“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
ODFW, OSP Remind Anglers to Immediately Tag Halibut or Salmon
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/31/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14502
ODFW and Oregon State Police have seen an increase in improperly tagged fish during the 2021 halibut and salmon seasons resulting in many citations to licensed anglers.
Anyone fishing who had not properly tagged (or not tagged at all) their catch of salmon or halibut received citations during recent offshore boat patrols by OSP’s Marine Team.
The requirement for tagging is that upon taking an adult salmon, steelhead, legal size sturgeon, or Pacific halibut, the angler must immediately enter the codes for the species caught, location code where the fish was taken and the month and date of the catch.
This applies to both paper and electronic tags, even when offshore and out of cell service.ODFW and Oregon State Police have seen an increase in improperly tagged fish during the 2021 halibut and salmon seasons resulting in many citations to licensed anglers.
This applies to both paper and electronic tags, even when offshore and out of cell service.
Lynn Mattes, ODFW’s Pacific Halibut and Groundfish Leader said that “anglers on about half of the vessels contacted during a recent offshore boat patrol said they thought they just had to fill out the tag by the time they got back to the dock.”
“There were also issues with anglers not being able to or not knowing how to pull up their e-tag while offshore and out of cell service. The Trooper I was with did a lot of education about using airplane mode to help,” added Mattes.
The issue of e-tagging halibut or salmon is not isolated to this fishery alone. Throughout the state, anglers and hunters are reminded to become familiar with the e-tag process before they head out to harvest fish or wildlife. Check ODFW’s article on how to tag fish and game using e-tagging or paper tags.
“If you have enough time to get your line back in the water or grab a snack, there is enough time to validate your tag. Not doing so is poaching and will likely result in a citation when contacted by Troopers,” said Lt. Howell.
The Stop Poaching Campaign educates the public on how to recognize and report poaching. This campaign is a collaboration among hunters, conservationists, landowners, and recreationists. Our goal is to increase reporting of wildlife crimes through the TIP Line, increase detection by increasing the number of OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers and increase prosecution. OHA manages the reward fund. This campaign helps to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitat for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Contact campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw for more information, [email protected].
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