“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
Shorter California 2021 Recreational Ocean Salmon Seasons Opening in June
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 05/25/21
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 # 14383
The daily bag limit is two Chinook salmon per day. On a vessel in ocean waters, no person shall possess or bring ashore more than one daily bag limit. Once brought ashore, no person shall possess more than two daily bag limits. Retention of coho salmon (also known as silver salmon) is prohibited in all ocean fisheries off California.
Please note the prior boundary line between the Fort Bragg and Klamath Management Zones has been moved five nautical miles north from Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) to 40° 10’ 00” N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino). This change was made to simplify fishing regulations by aligning the salmon management boundary line with the existing groundfish management boundary line.
Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.95, ocean salmon sport fishing regulations in state waters automatically conform to federal regulations. Federal regulations for ocean salmon fisheries were published in 86 Federal Register 26425 on May 14, 2021 and were effective as of May 16, 2021.
Public notification of any in-season change is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Ocean Salmon Hotline. Before engaging in any fishing activity for these species, please check one of the following ocean salmon resources for the most up-to-date information:
CDFW Ocean Salmon page
- NMFS Ocean Salmon Hotline, (800) 662-9825
- CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline, (707) 576-3429
####
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announces ocean salmon season openers for additional management areas along the California coast. Although the Monterey management area opened in early April, the rest of the coast remained closed. Beginning in late June, recreational anglers will be able to drop their lines for salmon in the San Francisco, Fort Bragg and Klamath Management zones. Dates for all California management areas are as follows:
- In the Klamath Management Zone, which is the area between the Oregon/California state line and 40°10’00” N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino), the season opens June 29 and continues through August 1. Size limit: 20 inches total length.
- The Fort Bragg Management Area, which extends from 40°10’00” N. latitude to Point Arena (38°57’30” N. latitude), opens June 29 and continues through October 31. Size limit: 20 inches total length.
- The San Francisco Management Area, from Point Arena to Pigeon Point (37°11’00” N. latitude), opens June 26 and continues through October 31. Size limit: 20 inches total length.
- The Monterey Management Area, from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico border, opened on April 3 and will continue through September 30. Size limit: 24 inches total length through May 15, 20 inches total length thereafter.
