“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
Wyoming Anglers Asked to Report Tagged Trout in North Fork & Buffalo Bill Reservoir
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 07/06/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14413
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking anglers to report any tagged trout they catch in the North Fork of the Shoshone River and the Buffalo Bill Reservoir west of Cody.
Game and Fish personnel recently captured, tagged and released trout in those areas in an effort to better understand the species’ seasonal distribution and to help generate an estimate of angler catch and harvest rate.
By reporting tagged fish, the department says anglers are playing a crucial part in local research to better understand the migratory nature of trout in the unique fishery — and better evaluate the effectiveness of current regulations in place to protect migrating fish.
“The more people who report tagged fish, the better quality our data will be and the more information we will get out of this important study,” said Fisheries Supervisor Sam Hochhalter. “To take the time to call-in and report tagged fish is a huge ask of anglers, but this is important information that will ultimately benefit this cherished fishery.”
Anglers can report tagged fish by calling 307-527-7125 or 1-800-654-1178. Most fish will have two different tags. Game and Fish asks anglers to report each tag number and color, the date and location where the fish was caught and if the fish was harvested or released. For each tagged fish reported, anglers will be entered into a raffle to win a Traeger grill, a Yeti cooler or cash. The raffle is sponsored by the Adiposse Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
As part of this effort, fisheries biologists plan to tag up to 2,000 rainbow, rainbow/cutthroat hybrid and cutthroat trout each year for the next four to five years. In June/July, the Game and Fish will also conduct surveys of the North Fork River corridor from Pahaska downstream to Gibbs Bridge to document the distribution of tagged fish.
“This is our chance to learn a lot and have data that informs present and future management,” said Hochhalter. “We appreciate the support from the angling community to help us collect this valuable information.”
Anglers are reminded that seasonal closures to fishing are in place from April 1 to June 30 for the North Fork Shoshone River drainage from and including Newton Creek downstream to Gibbs Bridge. Fishing is also closed from April 1-July 14 on a section of Buffalo Bill Reservoir which includes Gibbs Bridge to that portion of Buffalo Bill Reservoir which lies west of a straight line connecting the mouths of Rattlesnake Creek and Sheep Creek (commonly known as Spring Creek).
Image courtesy of WY fish & game
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