“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
FWC Phase I Applications for 2021 Alligator Harvest Permits Opens May 7
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 05/06/21
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News # 14357
This year the dates to apply for alligator harvest permits are as follows. Remember, all application periods start at 10 a.m. ET on the first day of the application period and run through 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day.
- Phase I Applications 5/7/2021 – 5/17/2021.
- Phase II Applications 5/21/2021 – 5/31/2021.
- Phase III Applications 6/4/2021 – 6/14/2021.
- Phase IV Leftovers 6/17/2021 – until filled or final hunt date.
Anyone who will be 18 years of age or older by Aug. 15 and has a valid credit card may apply for alligator harvest permits at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office. Learn more about the alligator harvest permit application process by visiting MyFWC.com and clicking on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts” under the “Buy and Apply” drop down menu.
To give yourself the best chance of being issued an alligator harvest permit, make sure you:
- Submit all 12 choices in the application. However, listing the same area/period multiple times will not give you a better chance of being selected for that area.
- Choose areas that offer more permits to increase your odds of being drawn.
- Are willing to hunt every location you select. If you’re successful in the drawing, you’ll be charged the amount for the permit awarded to you.
Please be aware the South Florida Water Management District is undertaking major construction projects this year at STA-1W and STA 2 on behalf of their mission to safeguard and restore south Florida’s water resources. The heavy equipment traffic associated with levee/ditch work and vegetation removal means a portion of STA-1W South and all of STA-1W North and STA 2 are closed to alligator hunting during 2021.
The FWC offers several tools to help you with the application process. Find application worksheets, a harvest unit map and listing, application tips and more by visiting MyFWC.com/Alligator and clicking on “Statewide Alligator Harvest Program.”
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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.
Now is the time to plan for Florida’s upcoming hunting seasons if you’re interested in applying for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) alligator harvest permits at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge.
Alligator harvest permits
Florida has a stable and healthy alligator population that allows for sustainable hunt opportunities through the FWC’s Statewide Alligator Harvest Program. To take part in Florida’s Aug. 15 to Nov. 1 alligator season, you’ll need an alligator trapping license, a Statewide Alligator Harvest Permit and two hide validation CITES tags. The cost for this is $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, or $1,022 for nonresidents. The alligator harvest permit allows for the harvest of two alligators in a designated harvest unit or county.
Every year about 7,000 alligator harvest permits are issued through three random drawings and a final leftover phase. The demand for Florida alligator harvest permits is high and random drawings are used to provide a fair unbiased way to issue them.
