“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
Register for Utah Youth Pheasant Hunt on Annabella WMA Nov 13
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/05/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14601
Calling all novice hunters! Grab your shotgun, wear your orange and join us for a fun fall day hunting pheasants. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife are offering a free youth pheasant hunt on the Annabella Wildlife Management Area. SFW is providing the birds so that novice youth hunters will have an increased opportunity to successfully harvest pheasants.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 13 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register online see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annabella-youth-pheasant-hunt-registration-166691999257
Location
Annabella Wildlife Management Area
700 N. Nebeker Ln.
Annabella, UT 84711
Requirements:
- Youth participants must be 17 years of age or younger to attend.
- The hunt is limited to 40 youth hunters (20 per session). Hunters must register in advance to attend.
- Youth hunters must verify they have completed hunter education or have a trial hunting program number, as well as a valid hunting or combination license.
- All participants (including observers) must have a ticket and agree to the online waiver.
What to expect:
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled hunt to check in, attend the safety briefing, pick up prize drawing tickets, practice shooting clay pigeons and disperse before shooting begins. The hunt leader (Jason Aiken) will take you to the hunting location.
- The morning session will start at 8 a.m. (arrive by 7:30) and the afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. (arrive by 12:30 p.m.).
- Everyone going afield, youth or adults, must wear hunter orange on their head and body.
- Participants are expected to bring their own firearms, ammunition and safety equipment for practice and the hunt.
- Free lunch will be provided at noon for both sessions, so please bring a camp chair.
- All participants must have a ticket and sign the waiver form provided. This includes adults attending to supervise youth, observers/helpers staying at the event to provide transportation, dog handlers and all youth who will be hunting. No one will be permitted at the event unless they have a ticket and have agreed to the online waiver.
- Please review — and download to your phone — the 2021–22 Utah Upland Game & Turkey Guidebook for bag and possession limits. wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2021-22_upland_turkey.pdf
- We welcome your feedback! Supervising adults and adult participants will be emailed a survey within a week after your hunt occurs. Please check your emails the week following the hunt to provide your much-appreciated feedback.
Note: Do not bring dogs that are not well-trained for upland game hunting. If dogs create an unsafe or poor hunting environment, they must be restrained or removed from the location by their handler.
Directions:
From the South: Start North on I-15. Turn onto I-70 (exit 132), heading east toward Richfield/Denver. Take exit 31 toward Elsinore. Turn right onto Main Street. Just east of town, take a right at the fork. Continue on this road (Central Blvd) as it curves north through the town of Central Valley. Take a right onto 700 N/Nebeker Lane. If you get to 1200 E, you’ve gone too far.
From the North: Start South on I-15. Take exit 188, toward Scipio. Turn left onto 400 N. Turn right onto State St/US-50 E. Turn right onto UT-260. Turn right onto UT-24. Continue onto UT 118. Left onto Elk Horn Rd. Next right onto 1150 E. Left onto Annabella Rd . Turn right onto 700 N/Nebeker Lane. If you get to Main St, you’ve gone too far.
Visit the link to see the location on a map: https://goo.gl/maEbvmPqPxq289wEfXAps/
COVID-19:
DWR's goal is to keep our staff and the public safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing and following all restrictions and recommendations from state and local health officials. We encourage you to do the same, and to practice social distancing and responsible recreation during any outdoor adventures. We also recommend that participants wear face masks during this event at times when social distancing is not possible.
For questions or more information, contact Johnny at 435-868-8756 or email at [email protected]. If you have any questions or need driving directions on the day of the hunt, call Vance Mumford at 435-979-2919.
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