“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
LDWF Announces Text-to-Tag for your Deer and Turkey Harvest
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 10/19/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14588
As of October 12, 2021, Louisiana hunters can tag and validate their deer or turkey harvest directly from their smartphone (via text or website) immediately after the animal is harvested. Log into your account at LouisianaOutdoors.com and select E-tag/Text-to-Tag to enroll, then follow the steps below to tag and validate your harvest via your smartphone.
As long as you complete the electronic tag before moving the animal, you do not have to attach a physical tag. You must have a physical copy or a picture of your harvest tags on your smartphone to use this feature.
How to text-to-tag and validate your deer or turkey once you are enrolled LouisianaOutdoors.com
1. Send any text (e.g. ‘Report’) to 225.267.9988
2. Confirm your identity: ‘1) Yes, that’s me’ or ‘2) No, that’s not me’
3. You will be asked if you have moved the animal: ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
- a. If you have moved the animal, reply ‘Exit’ and use traditional paper tags.
- b. If you have not moved the animal, reply ‘Continue’.
4. To continue tagging by text, respond ‘Text’ to the text message.
5. Reply to each prompt:
- a. The tag number you will be using for this harvest
- b. The animal's gender: ‘Buck’ or ‘Doe’
- c. The harvest date
- d. The parish of harvest
- e. ‘Public’ or ‘Private’ Land
- f. Deer harvest area
6. Verify all of your responses ‘1) Yes, validate my tag’ or ‘2) No, I’d like to start over’
7. You will receive a text to confirm that your harvest was successfully tagged and validated.
8. You are now ready to move your animal.
How to tag and validate via website (initiated via text) once you are enrolled LouisianaOutdoors.com
1. Send any text (e.g. ‘Report’) to 225.267.9988
2. Confirm your identity: ‘1) Yes, that’s me’ or ‘2) No, that’s not me’
3. You will be asked if you have moved the animal: ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
- a. If you have moved the animal, reply ‘Exit’ and use traditional paper tags.
- b.If you have not moved the animal, reply ‘Continue’.
4. To continue tagging through a website, click the unique link in the text message you receive.
5. Confirm your contact information on the LouisianaOutdoors.com customer portal.
6. Click ‘Next’ and follow on-screen prompts
7. Locate the tag you will be using for this harvest and select ‘Report’
8. Fill in the harvest date, animal’s sex, parish of harvest, public or private land, and deer harvest area
9. Click ‘Save’ to validate your tag.
10. You will receive a text to confirm that your harvest was successfully tagged and validated.
11. You are now ready to move your animal.
If there is no cellular signal, hunters can still use traditional paper tags and validate them via phone (225.267.9998) or online within 72 hours of harvest. If you're using paper tags, we recommend using snack-size zip-top bags and zip ties to secure the paper tag onto the animal or attaching the paper tag to the animal and then cover the tag in packing tape. Note: For hunters using paper tags, LDWF has a new harvest reporting phone number--225.267.9998. The 844 number is no longer in service.
Information about ‘Text-to-Tag’ can be found at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/electronic-tags.
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