“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
Oregon 2021 All-Depth Pacific Halibut Fishing Opens Aug 5
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 07/29/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14424
ODFW is changing the Central Oregon Coast Subarea (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) summer all-depth Pacific halibut season open dates to increase angling opportunities.
The summer season which begins Aug. 5 will now be open every Thursday through Saturday (instead of every other Thursday through Saturday) until the quota is met or Oct. 31.
“Weather hasn’t been cooperative so far this year with winds seeming to pick up Wednesday evenings or Thursday mornings and beginning to subside Saturday nights during weeks with all-depth openings. This has hampered Pacific halibut effort and catch and plenty of quota for this area remains,” said Lynn Mattes, Recreational Groundfish and Halibut Project Leader.
The nearshore season in the Central Oregon Coast Subarea and Southern Oregon Subarea season remain unchanged.
For a map of the subareas, see https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/seasonmaps/2021_hbt_map.pdf
Pacific halibut regulations:
- Pacific halibut anglers must have a descending device onboard the vessel and use it to release any rockfish species when fishing 30 fathoms or deeper.
- Anglers can keep one Pacific halibut daily, six per year.
- The Stonewall Bank Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) located in the Central Coast Subarea is closed to Pacific halibut fishing.
- Anglers on vessels possessing Pacific halibut or bottomfish are prohibited from fishing in the Stonewall Bank YRCA even when targeting legal species (salmon and tuna).
*New regulations this year:
During May, September and October:
- Bottomfish may be combined with all-depth Pacific halibut on days open to all-depth halibut.
- Longleader gear fishing cannot be combined with all-depth halibut fishing.
During June, July and August:
- Only sablefish, Pacific cod and other flatfish species (no other bottomfish species) can be combined with all-depth halibut except for longleader fishing as noted below.
- The trip can be combined with offshore longleader fishing provided:
** Longleader fishing must take place outside of 40 fathoms
** Once rockfish are on board, no further halibut fishing is allowed.
See Pacific halibut sport regulations for more information.
Check Offshore Longleader Fishery fact sheet for more information.
See tip sheet on when and where longleader and all-depth halibut can be combined.
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