“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
Four Hunting Packages Available in 2021 Tennessee Conservation Raffle - Deadline to Purchase Aug 15


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 08/09/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14456
Four diverse hunting packages in the Volunteer State are among the prizes being offered in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (TWRF) 2021 Conservation Raffle. Ten prize packages, plus an additional 100 prizes will be awarded in the TWRF’s Conservation Raffle. This year’s Conservation Raffle is highlighted by a $50,000 voucher which can be applied to a new Ford vehicle from any Mid-South Ford dealership.

A single ticket is $20, three tickets for $50, and 10 for $100 and are on sale now until midnight Aug. 15. There is no limit to the number of raffle tickets that can be purchased, and the more tickets purchased, the better opportunity you have of grabbing one of the packages. Raffle tickets may be purchased online directly at https://raffle.twrf.net/

The hunting packages include an elk tag in the Tennessee Premier Elk Zone, a deer hunt on Presidents Island in Shelby County, a turkey hunt in the annual Governor’s One-Shot event, and a waterfowl hunting trip.  In addition, each of the packages include other prizes.

The winner of the elk package will receive the 2021 Tennessee Conservation elk tag for the fall rifle hunt in the premier elk hunting zone in the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area. The package also includes a Weatherby Mark V Weathermark LT .270 rifle, Crimson Trace scope, TERTA Multi-Pursuit Custom Shield, and choice of Danner hunting boots.

The winner of the Presidents Island package is can participate in two, 3-day President’s Island Bow Hunts, Tennessee’s most coveted whitetail deer quota hunt. The winner of this package will also receive a PSE Coalition Frontier, TETRA Multi-Pursuit AmpPods, Hawk Helium Pro Hang-On Stand & Climbing Sticks, and choice of LaCrosse Hunting Boots.

The waterfowl package includes a duck hunt with Final Flight Outfitters in northwest Tennessee for a 2-day, 4-person hunt during the 2021-22 season. Meals and lodging at Final Flight Lodge are included. Also the winner will receive a Retay Masai Mara 12 gauge shotgun, TETRA Waterfowl AlphaShields. Realtree hunting clothing, and choice of LaCrosse hunting waders.

The winner of this package will be a participant in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation’s 2022 Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt and festivities in Franklin April 2, 2022. The winner will hunt with Five-time world champion turkey caller Preston Pittman. Other turkey package prizes are a Tri-Star Viper G2 Turkey .410, TETRA Hearing Turkey AmpPods, Pack Rabbit 2021 Hunters combo, choice of LaCrosse hunting boots, full collection of Preston Pittman game calls, and Longleaf Camo Hunting Clothing

Other packages include a UTV, a precision long-range shooting package, a Tennessee Henry rifle, a Tracker Pro Team boat, a $5,000 Academy + Sports gift card, plus 100 winners will receive a knife. All 10 packages feature additional items and details of the prizes can be found at https://www.twrf.net/.

A single ticket is $20, three tickets for $50, and 10 for $100 and are on sale now until midnight Aug. 15. There is no limit to the number of raffle tickets that can be purchased, and the more tickets purchased, the better opportunity you have of grabbing one of the packages. Raffle tickets may be purchased online directly at https://raffle.twrf.net/

Ten winning tickets will be drawn in order and those winners will be asked to prioritize their prize choices.

One hundred percent of the funds from the raffle goes to support wildlife conservation in Tennessee. TWRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting habitat conservation, responsible land stewardship, and Tennessee's hunting and fishing heritage for the benefit of TWRA and Tennessee's outdoor enthusiasts. 

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