“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
Pennsylvania 2021 Controlled Waterfowl Hunts at Pymatuning WMA
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/19/21
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News # 14471
Pymatuning is part of Pennsylvania State Game Lands 214 in Crawford County and provides for a variety of land uses. Some areas are open to hunting only by being selected for a permit through a drawing.
Pymatuning is Divided into Three Area Types: View Map PDF
- Public Hunting Areas – Hunting is permitted during all open hunting seasons, (except during the Sept. Canada goose season for which State Game Lands 214 is CLOSED to waterfowl hunting). During the regular Canada goose season, the daily limit is three Canada geese.
- Controlled Hunting Areas – Hunters must be drawn for a permit to access these areas. Permitted hunting opportunities in the controlled area at Pymatuning include goose, duck, deer, and youth turkey. More information on each opportunity follows.
- Propagation Areas – Closed to all entry.
Goose Blinds at Pymatuning
The Permit: Goose Blinds on Pymatuning's Controlled Hunting Areas are available by permit only. Blinds will be assigned each morning. Blinds are open for hunting on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, Oct. 23-Nov. 24, 2021 and Dec. 20-Feb. 12, 2022. No hunting blinds are available on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Applying for a Permit: Hunters apply for a Goose Blind at Pymatuning through their www.huntfish.pa.gov account online, or in person at the Game Commission's Harrisburg headquarters or a Game Commission region office. No other form of application will be accepted. Hunters must be properly licensed to apply. Each hunter may apply only once. All members of the hunting party must be listed on one application. A hunter's name can be on only one application.
The Drawing: Applications for Goose Blinds at Pymatuning are received and reviewed prior to the drawing. Hunters are selected through a random drawing. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. Applicants can view their application status on their www.huntfish.pa.gov account. Blinds will be assigned each morning. After all the day's assigned blinds are processed, there will be a drawing for no-show blinds. See information on No-show Blinds below. If selected for a Goose Blind at Pymatuning, applicants will be notified by mail and receive a hunting reservation that allows them to bring three guests. Blinds will be assigned each morning. The Pymatuning Administration Building is located at 9552 Hartstown Rd.; Hartstown, PA 16131.
2021 Dates for regular Goose Blinds at Pymatuning drawings
Application Deadline: Aug. 30
- Drawing: Sept. 18 - Blinds are assigned each morning
Hunt Dates:
Hunt Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
- Oct. 23– Nov. 24; Dec. 20- Feb. 12, 2022
- Disabled Veterans Hunt – Nov. 12
- Youth Only Goose Hunt – Nov. 20
No-Show Goose Blinds at Pymatuning
The Permit: Each morning, after the day's assigned blinds are processed, hunters may apply for a No-Show Goose Blind. Hunting days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 24, 2021 and Dec. 20-Feb. 12, 2022.
Applying for a Permit: Applications for no-show blinds may be obtained at Window B, inside the Pymatuning Administration Building. The hunting party must complete the application and return it to Window B. The Pymatuning Administration Building is located at 9552 Hartstown Rd.; Hartstown, PA 16131. The drawing: No-show blinds at Pymatuning will be randomly drawn and assigned each morning. The building will open 1½ hours prior to legal shooting hours and the drawing will take place one-half hour prior to shooting hours.
Hunt Dates:
Hunt Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
- Oct. 23– Nov. 24; Dec. 20- Feb. 12, 2022
- Disabled Veterans Hunt – Nov. 12
- Youth Only Goose Hunt – Nov. 20
Controlled Duck Hunting at Pymatuning
The Permit: Permits to hunt Controlled Duck Hunt Areas at Pymatuning will be issued each morning of hunting days at the Pymatuning Administration Building. The building will be opened 1½ hours prior to official shooting time. If less than 85 applicants are present at opening time, permits will be issued on a first-come basis.
Applying for a Permit:
Applicants sign in on site. This is a first-come, first-served opportunity.
2021 Dates for Duck Hunting at Pymatuning
- Hunt Dates: Oct. 9-Nov. 24 and Dec. 29 -Jan. 8, 2022
- Hunt Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Rules and Regulations for Controlled Duck Hunting Areas at Pymatuning: Federal and statewide regulations as published in current Hunting & Trapping Digest
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