“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 by Sept 15 for NY 2021 Regular Waterfowl Hunting Permits in 2 Counties
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/21/21
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News # 14481
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that special permits will be issued for the opening weekend of duck season to hunt waterfowl at two popular State-managed locations in Western New York. The permit requirement applies to waterfowl hunting at the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda wildlife management areas (WMAs) located primarily in Genesee and Niagara counties, with small portions in Orleans and Erie counties. The special permits are part of DEC's ongoing efforts to promote hunter safety, reduce hunter conflicts, and increase the quality of hunting on days when these areas receive the greatest use.
A special permit is required to hunt waterfowl at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda WMAs on the duck season's first Saturday and first Sunday of the Western Zone Duck Season. Waterfowl may be hunted without a special permit any other day of the open duck season. The permit system has been used successfully at both WMAs for many years. Special permits are not required to hunt other game species in these WMAs.
Western New York's opening day/weekend dates for duck hunting season are Oct. 16 and 17. Goose season is not open during the opening weekend of duck season in 2021. No special permit is needed for goose season this year.
Opening weekend waterfowl hunting permits for the two WMAs will be distributed by a random lottery. For each of the two days, DEC anticipates issuing 100 permits for the Tonawanda WMA and 50 permits for Oak Orchard WMA.
How to Apply
To apply for the lottery, hunters will fill out an online form . This link can also be found on the DEC webpage for Tonawanda and Oak Orchard WMAs. Hunters must enter their name, email address, zip code, and waterfowl ID number (applicants must have taken a waterfowl identification course to enter the lottery). Hunters also need to indicate their choices of hunt day (Saturday or Sunday) and area (Oak Orchard or Tonawanda) in order of preference. There is also an option to request email updates regarding habitat conditions (helpful information when planning your trip) and restoration projects at these WMAs.
For general questions, or for those unable to access the survey online, contact DEC's regional wildlife office at 585-948-5182. Online applications will be accepted through midnight Sept. 15, 2021. Anyone unable to complete the online survey should contact the office before Sept. 15.
Each permittee will be allowed to bring one companion over the age of 18 and an additional companion 18 years old or younger. Issued permits are nontransferable and are not valid for companion(s) unless the permittee is present and hunting within 50 yards. The permittee is responsible for completing an online harvest report (a link will be provided with your permit) by Nov. 15, 2021; even if the hunter did not go hunting, they must report. If the completed questionnaire is not received by Nov. 15, the permittee will be ineligible for the 2022 lottery.
Annual Waterfowl Information Meeting
DEC is holding the agency's annual waterfowl information meeting virtually. During the meeting, wildlife biologists from NYSDEC and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will discuss items of interest to waterfowl hunters, including:
- Highlights of wetland management and research programs at Iroquois NWR, Tonawanda, Oak Orchard, Northern Montezuma and Braddock Bay WMAs, including drawdown schedules and hunt program news;
- Regional and statewide waterfowl news and updates;
- Atlantic Flyway news and waterfowl population status; and,
- NY 2021-22 duck and goose hunting seasons.
The meeting will be a live virtual event on Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 7 - 9 p.m. The link to join the meeting will be posted on the webpage for Tonawanda and Oak Orchard WMAs. A recording of the meeting will also be posted on this webpage.
Wetland Restoration at Tonawanda WMA
Hunters should be aware of a wetland restoration project that will be under construction starting the second or third week in December within the southeast corner of West Ruddy Marsh at Tonawanda WMA. The project is being done in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited and the Finger Lakes and Western New York Waterfowl Association and will improve habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife as well as access for hunters by creating potholes and channels within a section of dense cattail.
In order for construction to proceed, water levels will need to be lowered in West Ruddy Marsh starting in mid-October. The marsh should still have water levels conducive to waterfowl hunting, although some areas will likely be harder to paddle with a canoe or kayak, especially by later in the hunting season. During construction, a portion of the marsh will be marked as off limits for safety reasons. Questions about the project can be directed to the DEC's regional wildlife office at 585-948-5182.
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