“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
Utah Increases Fishing Limits at 10 Waterbodies
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/01/21
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News # 14384
The DWR will also be decreasing fish stocking in the affected lakes and reservoirs to minimize the amount of fish that may die as a result of the anticipated low water levels.
"When we decrease the number of fish stocked into one lake, we will reallocate those fish to another waterbody where we don't anticipate low water levels," DWR Sportfish Coordinator Randy Oplinger said. "Despite low water levels in some lakes, fishing will be very good in a lot of places this summer. The number of waters where we are expecting drought impacts is very small, and we anticipate that the majority of waterbodies, including the major fisheries in the state, won't be affected."
These changes are effective immediately and will remain in effect until Oct. 31, 2021. Here are the waterbodies with new increased daily fish limits:
- Blacksmith Fork River, Cache County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout from the Nibley Diversion downstream to the confluence with the Logan River
- Forsyth Reservoir, Sevier County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout
- Gunlock Reservoir, Washington County:: Increasing the daily limit to 12 largemouth bass with no size restrictions and removing the limit on bluegill and black crappie
- Koosharem Reservoir, Sevier County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout
- Lower Enterprise Reservoir, Washington County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout and 12 smallmouth bass
- Otter Creek Reservoir, Piute County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout, six wiper and 12 smallmouth bass
- Tropic Reservoir, Garfield County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout
- Upper Enterprise Reservoir, Washington County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout and 12 smallmouth bass
- Wide Hollow Reservoir, Garfield County: Increasing the daily limit to eight trout
- Yuba Reservoir, Juab and Sanpete counties: Increasing the daily limit to 20 fish total from the following species: walleye, wiper, trout (any species), tiger muskie, northern pike and channel catfish. No size restrictions apply to any of the species.
All the other rules in the Utah Fishing Guidebook regarding Utah waterbodies have not changed and remain in effect.
While it is anticipated that these reservoirs will have lower water levels due to drought, here is a list of additional waterbodies where fishing is not expected to see any impacts and should still be good this summer. Visit the DWR website for additional things that anglers should be aware of while fishing this year.
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In anticipation of low water levels due to drought conditions, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued emergency changes to Utah's fishing regulations to allow anglers to catch and keep more fish at 10 waterbodies around the state.
Drought impacts fish by reducing the amount of water available in lakes, reservoirs and streams throughout the state. Smaller amounts of water heat up more quickly and warm to higher temperatures, which is problematic for fish species since warm water holds less oxygen than colder water. The combination of high temperatures and low oxygen can stress fish, causing poor growth and disease, and can sometimes be fatal to fish.
In an effort to reduce any potential fish die off in some of the waterbodies with anticipated low water levels, the DWR is increasing some of the daily fish limits to allow anglers to harvest and utilize more fish in these specific waterbodies.
