“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
New York Bowhunters/Muzzleloaders Late-Season Deer Hunting Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/23/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14682
While deer hunting in New York has ended in the Northern Zone, and the regular season has concluded in the Southern Zone, bowhunters and muzzleloaders still have opportunities to secure venison for their families.
"Late-season deer hunting in New York State is a great opportunity for hunters to venture afield," Commissioner Seggos said. "The late bow and muzzleloader season opened December 13th and runs through December 21st in the Southern Zone, and this year DEC is pleased to provide the Holiday Deer Hunt for hunters across the Southern Zone to get outside with friends and family during the holiday break."
The Holiday Deer Hunt, which runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, 2022, is an extension of the late bow and muzzleloader season providing new deer hunting opportunities to families and friends gathering for the holidays. Hunters must possess a bowhunting or muzzleloading privilege to participate in the late bow or muzzleloader seasons and may use all deer carcass tags valid during those seasons. The Holiday Hunt will occur in all Southern Zone counties this year, as previously authorized.
Additional late season opportunities include:
- Bowhunting for deer continues in Westchester County until Dec. 31;
- January Firearms Season in Suffolk County is open Jan. 2-31, 2022; and
- The special Deer Management Focus Area Season for antlerless deer in central Tompkins County is Jan. 8-31, 2022.
These late seasons are a great time to put some venison in the freezer or donate venison to others. During the late seasons DEC encourages hunters to continue to pass up young, small-antlered bucks. Focusing harvest on antlerless deer instead contributes to population management and eases the pressure on antlered bucks. Every late-season deer hunter has at least one tag for antlerless deer, with either-sex and antlerless-only "Bow/Muzz" tags and unfilled regular season tags that can also be used for antlerless deer during the late seasons. When hunters choose to Let Young Bucks Go and Watch Them Grow, there is a great chance those bucks will be available next year with more meat and larger antlers.
Hunters are reminded that it is now a requirement to wear blaze orange or pink when pursuing deer with a firearm. This requirement helps hunters identify other hunters who may be down range, and alerts other outdoor enthusiasts they are sharing the woods with hunters. Also, always follow the basics of hunter safety:
- Assume every gun is loaded;
- Control the muzzle. Point your gun in a safe direction;
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot; and
- Be sure of your target and beyond.
For more information about New York State's hunting seasons, go to DEC's website.
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