“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
North America Sportshows
FWC Proposed Rule Amendments for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 12/03/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14655
The FWC is seeking input on proposed rule amendments that would expand alligator hunting opportunity in the following ways:

  • Increase hunting hours from the current 17 hours a day to 24 hours a day on most areas.* By allowing hunting from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this proposal would provide those with an alligator trapping license/alligator harvest permit seven more hours a day of hunting opportunity.
*NOTE: Some areas with restricted access also currently limit alligator hunting hours and are likely to continue with restricted hunting hours.

  • Add precharged pneumatic airbows to the legal methods of taking an alligator. The airbow’s arrow would need to be tethered to the airbow to be considered a legal take method. The use of airbows would benefit hunters with mobility challenges and youth or smaller framed hunters who may have limited dexterity or strength. They are a newer method of take and were not commercially available when the statewide alligator harvest take methods were last updated.

If approved, these changes would be effective for the 2022 statewide alligator harvest season. 

Learn More and Provide Input
Get more information about the proposed draft rule amendments by reviewing the frequently asked questions below. 

Also, learn more and share your feedback through the FWC's in-person workshop, webinars and online commenting tool.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
  • Date: Dec. 2, 2021
  • Time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Place: Doyle Conner Center, 900 N. US Hwy. 27, Moore Haven, FL


WEBINARS
Learn more and ask questions by participating in one of the following webinars hosted by the FWC.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 
Noon to 1 p.m. ET
Click to join this Microsoft Team Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 4 
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET
Click to join this Microsoft Team Meeting

NOTE: If you're planning to participate in these webinars using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, you will need to download the “Microsoft Teams” app from Google Play or the Apple Store before the meeting. We also recommend joining the meeting a few minutes early to familiarize yourself with using Microsoft Teams. Find more information about how to join a Teams meeting.


ONLINE COMMENTING TOOL
If you're unable to participate in the in-person workshop or online webinars or want to learn more and provide input about the statewide alligator harvest program and associated proposed rule changes, you can do that via the online commenting tool.


Frequently Asked Questions
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions about alligator hunting see; https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator


Thank you for your interest in Florida’s Statewide Alligator Harvest Program!

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | Division of Hunting and Game Management

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