“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
North America Sportshows
New CT Inland Fishing Rules Take Effect to Expand Opportunities


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 07/06/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14420
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announces new inland fishing regulations effective immediately that are intended to enhance existing and provide new fishing opportunities.

The new regulations were initiated by DEEP in 2019 with a Notice of Intent issued November 12, 2020, followed by a public hearing and comment period concluding December 15, 2020.  Revisions to the proposed regulations were made following consideration of the public comments and the proposed regulations were approved by the Legislative Regulation Review Committee June 22, 2021, and formally posted to the state’s eRegulations system yesterday.

The following are highlights of some of the new regulations:

  • Bow fishing.   The definition for “bow and arrow fishing” is updated and cross bows will be allowed.  Any fish shot by an arrow will count against the daily creel limit. 
  • Catfish.   The creel limit for catfish at Colony Pond (Ansonia, Shelton), Crescent Lake (Southington) and Rogers Park Pond (Danbury) is changed to 3 fish per day. 
  • Common Carp.   Regulations specific to bow fishing (12 fish creel limit, only 3 fish over 30 inches) for carp are established for West Thompson Lake and portions of the Connecticut, Coginchaug, Mattabesset, Housatonic and Quinnipiac rivers. 
  • Fishing seasons.  The open season for fishing at Black Rock Pond, McGovern Pond and Walker Reservoir (East) will be from 6:00 am Opening Day through the last day in February. 
  • Northern Pike/Tiger Muskie.   Clarifies that creel and length limits for Northern Pike apply to Northern Pike hybrids and establishes a one fish per day, 38-inch minimum length limits for Northern Pike/tiger muskie at Lake Lillinonah. 
  • Trout Management Lakes.   Black Pond (Woodstock) and Mohawk Pond are designated as Trout Management Lakes with an extended March season and managed as a Brook Trout fishery with special regulations for Brook Trout. 
  • Trout Parks.  McGovern Pond (West Hartford) is designated as a Trout Park (2 trout per day, Trout & Salmon stamp required). 
  • Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA).   The Session Woods WTMA is reclassified as a Class I WTMA (from a Class III) and the name of the stream in this WTMA is updated to “Freeman Hill Brook”. 

The new regulations have been incorporated into the 2021 Connecticut Fishing Guide, and are in red font and noted as “Change effective in June, 2021”. The Guide can be found online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishingguide.

If anglers have any questions or would like additional information on the inland regulations, they can also contact the Fisheries Division (email: [email protected], phone: 860-424-FISH).

Additional fishing and fisheries related information can be found on the DEEP web site at: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife.

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