“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
Manitoba Wildlife Federation to Conduct a Review of Black Bear Numbers
RESULTS COULD MEAN MORE BEAR-HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/17/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14408
Depending on the results of a review the Manitoba Wildlife Federation has been contracted to conduct, black bear hunters in the province could be looking at more hunting opportunities in the near future. That’s the word from the MWF’s new manager of conservation stewardship, Nolan Sawatzky, who was hired earlier this year to conduct the review.
Expected to be completed by the end of March, Sawatzky’s study aims to recommend the best way for Manitoba to get an accurate picture of its overall black bear population. “I’m looking at neighbouring provinces and states to see what methods are most commonly used, and what the best practices are,” he says.
The province’s last bear ecology study was conducted back in 1994, Sawatzky says, so the time has definitely come for another look. “The general feeling is that there are a lot more black bears out on the landscape than we have been approximating,” he says.
“If this hypothesis is correct, and there are more black bears, then we would like to see an increase in harvest limits to get the population back at a more manageable level, and to see less crop damage and less conflict issues.”
Whatever the province decides to do based on his review, Sawatzky says it will probably start by collecting telemetry data. “Getting GPS collars on some bears is what I would assume they will probably end up doing,” he says. “For the most accurate studies, you need to know the home-range sizes of female black bears in order to properly study an area.”
Learn more about the MWF’s programs and positions at www.mwf.mb.ca.
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