“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
Indiana Additional 2021 Reserved Deer & Upland Bird Hunt Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/19/21
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News # 14475
Indiana Hunters can apply for additional 2021 reserved hunt opportunities at on.in.gov/reservedhunt. The online method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed below. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they apply.
Many of these additional hunting opportunities are available through Fish & Wildlife managed Game Bird Habitat Areas (GBA) and through the Indiana Private Lands Access program (IPLA). Learn more about IPLA at bit.ly/3fTWbu8.
For the below opportunities, hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. Applicants can view draw results online within two weeks after the application period has closed. An email will be sent to all applicants when draws have been completed.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on the listed closing date.
New this year, GBA pheasant hunts have been broken into two separate online draws. The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife did this to allow people to apply closer to the actual hunt dates. The purpose of the change is to reduce the number of people who apply for a hunt and get drawn but do not show up for their GBA pheasant hunt.
- IPLA Deer Hunts, Scott County, open Aug 16 - Aug 30
- November GBA Pheasant, open Aug 16 to Sept 30
- IPLA Game Bird, open Aug 16 to Sept 30
- December GBA Pheasant, open Sept. 27 to Oct 31
Put-and-take pheasant hunt spots will be available for purchase starting at 7 a.m. EDT on Sept. 3 and remain open until filled. Participating Fish & Wildlife areas (FWAs) include Atterbury, Glendale, J.E. Roush Lake, Pigeon River, Tri-County, Willow Slough, and Winamac. A per-person fee of $30 for each slot is required.
Please note that only one application per hunt is allowed. No changes can be made once an application is submitted.
The application process is consolidated into the license system website along with CheckIN Game and HIP registration. An online account is not required to apply, but a Customer ID number is needed.
In this system, hunts without a registration fee follow the same process as those with a fee. To register for hunts with no fee required, applicants will still be asked to “Add to Cart,” “Proceed to Checkout,” and “Place Order.” If the transaction total is $0, the applicant will not be asked to enter credit card information. Applicants must place an order to submit their application.
To view draw results, applicants can log into their license system account or click “View Hunt Draw Results” at on.in.gov/reservedhunt. From there, applicants should select “Click Here” under Reserved Hunts to see the status of registered hunts. The link will only show upcoming hunts that an individual has registered for. Logging into an account online is required to see the full history of past hunt registrations.
For more information on the hunts, including how many partners you can bring per hunt as well as hunt dates, see on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
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