“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
Nebraska 2021 Teal Hunting Season Opens Sept 4
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 08/31/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14504
The Nebraska 2021 teal season kicks off Sept. 4. You can look forward to other seasons starting in October, including duck and coot.
Something new this year to be aware of: Duck hunters will need to choose from two bag-limit categories, or “tiers,” when registering for a HIP number:
- Tier I – The “traditional” six duck daily bag limit with species and sex restrictions (eighteen bird possession limit)
- Tier II – A three duck daily bag limit without species and sex restrictions (nine bird possession limit)
This change was made with novice hunters in mind. If you’re still learning how to identify ducks, you can now go waterfowl hunting without the fear of breaking bag limit laws. Learn more at our website.
**Please note: These new regulations do NOT apply to teal season. However, teal hunters will still need a HIP number! ( Register online) and Federal Duck Stamp available at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Other things to know:
- Guides: Check out the 2021-2022 Small Game and Waterfowl Guide for information on season dates, bag limits, identification tips and much more.
- Public Access Atlas: Looking for a place to hunt? The Public Access Atlas displays over 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands across Nebraska.
- Hunter education: There’s still time to take a hunter education course and become familiar with the principles of hunter safety.
- WATERFOWL HUNTING CHECKLIST for all information on waterfowl hunting
This season is one you don’t want to miss. Gather your friends and family, and start planning now for the start of another great season. (Don’t forget to buy a permit!)
NEBRASKA WATERFOWL & MIGRATORY BIRD SEASONS
Early teal
- Low plains: Sept. 4, 2021 – Sept. 19, 2021
- High plains: Sept. 4, 2021 – Sept. 12, 2021
Duck and coot
- Zone 1: Oct. 16, 2021 – Dec. 28, 2021
- Zone 2: Oct. 9, 2021 – Dec. 21, 2021, in Low Plains, and Oct. 9, 2021 – Dec. 21, 2021, and Jan. 5 – Jan. 26, 2022, in the High Plains
- Zone 3: Oct. 23, 2021 – Jan. 4, 2022, and Jan. 5 – Jan. 26, 2022
- Zone 4: Oct. 30, 2021 – Jan. 11, 2022
Daily bag:
- Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions;
- Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex;
- Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Youth
- Zone 1: Oct. 9, 2021 – Oct 10, 2021
- Zone 2: Oct. 2, 2021 – Oct. 3, 2021
- Zone 3: Oct. 16, 2021 – Oct. 17, 2021
- Zone 4: Oct. 23, 2021 – Oct. 24, 2021
Daily bag:
- Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions;
- Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex;
- Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
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