“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
North America Sportshows
IDNR Announces 2021-22 Waterfowl Hunting Updates


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 10/19/21
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News # 14591
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding waterfowl hunters of key dates and other information regarding the 2021–2022 waterfowl seasons.

Changes at waterfowl hunting sites

Changes to daily procedures at IDNR waterfowl hunting sites are possible due to health and safety protocols. Please check with sites for specific procedures. All site visitors are reminded to follow current guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health regarding face masks and social distancing.

2021-2022 Waterfowl Seasons

Illinois waterfowl hunters are reminded of the season dates and bag limits for the 2021–2022 seasons.

Illinois seasons include 60-day duck seasons in each of the state’s four waterfowl hunting zones, along with 107 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in the North and Central zones (15 days in September, two days of youth hunting and 90 days of “regular” goose season), 95 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in the South Central Zone, and 81 days of Canada goose hunting opportunity in the South Zone. Goose season lengths are shorter in the South Central and South zones to coincide with duck season dates and to match hunter preferences.

The 2021–2022 Illinois season dates are the first year of a five-year plan that was developed in 2020.  This fall, Illinois will open the regular duck, Canada goose, and snow goose seasons on Oct. 23, 2021 in the North Zone, Oct. 30, 2021 in the Central Zone, Nov. 13, 2021 in the South Central Zone, and Nov. 27, 2021 in the South Zone. White-fronted goose (specklebelly) seasons will open Oct. 25, 2021 in the North Zone, Nov. 5, 2021 in the Central Zone, and on the same date as duck season in the South Central (Nov. 13, 2021) and South zones (Nov. 27, 2021).

The daily duck bag limit is six (6) and may include no more than four (4) mallards (two hens), three (3) wood ducks, two (2) redheads, two (2) black ducks, two (2) canvasback, one (1) pintail, and one (1) mottled duck. Scaup (bluebills) will have a bag limit of two (2) for the first 45 days of the season in each zone and one (1) for the last 15 days of the season in each zone. The daily bag limit of mergansers is five (5), only two of which may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit for ducks and mergansers is three times the daily bag limit by species and sex.

During the regular season, Canada goose limits will be three (3) with a possession limit of nine (9). White-fronted goose daily bag limits will be two (2) with a possession limit of six (6). The snow goose daily bag limit is 20 birds, with no possession limit, during the fall and winter season. The spring Light Goose Conservation Order will open Jan. 21, 2022 in the North Zone and Feb. 1, 2022 in the Central, South Central, and South zones, ending April 30, 2022 in all zones. There is no daily bag or possession limit on snow, blue, and Ross’ geese during the spring conservation order.

The IDNR 2021–2022 season dates are outlined below.

North Zone Youth Hunt Duck Canada Goose - 2021–22 Oct. 16 – 17 Oct. 23 – Dec. 21 Oct. 23 – Jan. 20

Central Zone -  Oct. 23 – 24 Oct. 30 – Dec. 28 Oct. 30 – Nov. 7 and Nov. 12 – Jan. 31

South Central Zone -  Nov. 6 – 7 Nov. 13 – Jan. 11 Nov. 13 – Jan. 31

South Zone - Nov. 13 – 14 Nov. 27 – Jan. 25 Nov. 27 – Jan. 31

Illinois 2021–22 Snow Goose and White-Fronted Goose Season Dates

North Zone - Snow Geese - Regular Season: Oct. 23 – Jan. 20
White-fronted Geese: Oct. 25 – Jan. 20

Central Zone - Snow Geese - Regular Season: Oct. 30 – Jan. 31
White-fronted Geese: Nov. 5 – Jan. 31

South Central Zone - Snow Geese - Regular Season: Nov. 13 – Jan. 31
White-fronted Geese: Nov. 13 – Jan. 31

South Zone - Snow Geese - Regular Season:  Nov. 27 – Jan. 31
White-fronted Geese:  Nov. 27 – Jan. 31

  • Note that sunrise and sunset times are not included in the Hunting and Trapping Digest this year. Hunters should refer to this website for their local sunrise and sunset: https://www.weather.gov/dvn/sunrise-sunset

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