“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.  

####

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
North America Sportshows
Arkansas 2021-22 General Waterfowl Season Opens for Geese Oct 30
Ducks, Coots & Merganser Opens Nov 20th

Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 10/19/21
The Backcountry Press
The country's premier daily HUNTING, FISHING & OUTDOOR news in the USA and around the globe.  Read whats happening in your neck of the woods & beyond.
©  2020  TBC Press - All Rights Reserved                                                                                                                                                                                                  Website Design by:
News # 14585
Arkansas 2021-22 General waterfowl season opens with Geese Oct 30. Ducks, coots & merganser opens Nov 20.
Notable changes for waterfowl hunters this year include:

  • The Electronic Federal Duck Stamp (FDE) price has increased to $29. The Federal Duck Stamp still costs $25 and is available over-the-counter at any AGFC Regional Office, AGFC Nature Center or at any Post Office. The price increase was to the electronic stamp only.
  • All boat plugs must be removed before leaving the loading area at any water body in Arkansas. This regulation is to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels. Waterfowl hunters also are encouraged to clean any vegetation from their hunting equipment before moving to a new hunting area to help prevent these species’ spread as well.

  • The youth blinds at Sheffield Nelson Dagmar Wildlife Management Area and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA West Unit will be open to weekend hunting by drawn permit for youths, but will have an additional hunt day each Wednesday during duck season that adults may apply for and hunt without a youth present.
  • The onsite permit draw at  Steve N. Wilson Raft Creek Bottoms WMA which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays during duck season has been replaced by an online draw application process. Hunters will no longer be restricted to designated holes on Saturday and Sunday hunts.

Visit www.agfc.com/guidebooks to download all hunting and fishing guidebooks.

Canada Geese
  • Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2021
  • Nov. 20-Dec. 3, 2021
  • Dec. 5, 2021-Jan. 31, 2022 (statewide)
Daily Limit – 2 -- Possession Limit – 6

Snow, Blue and Ross Geese
  • Oct. 30-Nov. 14, 2021
  • Nov. 20-Dec. 3, 2021
  • Dec. 5, 2021-Jan. 31, 2022
Bag Limit – 20

Ducks, Coots & Merganser
  • Nov. 20-29, 2021
  • Dec. 11-23, 2021
  • Dec. 26, 2021-Jan. 31, 2022

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset, except during teal season, which begins at sunrise. During duck season, WMAs close to waterfowl hunting at noon. Waterfowl hunters must leave waterfowl hunting areas by 1 p.m. except on George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto and Dave Donaldson Black River WMAs where hunters must leave by noon. Waterfowl rest areas are closed to all access Nov. 1-Feb. 15.

Duck daily bag limit – six. Limit may include no more than four mallards (no more than two of which may be hens), one scaup, three wood ducks, one pintail, two redheads, two canvasbacks, two black ducks and one mottled duck. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit. Coot daily bag limit – 15. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

Merganser daily bag limit – five. No more than two may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.

For more on waterfowl hunting see; https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/migratory-birds/waterfowl/waterfowl-seasons-and-bag-limits/

####