“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
Idaho 2021 Coho Fishing Season Begins Sept 1st
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/21/21
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News # 14486
Salmon anglers will get another crack at Chinook and coho fishing and the forecast is for good runs of each after lackluster spring/summer Chinook returns earlier this year.
Fishing for coho salmon in the following areas will open Sept. 1 for seven days per week in the following locations:
- Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater rivers.
- North Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam.
- Middle Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Clear Creek.
- South Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Red and American rivers.
Closing date: Dec. 1 or by order from the Director of Fish and Game
Bag limits
- Daily: Two adult coho salmon, no limit on jacks (less than 20 inches)
- Possession = Six adult coho salmon
- There is no season limit on coho salmon
Full seasons and rules brochure will be available on the coho fishing webpage by mid-August.
CHINOOK
Fishing for fall Chinook salmon opened in the following areas on Aug 18 seven-days per week.
- Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to the South Fork of the Clearwater.
- Middle Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Clear Creek.
- South Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to the confluence of Red and American rivers.
- Snake River from the Idaho/Washington Border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam.
- Salmon River from the mouth upstream to the Little Salmon River.
Fishing for fall Chinook Salmon in the following area will open September 1.
- North Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam.
Closing date: Clearwater River from Memorial Bridge to Orofino Bridge will close at midnight Oct. 14, or may close earlier by order from the Director of Fish and Game.
All other areas open to fall Chinook salmon fishing will close at midnight Oct. 31, or may close earlier by emergency order of the Director of Fish and Game.
Bag limits
- Three adult Chinook, no limit on jacks (less than 24 inches)
- Possession limit: Nine adult Chinook
- There is no season limit on fall Chinook
Full seasons and rules brochure will be available on the Chinook fishing webpage by mid-August.
To learn more about this year's fall Chinook run, see biologists Joe DuPont and Marika Dobo's detailed analysis.
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