“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
Indiana 2022 Applications Deadline for Reserved Spring Turkey Hunts is March 14
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/21/22
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14712
The Indiana DNR is accepting applications for reserved spring turkey hunts from Feb. 14 through March 14.
Hunters can apply online at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt by clicking "Apply for a reserved hunt" and entering their Customer ID. The online method is the only way to apply. Late entries will not be accepted.
Applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the species they wish to hunt. A valid spring turkey hunting license and game bird habitat stamp privilege, a comprehensive lifetime hunting license, comprehensive lifetime hunting and fishing license, or a resident youth hunt/trap combo license is required to hunt or call in wild turkeys in the spring season. Non-hunting partners who plan to call in wild turkeys must be properly licensed.
The application process is consolidated into the online services website, on.IN.gov/INHuntFish, along with licenses, CheckIN Game, and HIP registration. You do not need to have an online account to apply, so there is no need to log in.
Even though there is no fee to apply, you must still add the registration to the cart, “Proceed to Checkout”, and “Place Order” to complete the application process.
Hunters will be selected through a computerized random drawing. Draw results will be available within two weeks of the application closing. You can see draw results at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt by clicking the “View hunt draw results” link. You can also check if you were drawn by logging in to on.IN.gov/INHuntFish, where you can see the full history of your past hunt registrations. An email will be sent to applicants when results are available.
Applications will be accepted for the following Fish & Wildlife Areas (FWAs) properties:
These properties are holding reserved turkey draws for
April 27-29, April 30-May 1, and May 2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-15:
- Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area
- Jasper-Pulaski FWA
- J.E. Roush Lake FWA
- Kingsbury FWA
- LaSalle FWA
- Pigeon River, FWA
- Tri-County FWA
- Willow Slough FWA
- Winamac FWA
State Reservoirs
- Mississinewa Lake is holding reserved draws for April 27-29, April 30-May 1, and May 2-4, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-15.
- Salamonie Lake is holding reserved draws for April 27-29, April 30-May 2, and May 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-13, and 14-15.
Private Lands Access
Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) is offering limited turkey hunts on private property. Turkey hunt reserved draws will be for April 27-May 1 and May 2-8. More information on the IPLA program is at https://bit.ly/3tO037F.
Youth hunters can apply for IPLA draws for April 23-24. Youth hunt applicants must be 17 or younger to apply. Parents can enter the youth’s information into the system for them. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is at least 18 years of age. There can only be one firearm or set of archery equipment in the field, and only the drawn hunter can harvest a turkey.
National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)
- Big Oaks NWR is holding reserved draws for April 27-29 and April 30-May 2.
- Muscatatuck NWR is holding reserved draws for April 27-28 and 29-30, and May 1-2.
- Muscatatuck NWR is also holding a youth draw for April 23-24.
For all reserved hunts, only one application is allowed per license holder. Hunters can apply for only one of the above opportunities listed. No changes can be made once the application is submitted.
For more information and to apply, visit on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.
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The below properties are holding reserved turkey draws for
for April 27-29 and April 30-May 1:
- Atterbury FWA
- Crosley FWA
- Deer Creek FWA
- Fairbanks Landing FWA
- Glendale FWA
- Goose Pond FWA
- Hillenbrand FWA
- Hovey Lake FWA
- Sugar Ridge FWA
