“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
Mississippi 2021-22 Waterfowl Hunting for Ducks, Mergansers & Coots Opens Nov 26
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 10/12/21
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News # 14569
Mississippi 2021-22 Waterfowl Hunting for Ducks, Mergansers & Coots Opens Nov 26 and runs through Jan 31, 2022. Geese: Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’s, and Brant opens Nov 12 and runs through Jan 31, 2022. Youth, Veteran, and Active Military Waterfowl Days are Feb. 5 - 6, 2022. The Light Goose Conservation Order, Special Permit Needed, opened Oct 1st and runs through March 31 2022.
- The duck daily bag limit is a total of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 1 scaup, and 2 redheads.
- The merganser daily bag limit is a total of 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers.
- The coot daily bag limit is a total of 15 coots.
- The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit for ducks, mergansers, and coots.
- Shooting hours for all migratory game birds are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, except for the Light Goose Conservation Order
The MDWFP Waterfowl Program is dedicated to improving waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunities on public and private lands throughout Mississippi. We offer free technical guidance on private lands for landowners that are interested in help with wetland management and attracting waterfowl. We will provide recommendations on waterfowl habitat improvements, water control, plant identification and control, and even waterfowl hunting management. Our other responsibilities include waterfowl habitat management recommendations on WMAs, avian influenza testing, flying aerial surveys, wood duck banding, and representing the interests of Mississippi sportsmen on flyway and national committees.
For more information see; https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/waterfowl-program/ or https://www.mdwfp.com/media/302192/hunting-season-and-bag-limit-for-web-2021-22.pdf
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Mississippi 2021-2022 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
