“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
NY to Host 2021 Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunts in 2 Counties
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/21/21
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News # 14480
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) to Host 2021 Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunts in Jefferson County and one in St. Lawrence County.
DEC to Host St. Lawrence County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) in St. Lawrence County are partnering with the Massena Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Wildlife staff at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area to offer youth ages 12 to 15 the opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant this fall. The hunt is a three-day event that starts with a classroom portion at the Massena Rod and Gun Club on Wednesday, Sept. 15, followed by two consecutive Saturdays for hunting.
- What: St. Lawrence County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
- Where: Massena Rod and Gun Club, 155 Patterson Road, Massena, NY 13662
- When: Educational day Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 5 p.m.
- Hunting days Saturday, Sept. 18, for waterfowl; Saturday, Sept. 25, for pheasant
Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game hunting license. The event is free to participants and equipment will be provided if necessary. The event is hosted by the Massena Rod and Gun Club and sponsored by the New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA), NWTF, and St. Lawrence County Sportsmen's Federation.
For more information and to sign-up for the event, please contact Lt. Troy Basford at (315) 265-2757, or ECO Ian Helmer at 315-559-8503.
DEC to Host 12th Annual Jefferson County Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Hunt
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) announced the 12th annual Jefferson County Youth Hunt for youth ages 12 through 15. In addition, this year for the first-time participating youth will have the opportunity to hunt pheasants and waterfowl. The Youth Hunt program is also being extended to three days with an educational day at the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12; a waterfowl hunt on Saturday, Sept. 18; and a pheasant hunt on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Interested youth hunters must possess a New York State small game license and register with the Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.). The event is free to participants and equipment is provided if necessary.
The youth hunt is hosted by the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club and sponsored by the Northern New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the New York Conservation Officers Association.
Signup sheets are available at:
- Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club, 17500 County Route 66 (Salt Point Road);
- Akins Archery, 25834 NY-12, Watertown;
- VanTassel's Gunsmithing, 30412 NY-37, Evans Mills; and
- by contacting ECO Steve Bartoszewski at 315-489-6984 or by email at [email protected].
Interested youth must sign up prior to Sept. 5.
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