“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
Apply for LDWF 2021 White Lake Waterfowl Lottery Hunts by Aug 31


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 08/09/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14461
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will conduct two youth waterfowl lottery hunts, thirty marsh waterfowl lottery hunts and thirty rice field waterfowl lottery hunts on White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area (WCA) in Vermilion Parish. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.

All lottery applications are only available on the LDWF website at https://la-web.s3licensing.com/. Those wanting to apply should click on the Lottery Applications tab, update or create their customer record similar to purchasing a license and then submit an application. There is a $5 application fee and a $2 transaction fee. Only one application per hunt type may be submitted per customer. Successful applicants will be notified via email and there are additional award fees if you are selected for the marsh and rice field waterfowl lottery hunts. Youth waterfowl lottery hunts do not have any additional award fee.

The youth waterfowl lottery hunts will take place on Nov. 6-7. Only youths 10-17 years of age the day of the hunt are eligible. Youths 16-17 years of age must comply with hunting license requirements. Applicants can only be selected for one White Lake WCA youth waterfowl lottery hunt but can apply to both dates to increase their chances of being selected. This is a non-transferable hunt and each youth lottery winner is required to bring one parent or guardian. Hunter Safety Certification is required of selected applicants to participate in the hunt. Hunters will be transported to pit blinds in the marsh by a guide that will call and retrieve downed waterfowl.

The marsh and rice field waterfowl lottery hunts will take place on the following dates:

Nov. 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30

Dec. 2, 4, 5, 18, 19, 21, 22, 28, 29

Jan. 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 25, 29, 30.

Applicants must be 18 years old prior to the date of the hunt in order to apply. Successful applicants will be notified by email and are required to submit an additional payment. Award fees for marsh waterfowl lottery hunts are $350 and rice field waterfowl lottery hunts are $225 (plus $2 transaction fee for each award). Each successful applicant will be allowed to bring one additional hunter as a guest on marsh hunts and two additional guests on rice field hunts. All hunters must have appropriate licenses.

Individuals are only allowed to attend each type of White Lake WCA lottery hunt once per season as a successful applicant or as a guest, not both.

For more information concerning lottery activities on White Lake WCA, please see the lottery information webpage https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/white-lake-lotteries or contact Schuyler Dartez at 337-536-6061 or [email protected].

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