“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
Arizona Anglers Can Earn Cash Bonuses During the Brown Trout Bonanza on the Colorado River
Best Angler gets $500! Earn Several Other Bonuses from $50 to $300!
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/12/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14327
Beginning April 1, there is now a $33 reward for each brown trout captured as well as these additional incentives during the Bonanza:
- Bonus of $50 for each scientific pit tag turned in with brown trout
- Golden ticked bonus of $300 for each scientific sonic tag turned in
- $250 bonus for best photography of one or more brown trout captured
- $250 bonus for best video of a a brown trout being captured at Lees Ferry
- $50 bonus for each three fish turned in during the month
- $500 bonus for the most brown trout submitted between April 1 and May 2
In mid-May 2021, the rewards and bonuses will be paid out to participating anglers by the Glen Canyon Conservancy, which is administering the program for the park. There is no limit on the number of brown trout that can be harvested and turned in for the reward and bonuses during this month-long kick-off event.
To participate in the Brown Trout Bonanza program, anglers must have a valid Arizona fishing license. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks are allowed. Arizona fishing licenses can be purchased at https://www.azgfd.com/License/. The Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing regulations can be found at: https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/regulations.
For more information about the Bonanza rules and bonuses, as well as the Incentivized Harvest of Brown Trout reward, please visit the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area website at https://www.nps.gov/glca/learn/news/20210310.htm.
Background
The brown trout population in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and the Paria River has steadily increased since 2014. As adults, brown trout primarily feed on other fish, threatening downstream native fish species. The Incentivized Harvest management option was favored during a public review of potential brown trout mitigation tools when compared with other tools, such as intensive mechanical removal of brown trout or efforts to disturb brown trout spawning.
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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.
Anglers can earn cash rewards and bonuses for participating in the Brown Trout Bonanza on the stretch of the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and the Paria River, April 1 and running through May 2.
The Bonanza is sponsored by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in partnership with the Glen Canyon Conservancy. It is part of the Brown Trout Incentivized Harvest Program that began in November 2020 with the offer of a $25 reward for each brown trout turned in over 6 inches.
The goal of this program is to determine if the Incentivized Harvest by anglers can help manage and reduce the number of brown trout in this stretch of the Colorado River to help protect native fish species downstream.
