“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
Register for FREE Oregon 2021 Youth Pheasant Hunts Around the State
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 07/29/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14422
ODFW’s youth hunters (age 17 and under) can sign up now for free pheasant hunts happening around the state starting in September, with an additional few hunt dates in October.
ODFW and partners stock pheasants at these special hunts that give youth a head start on regular pheasant seasons, which don’t begin until October. They are mostly held on ODFW’s wildlife areas, with a few exceptions (see more detail on locations below).
There are multiple dates and hunt locations to choose from. Register by logging in to the youth’s account at MyODFW’s Licensing page. Then go to Purchase from the Catalog and look under the Category/ Class/Workshop / Outdoor Skills. Hunts are listed alphabetically by city name. If you do not see the event you want to register for, please call the local hunt location (see below). Note that registration is only online; it is not available at license sale agents.
These events are open only to youth who have passed hunter education. Volunteers bring their training hunting dogs to some events to hunt with participants. Some events also host a shooting skills session before the hunt.
The hunts are free, though participants need a valid hunting license ($10 for youth 12 and older, free for age 11 and under) to hunt. Youth hunters age 12-17 also need an upland game bird validation ($4). Purchase before the event, online or at a license sales agent (reminder that ODFW offices remain closed to public access until Sept. 1, 2021.) Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.
Some areas will host the event both Saturday and Sunday. Youth who register for one day are welcome to hunt stand by on the other day.
“Youth pheasant hunts are a great chance for young hunters to find early success and put the lessons learned in hunter education to work in the field,” said Jered Goodwin, ODFW hunter education coordinator.
See page 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information, or see https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events for the local contact for each hunt. For help signing up, contact Myrna Britton, (503) 947-6028, or email [email protected]
Event dates and locations are:
- Central Point, Denman Wildlife Area, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19.
- Coquille, Coquille Valley Wildlife Area, Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
- Corvallis (near Camp Adair), EE Wilson Wildlife Area, Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
- Eugene, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Sept. 11 and Sept. 12. Registration not necessary but appreciated.
- Irrigon Wildlife Area (between Irrigon and Umatilla), Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. Sign up for morning or evening hunt (morning only on Sunday).
- Klamath Falls, Klamath Wildlife Area, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. Additional hunt on Oct. 23 in Miller Island Unit.
- John Day Valley, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19.
- La Grande, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. No advance registration required.
- Madras, private lands, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19. Sign up for one of several three-hour hunting shifts.
- Ontario (on city property), Oct. 16 and 17
- Portland, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Sept. 18 and Sept. 19.
- Tygh Valley/The Dalles, White River Wildlife Area, Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.
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