“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
Apply for Idaho 2022 Spring Turkey Hunting by March 1st
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/21/22
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14716
Panhandle
An archery-only spring and fall turkey hunts was added on Farragut State Park/WMA.
Southwest
The hunt boundary description was changed for turkey Controlled Hunts No. 9101, No. 9103 and No. 9202, in Controlled Hunt Area 38-2.
Magic Valley
Spring Controlled Hunts No. 9012 (April 15 - May 5; 30 permits) and No. 9013 (May 6-25; 30 permits) in Unit 54, were eliminated and replaced with a single controlled hunt from April 15 – May 25, with 15 total permits.
The number of wild turkey tags was reduced from 30 to 15 in youth Controlled Hunt No. 9004.
Southeast
Spring turkey Controlled Hunts (No. 9005, No. 9014, No. 9015) in Unit 68A were converted to general season opportunity.
The opening date for turkey Controlled Hunt No. 9106 was changed from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1 in Unit 70.
A fall turkey controlled hunt was created in Unit 68A, with 50 tags; season dates are concurrent with general seasons in the Southeast Region (Sep. 15 – Nov. 30).
Unit 70 was added to the list of units with a fall general season in the Southeast Region.
Salmon
Fall turkey controlled hunt tag allocation was increased from 15 to 50, and moved the season start date from Sep. 15 to Sep. 1 in Units 21, 21A, 29, 30 and a portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage (Controlled Hunt No. 9018)
Spring turkey controlled hunt tag allocation was increased from 10 to 40 in Units 21, 21A, 29, 30 and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage (Controlled Hunt No. 9006)
Spring youth-only turkey controlled hunt tag allocation was increased from 5 to 25 in Units 21, 21A, 29, 30 and that portion of Unit 28 downstream from the Hat Creek drainage (Controlled Hunt No. 9001)
The new 2022-23 turkey seasons and bag limits brochure is available online. Printed versions will not be available at licensed vendors and Fish and Game offices until later in February. Please refer to the online brochure for all current spring controlled hunts, seasons and bag limits.
Applying for a 2022 Spring Turkey Controlled Hunts
Hunters must have a 2022 hunting license in order to apply for controlled hunts. Here’s how to apply:
- Licensed Vendors: Taken electronically at any Fish and Game office or license vendor.
- Online: Hunters can apply on the Fish and Game website. There is an internet service charge of 3% of the transaction in addition to the nonrefundable application fee ($6.25 per person for resident, and $18.00 per person for nonresidents).
- Telephone: Applications can be placed over the phone by calling 1(800)554-8685. The charge for processing telephone applications is three percent of the transaction plus $6.50. This is in addition to the nonrefundable application fee ($6.25 per person for resident, and $18.00 per person for nonresidents).
- Do not mail in applications. They will not be accepted.
Controlled hunt tags are valid in the controlled hunt for which a hunter was drawn or in any open general hunt during the calendar year for which the tag is valid.
Junior hunters must be between the ages of 10 and 17 to participate in controlled youth hunts, but a 9-year-old may buy a junior license to apply for a controlled hunt, provided the hunter is 10 years old at the time of the hunt they are applying for.
Controlled hunt applications for spring 2022 turkey close on March 1. Successful spring turkey applicants will be notified no later than March 20. Hunters with a valid email address on file will be notified of their status via email.
Any leftover or unsold tags for spring turkey controlled hunts go on sale March 25.
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Applications for Idaho 2022 spring turkey controlled hunts opened Feb. 1. Turkey hunters looking to apply can do so through March 1.
On Jan. 27, Fish and Game Commission adopted the proposed 2022-23 upland game, turkey and furbearer seasons and bag limits. The proposed seasons and changes were open for public comment during November and December 2021.
Turkey hunters should note that the new 2022-23 turkey seasons and rules will affect a handful of controlled turkey hunts across five regions.
