“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 Black Bear Hunting Season Opens Nov 22
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/15/21
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News # 14630
West Virginia deer hunters are reminded that a 2021 concurrent bear season without dogs will occur in 51 counties from Nov. 22 through Dec. 5.
All 51 counties that are open to buck firearms hunting will be open to concurrent bear hunting on private and public land during the buck season. Buck firearms season is closed in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties.
“Concurrent bear hunting during deer season takes advantage of a time of year when the maximum number of hunters are in the woods,” said Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). “This helps manage bear populations by increasing harvest, but also provides a unique opportunity for hunters who may have never hunted bears.”
Carpenter also explained that mast conditions in 2021 vary widely based on location. The mast crops that produced the best in 2021 were beech, hickory, black cherry, grape, hawthorn, crabapple and apple. Bear feeding areas will change quickly as food sources are depleted, so hunters must continue to scout prior to the season. With bears distributed across the state, there has never been a better time to be a bear hunter.
Bear hunting opportunities continue after the buck firearms season as well. All or parts of 26 counties will be open for bear hunting with or without dogs from Dec. 6-31. In addition, all or parts of 35 counties will be open for bear hunting without dogs from Dec. 6-31.
Successful hunters are required to submit a first premolar tooth from each harvested bear. Information on how to collect and submit a black bear first premolar tooth can be found on page 37 of the 2021–2022 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary. Additionally, hunters who harvest a female black bear are encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all the entrails. The WVDNR will offer hunters who submit a complete reproductive tract a $20 gift card for their effort.
Hunters with reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or freeze them and contact their nearest district office or Elkins Operations Center to arrange drop-off. Hunters can get a bear tooth envelope and information on what a complete reproductive tract consists of at all district offices or the Elkins Operations Center. Data obtained from tooth samples and reproductive tracts are used for black bear population monitoring.
Hunters are reminded to purchase their bear damage stamp, as well as an appropriate hunting license. Details concerning bear hunting seasons can be found on pages 34-40 of the 2021–2022 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which is available at WVDNR offices, license vendors across West Virginia and online at https://wvdnr.gov/hunting/hunting-regulations/.
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