“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.   

####

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
North America Sportshows
IDNR Announces Partial Schedule of 2021-22 Waterfowl Blind Site Drawings


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 05/06/21
The Backcountry Press
The country's premier daily HUNTING, FISHING & OUTDOOR news in the USA and around the globe.  Read whats happening in your neck of the woods & beyond. 
©  2020  TBC Press - All Rights Reserved                                                                                                                                                                                                   Website Design by: 




News # 14356
To register for a drawing, all applicants must present a 2020 or 2021 regular Illinois hunting license (no apprentice or youth license), a 2020 or 2021 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law, and valid photo identification. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing. Out-of-state residents must have an annual (5-day licenses not accepted) 2020 or 2021 non-resident hunting license for Illinois, a 2020 or 2021 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp and valid photo identification.

Applicants needing to purchase new licenses and stamps should do so prior to arriving for pre-registration; license sales will not be available onsite. Licenses and stamps are available at any DNR license and permit vendors, through the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov, or by calling 1-866-716-6550.

Registrants are no longer required to possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card from the Illinois State Police to participate in blind drawings. Also, in order to be an eligible applicant for the drawing, the participant must not have his or her hunting privileges suspended or revoked by the IDNR or any other jurisdiction at the time of the drawing.    

An individual with a disability precluding him/her from hunting from a waterfowl blind may be accommodated through issuance of a Standing Vehicle Permit from IDNR. Please visit www.dnr.illinois.gov for a Standing Vehicle Permit application.

The details for 2021 blind allocations and registration hours are listed online at; IDNR-Announces-Partial-Schedule-of-Waterfowl-Blind-Site-Drawings.aspx

Additional hunting information and maps on the above sites can be accessed at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/FactSheets/Pages/default.aspx

####

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.

Illinois waterfowl hunters should take note of new procedures for the 2021 waterfowl hunting blind site random drawings to be held at Mississippi River Area SFWA (MRA) and Horseshoe Lake SP. New procedures will include a pre-registration period open for ten (10) days followed by a random drawing conducted by DNR staff. Hunters successful in the drawing will be mailed their drawing order and details on date, location and time for in-person blind selection. Pre-registration will begin in May with blind selection in June.

Details on additional blind drawings traditionally held in July and August at other sites throughout Illinois will be forthcoming. As COVID-19 guidelines continue to change, the Department will strive to take advantage of updated and liberalized guidelines to provide hunters with the safest and best possible blind drawing experience.

At MRA and Horseshoe Lake SP, duck and goose hunters must pre-register in person for waterfowl blind site drawings. Pre-registration will begin May 6 and close May 15 (see IDNR-Announces-Partial-Schedule-of-Waterfowl-Blind-Site-Drawings.aspx for registration hours). Mail-in registrations or registrations by a friend or family member are not accepted. Blind allocations for these sites are good for three years (2021, 2022 and 2023 hunting seasons).