“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
Apply for Illinois 2021 Deer Hunting Opportunities Through IRAP by Aug 13
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 07/29/21
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News # 14431
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is taking applications from youth firearm deer hunters and youth and adult archery deer hunters for Fall 2021 deer hunting on private land through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP).
The IDNR has leased 13,365 acres of private land for the Fall 2021 deer hunting season through IRAP, creating 323 public access deer hunting sites in 39 counties. Sites are available for the 2021 Youth Firearm Deer Season (Oct. 9-11, 2021), and for youth and adult archery deer hunting the entire month of October and December 16-31, at no cost to participants to access those sites. To apply, a licensed hunter must submit an online application.
To participate as a youth hunter, applicants must have not reached their 18th birthday by the first day of the hunting period and must be accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age. Adult archery deer hunters must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the archery deer period they are applying for. All hunters must have completed a Department-approved Hunter Education Course (if born in 1980 or after) and have acquired an Illinois hunting license, habitat stamp and a valid IDNR Archery Deer Hunting permit to hunt at an IRAP site.
IRAP archery deer hunting applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. Aug. 13, 2021. Hunters may submit up to three IRAP deer hunting applications per year, one for each IRAP deer hunting period. A lottery drawing will be held when more applications are received than there are sites available.
Applications for IRAP Youth Firearm Deer Hunting sites can be found online at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP/Pages/Youth-Shotgun-Deer.aspx.
Applications for IRAP Youth and Adult Deer Hunting sites can be found online at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP/Pages/Archery-Deer-Hunting.aspx.
Only successful applicants will be notified by mail approximately three weeks prior to their assigned hunting period, upon which they will receive a map, driving directions, and an IRAP site permit allowing them to hunt on their assigned, privately-owned deer hunting site.
Deer hunting on IRAP leased property is available during the following hunting periods:
- Youth Firearm Period: Saturday-Monday of Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 9-11, 2021;
- Youth and Adult Archery Periods: Period 1 is Oct. 1-15, 2021; Period 2 is Oct. 16-31, 2021; Period 3 is Dec. 16-31, 2021.
The IRAP program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Voluntary Public Access Habitat Incentive Program. To date, IRAP has leased more than 26,000 acres in 49 counties to provide for various public access opportunities such as turkey, archery deer, youth firearm deer, small game, waterfowl and upland bird hunting, and pond and riverbank fishing. IRAP serves to re-connect families to the outdoors, and to carry on hunting traditions while improving the habitat.
For more information about IRAP, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP/Pages/default.aspx or e-mail [email protected]
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