“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
Montana Sets 2021-22 Migratory Bird Regulations
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 05/06/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14355
Duck and goose bag limits in the Pacific and Central flyways remain the same as last year. In the Central Flyway, two additional blue-winged teal will be allowed in the daily bag for the first nine days of the season, Oct. 2 – Oct. 10. See the regulations for details.
Special youth waterfowl hunt
Youth 10 to 15 years old may participate in a special statewide two-day early hunt for waterfowl Sept. 25-26. This is a great time to get the kids out, when the weather is warm and when they are the only ones who can shoot, as well as giving your retriever a tune-up prior to the regular season. Consult the regulations for details.
Sandhill crane, mourning dove, and snipe
Mourning dove and snipe seasons both open Sept. 1. For sandhill cranes, the over-the-counter license season in the Central Flyway will be Oct. 2 – Nov. 28. For crane seasons regulated under special drawing licenses, season dates will be Sept. 1 – Oct. 30. There will be a new special drawing sandhill crane hunting unit in Cascade and Teton counties with 20 licenses.
The deadline to apply for swan and sandhill crane license will be July 23. Applications can be done online or at an FWP office.
Waterfowl outlook
Good numbers of ducks the last two years mean a lot will be returning to breed this spring. Much of Montana is quite dry, as are parts of major duck production areas in Alberta and Saskatchewan, although there are some brighter spots. Duck hunting in Montana depends to a large degree upon local conditions and weather patterns. Local waterfowl production should be good, and hunters can expect good numbers and from ducks migrating into and through the state. Canada goose numbers remain high in Montana and the surrounding areas.
Typically, duck hunters look forward to the results of the May breeding duck survey, followed by the Waterfowl Status Report in August to get some idea of populations and what to expect for a fall flight. However, no breeding duck and wetland surveys were conducted in 2020 or 2021 due to restrictions from the pandemic. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will rely on long-term data and models to predict duck abundance and inform management decisions until surveys can be restored.
To view the regulations, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/regulations.
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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.
Montana 2021-22 migratory bird regulations are now available online; hard copies will be available at license providers in a few weeks.
As always, hunters should get familiar with the regulations and any changes from last season.
A change in the Pacific Flyway and Central Flyway Zone 1 that hunters should note this year will be the lack of a split season. This change is in response to a survey of randomly selected Montana waterfowl hunters. The Central Flyway Zone 2 season dates are similar to last season, including the split season.
- In the Pacific Flyway, season dates for both ducks and geese will be Oct. 2 – Jan. 14. Pacific Flyway swan season dates will be Oct. 9 – Dec. 1.
- In the Central Flyway Zone 2 (Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, and Yellowstone counties), duck season dates will be Oct. 2 – Oct. 10 and Oct. 23 – Jan. 18, with goose season dates Oct. 2 – Oct. 10 and Oct. 23 – Jan. 26. Zone 1 (the remainder of the Central Flyway) will have duck season dates of Oct. 2 – Jan. 6 and goose season dates of Oct. 2 - Jan. 14.
- The Central Flyway swan season will be Oct. 2 – Jan. 6 in both zones. Central Flyway swan licenses are now valid for both tundra swans and trumpeter swans.
