“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 a Wisconsin 2021 Bobcat or Fisher Permit by Aug 1st
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 07/30/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14438
The deadline to apply for a Wisconsin 2021 bobcat or fisher permit closes this Sunday, Aug. 1, at 11:59 p.m.
Log into your Go Wild account at https://gowild.wi.gov/ to purchase your applications. Applications are also available for purchase at all Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources service centers and license agents. Permits cost $3 for fisher and $6 for bobcat. River otter are now a bag limit/quota species. Two river otter tags are included with each trapping license, and an application to pursue otter is no longer required.
Drawings for 2021 bobcat and fisher permits will take place in August and permits will be posted to Go Wild accounts by mid-September.
In addition to a permit for bobcat and fisher, a trapping license is required to trap bobcat, fisher and river otter and a small game license is required to hunt bobcat. All first-time trappers who are trapping alone are required to complete a trapper education course before buying a trapping license. Trapper education classes are posted on GoWild.wi.gov. A trapper education course is not required to hunt bobcat.
2021 Season Dates
Bobcat (hunting and trapping):
- Period 1: Oct. 16 – Dec. 25, 2022
- Period 2: Dec. 26 – Jan. 31, 2022
Fisher (trapping only): Oct. 16 – Jan. 2, 2022
Otter (Trapping only):
- North Zone: Nov. 6 – April 30, 2022
- South Zone: Nov. 6 – March 31, 2022
Youth And Mentored Trapping
Youth under the age of 16 may trap without a license while under the supervision of a licensed trapper. Youth trapping under supervision may apply for and receive bobcat and fisher permits and are required to have a valid permit to target those species. Youth under 16 may obtain two river otter tags, at no cost, through their individual Go Wild account.
Mentored trapping licenses are available to trappers ages 16 years or older who would like to trap under the supervision of a licensed trapper. The mentor must be at least 18 years old, and if the mentee is under 18, the mentor must either be the mentee’s parent/guardian or approved by the mentee’s parent/guardian. Anyone possessing a Mentored Trapping License may not receive a fisher harvest tag, but may assist the mentor in trapping this species. A mentee holding a mentored trapping license may still apply for and receive a bobcat harvest tag if hunting bobcat (in which case a small game hunting license must also be purchased).
Additional permit and license details can be found in the 2021 Wisconsin Trapping Regulations.
For more information on trapping and hunting furbearers in Wisconsin, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Trap.
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