“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
New Georgia Public Hunting Area in Dade County Opens for Deer & Bear
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/05/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14609
Georgia hunters in Dade County have a new public hunting location available this season.
The Charles B. Henson Voluntary Public Access (VPA) area is a 786-acre piece of property located near Trenton, Ga that will open to hunters beginning November 1, 2021, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Charles B. Henson VPA consists primarily of mature mixed hardwood pine forest. The area will be open to hunting on the following 2021-2022 season schedule:
- Deer (Either Sex) and Bear Archery: Nov. 1-30, 2021
- Deer (Either Sex) and Bear Firearms (Quota Hunt): Dec. 3-5, 2021
- Turkey (Quota Hunt) – April 2-10, 2022; April 16-24, 2022
To apply for a quota hunt on the property, hunters will need to sign into their account at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com and apply. When visiting the property to deer, bear or turkey hunt, hunters will need to sign-in on the free Outdoors Georgia app, online at https://license.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/Event/WMASignIn.aspx , or locate the information kiosk as indicated on the property map and sign-in on the clipboard.
This VPA is a partnership between Southeastern Cave Conservancy International (SCCi) and Georgia WRD. The property was originally purchased by SCCi for the protection of the many caves found on the property. This successful partnership provides both an opportunity for hunting and further protection to manage the habitat and wildlife.
This new area is one of several in Georgia in which landowners have worked with WRD in utilizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service-funded Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Program to provide short-term leases of their properties. The lands are then included in the WRD Wildlife Management Area system for the purpose of allowing public hunting access.
WRD is interested in leasing private land for public hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities. Private landowners that enroll in the program are eligible for a negotiable lease rate, and are provided with a legal agreement giving maximum liability protection. More information at www.georgiawildlife.com/VPA-HIP.
For more information on the Charles B. Henson VPA, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/charles-b-henson-vpa or call 706-295-6041. .
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