“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
Applications for FWC 2021 Deer and Fall Public Hunting Permits Opens May 15
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 05/06/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14358
Special-opportunity fall hunts
Special-opportunity fall hunts offer large tracts of public land and low hunter quotas at the following WMAs: Fort Drum, Lake Panasoffkee, Triple N Ranch and Green Swamp West Unit. Fees for these hunts range from $50 to $175 per permit and permits are issued through a random drawing. There is a $5 non-refundable application fee that must be submitted with each individual application.
National wildlife refuge hunts
There are several fall hunts you can apply for at Lake Woodruff, Lower Suwannee, Loxahatchee, Merritt Island, St. Marks and St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuges. These areas offer unique experiences and well managed habitats. Although the FWC issues permits for refuge hunts, the agency does not manage these hunts. For information about hunting regulations and permit requirements for these hunts, contact the appropriate national wildlife refuge.
For information about individual WMAs, visit MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures for access to WMA Finder, an online tool that allows you to search for areas by species, season and location. You also can find application deadlines and worksheets and other limited entry hunt details at MyFWC.com/License/Limited-Entry.
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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.
Florida hunters interested in hunting deer or wild hog this fall at a Florida wildlife management area or national wildlife refuge should make plans to apply for quota hunt permits, special-opportunity fall hunts and national wildlife refuge fall hunts during the phase 1 application period, which begins 10 a.m. ET Saturday, May 15 and runs through 11:59 p.m. ET on June 15. You can apply for the opportunities outlined below at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office.
Fall quota hunts
Florida quota hunts provide access to an array of hunting experiences on select WMAs with permits for these opportunities issued via random drawing. You must have a valid Florida management area permit or a license type that includes one, unless exempt from license requirements, to apply for archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, family (adult and up to two youth), track vehicle and mobility-impaired quota hunts. Also, deer hunts for youth between the ages of 8 and 15 are offered at Andrews and Camp Blanding WMAs. Applications for the youth quota hunts must be submitted under the child’s customer account.
Make sure you check out the fall quota hunt options at the two new WMAs. Orange Hammock WMA, a new 5,777-acre WMA in Sarasota County, offers archery, muzzleloading gun, mobility-impaired general gun and general gun quota hunt opportunities. A new 3,992-acre WMA in Okeechobee County, Everglades Headwaters WMA, Kissimmee Bend Unit, offers archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun and family hunts.
