“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
SCDNR Accepting Applications for 2021-22 Waterfowl Lottery Hunts
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 09/07/21
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News # 14513
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is now accepting applications for waterfowl lottery hunts on public lands through October 15th at 5:00 pm.
A non-refundable fee of $20 is required of all applicants for the Multi-site Waterfowl Lottery Hunt and $5 per youth applicant for the Youth Multi-site Waterfowl Hunt. After the selection process occurs, only the primary applicant will receive email notification of the drawing’s completion.
The following hunt locations will not be available in the Waterfowl Lottery Hunt this year due to extensive and ongoing property renovations:
- Santee Delta
- Samworth
IMPORTANT: You will get an email confirmation when you apply. If you do not get an email confirmation, there may be issues with your payment (please check spam folders too). If this does occur, please wait, and try again the next day as a hung transaction must be manually cleared first. If there continues to be a problem, contact us at 803-734-3886.
Additional Opportunities for Lottery Hunt Applicants
Applicants for both the Waterfowl Multi-Site and Youth Multi-Site Lottery Hunts also have the ability to opt-in for second chance waterfowl hunting opportunities being offered by private landowners.
There is no additional cost to the applicant and SCDNR preference points are not affected by any second chance draw hunt opportunity offered by the South Carolina Wildlife Partnership (SCWP) or the Pintail Partners (for youth hunters).
You must apply for the SCDNR waterfowl lottery hunt to participate in any second chance hunt opportunity and complete the opt-in form so that your information can be sent for the second chance drawing. Selecting to purchase a preference point only will not enter you into the second chance hunt.
If you opt-in by registering and you are not selected for a SCDNR lottery hunt, SCDNR will provide the Name, Email, and Phone Number of the primary applicant to SCWP or Pintail Partners (youth hunt applicants) for inclusion in the SCWP or Pintail Partners lottery process.
There is no additional cost to the applicant and SCDNR preference points are not affected by any SCWP or Pintail Partners second-chance draw hunt opportunity.
SCWP requires that each applicant opting in has successfully completed an approved Hunter Education course prior to any SCWP hunts.
If selected, you will be contacted directly by a representative from either SCWP or Pintail Partners (for youth hunters only, but the adult applicant must complete the opt-in notification as the point of contact).
SEE : more information and to APPLY for Apply for Waterfowl Lottery Hunt or APPLY for Youth-only Waterfowl Lottery Hunt
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