“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 Pennsylvania 2021 Controlled Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek by Aug 27
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/19/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14472
The Pennsylvania 2021 Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek is available by permit only. After being selected through a random drawing, hunters are assigned a hunt week and one of four designated hunt zones. Some permits allow hunters to use their buck tag. Application Deadline: Aug. 27. Middle Creek is part of Disease Management Area 4 (DMA 4); Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) precautions must be followed.
Applying for a Permit: Hunters may apply for the Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek through their www.huntfish.pa.gov account, at the Game Commission Harrisburg headquarters or a Game Commission region office. No other form of application will be accepted. Hunters must be properly licensed to apply and must possess a 5B WMU or DMAP 3468 antlerless deer license to hunt. Each hunter may apply only once.
The Drawing: Applications for the Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek are received and reviewed prior to the drawing date. The drawing will be held electronically rather than in person at the Visitors Center. Applicants can check the status of an application by visiting their www.huntfish.pa.gov account. Drawing held: Sept. 1st.
If selected for the Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek, applicants will be notified by mail. Application status can also be viewed on a hunter's www.huntfish.pa.gov account. Successful applicants are required to attend an in-person or virtual pre-hunt orientation. Failure to attend an orientation will result in forfeiture of the permit. Selection for this hunt prohibits application for the Late Flintlock/Archery Hunt at Middle Creek.
2021 Dates and Hunter Numbers for the Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek:
- Mandatory Orientation: Sept. 15, Sept. 16 (virtual), Sept. 19
Hunt Dates:
- Oct. 16-23
- Oct. 30-Nov. 6
- Nov. 14-19
Number of Hunters drawn per zone:
- Zone 1: 4
- Zone 2: 2
- Zone 3: 4
- Zone 4: 4
- Zone 5: not in use
- Total Hunters per Week: 14
- Total Hunters Drawn: 42
Rules and Regulations for the Archery Deer Hunt at Middle Creek. Hunters should expect to be approached by a game warden. Statewide regulations as published in current Hunting & Trapping Digest are in effect with the following additional requirements:
- To reduce the spread of CWD, high-risk parts from any deer harvested at Middle Creek CANNOT be removed from the Disease Management Area (DMA). Please make accommodations to utilize processors or taxidermists within DMA 4 or on the list of processors and taxidermists approved for DMA 4.
- Only deer and coyotes are legal game. No other animals may be taken.
- Entry into a zone other than the one assigned is prohibited. The only exceptions are if you are following a good blood trail from your shot, if another hunter needs assistance, or in an emergency. You may NOT enter the propagation area if your deer's blood trail leads there. Call 717-733-1512, Tues. thru Friday between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Staff will do their best to help. Outside those days and hours, call the Southeast Region Office at 610-926-3136 or the hunt manager's number you received during orientation. NOTE: not all cell phones have service in the Middle Creek area.
- Your parking permit must be displayed with your identifying information right-side-up in your vehicle directly in front of the steering wheel so it can be read through the windshield.
- Selection for this hunt prohibits application for the Dec. Flintlock/Archery Hunt at Middle Creek.
- Hunting hours are as stated in the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest.
- Hunters may scout on the Sunday before their assigned hunt start. They may also enter the area on the Sunday during their hunt week even if it is not a legal hunting day to scout, move tree stands, etc.
- Tree stands must be properly marked and must be removed by the Sunday following a hunter's last hunt day.
- It is unlawful to damage plant life. Tree stands may be used but may not damage the cambium layer of the tree (the layer in which the sap runs). Tree stands may be left up for the duration of your hunt. Creation of shooting lanes is prohibited.
- All hunters must check in and out each day they hunt by signing the registration clipboard at check-in stations located around hunting zones and marked on the included map.
- Harvested deer must be reported as required by law AND recorded on the registration clipboard located at check-in stations around the hunting zones.
- Be courteous to other hunters. If a hunter is in "your spot", pick another spot.
- No person shall accompany permit holders except in the case of junior hunters requiring accompaniment or other special situations, which require pre-approval by the hunt manager.
- No hunting is permitted on any islands or from pond or lake ice.
- Permits are not transferrable and there are no provisions for no-shows.
- There will be no extensions to hunts, regardless of weather conditions.
- The Game Commission reserves the right to cancel permits and deny any further privileges on the area to any person or group violating state or federal regulations or indulging in unsportsmanlike activities.
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