“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 11-23 for TWRA 2021-22 for New Waterfowl Quota Hunt Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/23/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14638
Last day to Apply for TWRA 2021-22 New Waterfowl Quota Hunt Opportunities. Deadline for the mid-segment application period is 11:59 pm on Nov. 23.
Significant changes were made to public land duck hunting this year to increase opportunities for all duck hunters. Apply for one of these new 1-7 day waterfowl quota hunt opportunities! Quota permits are for TWRA-built blinds or marked locations in which up to 8 adults can hunt. Apply for these through the online quota hunt system (like the deer/turkey quota system).
This new opportunity has 3 application and hunting periods- early, mid, and late. Unsuccessful applicants will receive priority points that will improve chances to be selected in the next year’s drawing. Quota hunt application fees have been waived for the remainder of the waterfowl quota applications for the 2021-22 season. When you apply, select specific quota hunt locations including the Wildlife Management Area, site number, and date.
Two different tiers of quota hunts are available for this application period. Tier 2 are TWRA-built blinds that can house up to 8 adults. Tier 3 quota hunts are marked locations with natural cover. Tier 3 quota hunts do not have a blind structure, and you must hunt within 25 feet of the location. Temporary blinds are permitted for Tier 3 quota hunts and can be left out for the duration of the hunt period. The permit holder must be at the location at all times and there can be a maximum of 8 adults in the blind.
The hunt dates for the Reelfoot and Statewide Zone are Dec. 20-Jan. 9, 2022. All applications must be submitted through www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. When applying through the website, you must provide an email address for your account. All notifications will arrive only by email. You can log into your account at any time and view the hunts you applied for, permits you were awarded, and priority points balance at www.GoOutdoorsTennessee.com.
More information on public land duck hunting opportunities and application dates and processes can be found at https://www.tn.gov/twra/hunting/migratory-birds/public-land-duck-hunting.html.
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