“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
Apply by Nov 10 for Utah 2021 Prized Hunting Permits
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/06/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14612
The sportsman permits are among Utah's most prized hunting permits, and the time is running out to apply for the 2022 sportsman permits. To be included in the permit drawing you must submit your phone application by 5 p.m. or online application no later than 11 p.m. on Nov. 10.
You can apply for permits on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or over the phone by calling the nearest DWR regional office.
"If you draw a sportsman permit, you can hunt on almost every unit in Utah that's open to hunting the species you drew a permit for," DWR Wildlife Licensing Coordinator Lindy Varney said. "Also, the season dates are much longer, so you'll have more time to scout different places to harvest an animal. It's the hunt of a lifetime."
Utahns may apply for as many species as they'd like, but only one sportsman permit is offered for each of the following species:
- Bison
- Black bear
- Buck deer
- Buck pronghorn
- Bull elk
- Bull moose
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Mountain goat
- Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep
- Wild turkey
This year, two sportsman permits will be offered for cougars — one for the 2021–22 season and one for the 2022–23 season. Utahns may apply for and draw both cougar permits.
There's a non-refundable $10 application fee to apply for each species (including each of the two cougar permits). If you successfully draw a permit, the permit fees range from $35 to $513. Visit the DWR website to see the cost of each permit.
Applicants cannot earn or use bonus points in the sportsman drawing, and only Utah residents may apply for sportsman permits. (See the Utah residency requirements on the DWR website.)
In order to apply for a sportsman permit, you must turn 12 by the end of the year in which the permit is issued. You must be 12 years old to hunt all big game species. There are no age restrictions for hunting turkey. A valid Utah hunting or combination license is also required to apply for any of the sportsman permits.
Applicants will be notified about the drawing results on or before Nov. 17. You'll be notified by email, but you can also get the drawing results online or by calling 1-800-221-0659.
For more information about Utah's sportsman permits, visit https://wildlife.utah.gov/sportsman-permits.html.
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