).
Release date: For hunts available through:
- April 8
May 2
- April 15 May 9
- April 22 May 16
- April 29 May 23
- May 6 May 31
Dyches stressed that hunters who participate must follow all hunting regulations and hunt responsibly. “For this program to succeed, hunters and landowners must cooperate with utmost trust and respect,” he said. “If a landowner reports any hunter misbehavior such as showing disrespect, unsafe shots, property damage, breaking program rules or wildlife laws, we will exclude that hunter and the rest of their party from the program.”
ODFW hopes to expand this program in the future, including opportunities for turkey hunting in central Oregon and uplands birds and geese in other parts of the state. Interested landowners should contact Brandon at (971) 707-0098 or [email protected].
For more about what to expect this spring turkey season, vist the hunting forecast https://myodfw.com/articles/2021-spring-turkey-hunting-forecast
The general spring season runs April 15-May 31 statewide.
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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.
An Oregon program launched last year to help turkey hunters reserve a hunt on private land in western Oregon (Willamette Valley and Roseburg) is back up and running for the 2021 season.
Visit ODFW’s website to learn more: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunt-reservation-program.
“Our program was extremely popular with hunters last year,” said Brandon Dyches, ODFW’s Hunt By Reservation Program Coordinator. “All available hunt slots were reserved in the first 24 hours, so we are changing things up and releasing hunts weekly this year.” (More details below.)
There is no cost to reserve a hunt, but hunters must purchase a 2021 hunting license and turkey tag prior to their hunt and follow all hunting regulations and program rules. Up to three hunters can hunt per reservation (individual hunters can reserve a hunt and then assign up to two additional hunters to their reservation).
Turkeys are abundant in both the Willamette Valley and Roseburg area, but are often found on private land where hunting access is not allowed. The Hunt by Reservation Program first launched last year as an effort to connect landowners with hunters.
