“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 Mexico 2022-2023 Big Game Draw
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 01/20/22
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News # 14696
Are you planning to apply for the 2022-2023 big game draw? It is best to not wait until the last minute. This year there are extra incentives to applying early. For more information see; https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/applications-and-draw-information/
To qualify:
- Apply ONLINE before 5:00 p.m. on March 9 at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/
- By phone at 888-248-6866.
- Phone applications will be available 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
- Extended hours (2022) are March 7–March 11, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and March 14—March 15 from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. The Information Center will close at 4:30 p.m. on March 16.
- Provide a valid email address and check the box that allows the Department to contact you via email
- Drawing will take place with the Big Game Draw and winners will be contacted after draw results are announced.
Mar 16, 2022: Deadline to apply for 2022 Draw Licenses for Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, ibex, javelina, pronghorn and oryx, and to apply for Private-land Only Deer License for Units 2A, 2B, 2C, 4 and 5A. Applications must be completed before 5 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
Be sure to read the instructions in the Hunting Rules and Information booklet carefully before submitting your application. Check the section for each species to be sure of eligibility requirements, license fees and exceptions to the information and procedures outlined here. All website page number references refer to the rules booklet.
The Department will be hosting a series of live webinars, covering all that you need to know when applying.
We will meet virtually every week, sometimes multiple times a week, to discuss the draw, how to apply, options for hunter education and reading the draw odds report. We will also have our big game biologists on hand to answer questions.
All webinars will start at 6:30 p.m. MST.
Please register online (topics and links below) and send us your questions through email ([email protected]).
January 24 – Know the Law – Conservation Officer Ben Byrd will join us to talk about what you need to think about when hiring an outfitter, the most violated laws and how you can remain legal and proper use of an OHV in New Mexico. Click here to register.
January 26 – Meet the Bear Biologist – Rick Winslow, bear and cougar biologist, will be on hand to answer your questions about applying for the Bear Draw as well as over-the-counter opportunities. Click here to register.
February 2 – Meet the Turkey Biologist – Casey Cardinal, resident bird biologist, will be on hand to answer your questions about applying for the Turkey Draw as well as over-the-counter opportunities. Click here to register.
February 7 – Access is the Key! – Rex Martensen, private lands coordinator, will be on joining us to talk about land status in New Mexico and the programs the Department has to help access private lands. Click here to register.
February 9 – Meet the Elk Biologist – Travis Zaffarano, elk program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for and hunting elk in New Mexico. Click here to register.
February 16 – Meet the Deer Biologist – Orrin Duvuvuei, deer program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for and hunting deer in New Mexico. Click here to register.
February 21 – It’s in the reports! – The Draw Odds Report and the Harvest Reports can help you apply for a big game hunt. Join Kevin Rodden, SW area biologist, to learn how to read the reports and use them for your benefit. Click here to register.
February 23 – Meet the Pronghorn Biologist – Tony Opatz, pronghorn biologist, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for and hunting pronghorn in New Mexico. Click here to register.
March 2 – Meet the Bighorn Sheep Biologist – Caitlin Ruhl, bighorn sheep program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for and hunting bighorn sheep in New Mexico. Click here to register.
March 9 – Meet the Biologist – Nicole Tatman, big game program manager, will be on hand to answer questions about applying for and hunting oryx, ibex and Barbary sheep in New Mexico. Click here to register.
March 14 – Last minute Q and A – March 16 deadline is just days away. We will address any last-minute things you should know or questions you might have. Click here to register
All webinars will be hosted in English. If you prefer to communicate in Spanish and have questions or comments, email [email protected] or call us at 1-888-248-6866.
Todos los seminarios web se realizarán en inglés. Si prefiere comunicarse en español y tiene preguntas o comentarios, envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llámenos at 1-888-248-6866.
