“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
West Virginia 2021 Second Split Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Opens
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 10/25/21
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News # 14592
West Virginia’s second split of the fall wild turkey hunting season opens today (Oct 25) in select counties. The first fall season, which included all 55 counties, opened on Oct. 9 and closed on Oct. 17.
“The first week of fall wild turkey hunting came to a close on Sunday, Oct. 17, but keep in mind this was only the first segment for counties with a two or four week season,” said Mike Peters, wild turkey biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “There is still ample time to get out and enjoy the fall woods pursuing this big game bird.”
Counties open to turkey hunting during the second split of the season are listed below.
OCT. 25-31
- Brooke
- Hancock
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mason
- Monongalia
- Ohio
- Pleasants
- Preston
- Upshur
- Wood
OCT. 25 – NOV. 14
- Berkeley
- Grant
- Greenbrier
- Hampshire
- Hardy
- Mineral
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Nicholas
- Pendleton
- Pocahontas
- Randolph
- Tucker
- Webster
Preliminary estimates of brood production are up slightly from last year, indicating a potential for a slight increase in fall harvest. However, mast conditions this year are much improved over last year’s and are even above the long-term average. Soft mast species did especially well.
“The bottom line is birds may be hard to find this year because good mast conditions allow them to be pretty much anywhere,” Peters said.
During the fall season, only one bird of either sex can be harvested using a bow, crossbow or gun. Hunting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. The use of electronic calls and bait is prohibited.
For more information and details for specific counties, refer to the 2021-22 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which is available at WVDNR district offices, WVDNR license agents and online at https://wvdnr.gov/hunting/hunting-regulations/.
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