“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
Vermont FWD is Providing a List of Certified Leashed Tracking Dog Owners
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 10/25/21
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News # 14594
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is providing the following list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who volunteer during the hunting seasons to help hunters locate deer or bear that have been shot during hunting season but not yet recovered.
The leashed tracking dog owners, who provide their services free of charge, must pass an extensive exam administered by Fish and Wildlife to be certified and licensed to provide their services.
This list, which may be updated during hunting seasons, is available on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).
2021 Vermont Leashed Dog Trackers
Name Town Phone Numbers
- Tim Nichols Granville, NY 518-642-3012 802-353-6020
- Travis Nichols Granville, NY 518-642-3012 518-932-6505
- Jeff Adams Highgate, VT 802-324-6316
- Nicholas Merritt East Fairfield, VT 802-238-3884 802-922-2515
- Mandi Harbec Orleans, VT 802-323-3536
- Kristie Adams* Pittsford, VT 802-483-6257 802-558-1143
- Roger Chauvin Swanton, VT 802-782-1608 802-868-4953
- Bill Gaiotti Mt. Tabor, VT 802-345-8500
- Brett Kelley* Poultney, VT 802-287-5800 802-287-0814
- John Lingner Pownal, VT 802-379-7774 802-823-9388
- Mark Harbec Orleans, VT 802-323-3536
- Nick Smith Groton, VT 802-584-3121
- Matt Bourgeois Whiting, VT 802-989-2213
- Don Morgan Charlotte, VT 802-557-5938 802-425-7097
- Scott Newell Groveton, NH 603-631-0477
- Riley Harness Newbury, VT 802-272-8955
- Crystal Earle Johnson, VT 802-730-5591
- Courtney Davis Troy, NH 603-209-6548
- Jason Cassant Fort Ann, NY 518-796-3215
- Ronald Martin Enosburg Falls, VT 802-933-9134 802-393-0346
- Steven Bourgeois Bridport, VT 802-989-0026 802-758-2526
- Matthew Anderson Orwell, VT 802-318-0260
- Jamie Hawley Rutland, VT 802-558-5355
- Steven Hawley Rutland, VT 802-353-8542
- Jeremiah Gracie Lincoln, VT 802-349-4587
- Mike Harbec Orleans, VT 802-754-6371 802-323-4456
- Tammy Barrows Fairfax, VT 802-338-6089
- Gabriel Gervais East Fairfax, VT 802-370-2288
- Shawn Lambert Enosburg Falls, VT 802-582-0571
*Semi-Active tracker
Calls will be taken at the Handlers discretion and at the availability of the handler.
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