“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
FWC TrophyCatch to Give Away New Bass Boat in Live Drawing Dec 4
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/03/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14659
One lucky TrophyCatch registrant is going to win a brand-new bass boat Dec 4 and the public is invited to join the festivities. Thanks to conservation partnerships, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) TrophyCatch program will be awarding a brand-new Phoenix Bass Boats Pro 819 to one of five randomly selected finalists.
This boat is powered by a 200hp Mercury Marine motor, guided by Lowrance HDLive electronics and Ghost Trolling Motor, anchored by Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor System, supported by MotorMate and lettered by WrapThis.
“It’s time again to award our incredible $60,000 boat package to one lucky winner. This would not be possible without our amazing partnerships with companies including Phoenix Bass Boats and Mercury Marine and many others.” said Thomas Graef, director of FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.
“We are grateful to all anglers who have submitted fish into our TrophyCatch program this season. Each approved fish has helped FWC gain valuable data about Florida’s incredible bass fishery and will help to ensure Florida remains the trophy bass capital of the world.”.
The five drawing finalists were randomly selected from 36,237 TrophyCatch program registrants and club winners and were announced on the TrophyCatch Facebook Page. The finalists are Clinton Kilgore, Loren Perez, James Boggs, Jessie Riddle and James Bernard. The drawing will determine which of the lucky finalists will go home a winner of the new Phoenix bass boat package. Anglers recognize the brand-name products on this boat package, which will spur on the hunt to catch even larger bass. It is only because of generous partnerships with industry and conservation leaders, such as Phoenix Bass Boats and Mercury Marine, that make such an offering possible.
The drawing for this $60,000 boat package will take place next Saturday, Dec. 4, following the 2 p.m. weigh-in for the Bobby Lane High School Cup fishing tournament at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort, 14900 Camp Mack Rd., Lake Wales, Florida 33898. The public is invited to attend the reverse drawing.
The Bobby Lane Cup is a nonprofit youth tournament held annually to raise funds for educational scholarships for high school seniors who have an interest in bass fishing. Teams from southern states come to compete for the title of BLC Champions.
TrophyCatch is a citizen-science conservation program that rewards anglers who catch, document and release largemouth bass heavier than 8 pounds throughout Florida. Data collected by the program help the FWC better enhance, conserve and promote trophy bass fishing. Anglers who wish to participate — and who want to be included in next year’s boat drawing — can visit TrophyCatch.com to register and learn more.
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