“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 Deer Hunt at Pymatuning WMA by Aug 30
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/19/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14473
The Pennsylvania 2021 Pymatuning WMA Controlled Deer Hunt is available by permit only. Hunters can apply for a chance to hunt in one of seven zones within the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area. Successful applicants will be assigned a zone and be able to bring one guest to hunt for one week (Mon.-Sat.). Application Deadline is Aug. 30
Applying for a Permit: Hunters may apply for the Controlled Deer Hunt 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. Permits are not transferable.
The Drawing: Applications for the Controlled Deer Hunt at Pymatuning are received and reviewed prior to the drawing date. A random drawing will be held electronically. Successful applicants may select the week and/or zone in which they prefer to hunt. Drawing held: Sept. 18.
If selected for the Controlled Deer Hunt at Pymatuning, hunters will be notified by phone call and/or postal mail. Hunters (and their one guest) are required to attend a pre-hunt orientation, during which they will be issued their permit and the rules and regulations will be explained. Failure to attend an orientation will result in forfeiture of the permit.
2021 Dates and Hunter Numbers for the Archery Deer Hunt at Pymatuning:
- Mandatory Orientation: Sept. 22, 6:00pm or Oct. 2, 9:00am
Hunt Dates:
- Week 1 – Oct. 4-9
- Week 2 – Oct. 11 -16
- Week 3 – Oct. 18-23
- Week 4 – Oct. 25-30
- Week 5 – Dec. 27-Jan. 1
- Week 6 – Jan. 3-8
Rules and Regulations for the Archery Deer Hunt at Pymatuning. 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:
- Only the permit holder may hunt deer and only in their assigned zone during their assigned week. Scouting is not permitted outside of assigned dates and established times.
- Only deer may be hunted.
- Hunting hours begin each day at 12:30 PM and end at the close of legal hunting hours. Permittees may enter the controlled area no sooner than 12:30 PM and must vacate the controlled area within one hour after the close of hunting hours. Entering or remaining in the Controlled Hunt Area outside of this period must be pre-authorized by calling the Northwest Region Office at 814-432-3187.
- Permittees may enter and hunt deer only within their assigned hunt zone. Entry into other hunt zones or areas outside the hunt zone to pursue a wounded deer shall be authorized in advance by calling the Northwest Region Office at 814-432-3187.
- Permittees shall park only in assigned parking areas and shall display the provided parking placard on the dashboard of the vehicle in a manner that allows it to be read from the exterior of the vehicle.
- Permittees must submit the provided harvest report card to Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area, 9552 Hartstown Road, Hartstown, PA 16131 within 10 calendar days of the expiration of the permit. This is in addition to the general requirement to report a harvest within 10 calendar days. Permittees may be cited for failing to report their harvest. The report must be returned even if nothing was harvested, or the permittee did not hunt.
- Permittees authorized to use Parking Lot A must keep the gate closed at all times.
- All other posted regulations, verbal instructions, laws, and regulations not exempted by this permit must be followed.
You can View Map PDF Pymatuning Hunting Zones.
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