“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 2021 Five-Week Turkey Season Opens in West Virginia April 19
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/12/21
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News # 14320
The spring turkey harvest is dependent on the number of birds available (population size) and participation (number of hunters). The WVDNR typically projects the spring harvest by using turkey brood reports from two years earlier because the average harvested spring gobbler is a two-year-old bird.
“Under previous hunting regulations, we would project this year’s harvest to be lower than last year,” Peters said. “With the increased number of days available to hunt this season, we expect the overall spring turkey harvest to be similar to 2020.”
Hunters are encouraged to check the 2021-2022 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for details, available at wvdnr.gov. Hunting licenses may be purchased online at WVhunt.com or at license agents located across the state.
Hunting turkeys over bait and killing hens is illegal. Turkey hunters are encouraged to report any such activity to their local Natural Resources Police Officer or call 911 to report the violation.
The West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation pays a $100 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone using bait to attempt killing wild turkeys.
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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.
Beginning this year, West Virginia’s statewide spring gobbler season will run for five weeks instead of four, officials said. The 2021 season opens Monday, April 19.
The season still opens the third Monday in April but now ends May 23, eight days later than last year. Hunters can harvest one bearded bird per day with a season bag limit of two.
The two-day youth spring gobbler season will be held April 17-18, the Saturday and Sunday before the regular season. Youth at least 8 years old and under 18 can harvest one bearded bird, which counts toward their season bag limit of two.
“Between the extended youth and regular spring turkey season, hunters of all ages will have plenty of opportunity to pursue these birds,” said Mike Peters, wild turkey project leader for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
