“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
LDWF Accepting 2022 Houseboat Lottery Applications through Aug 11
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/06/22
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News # 14785
LDWF will collect fees for lottery permits. The fee for a two-piling permit will be $300 and the fee for a three-to-five piling permit will be $500. Only checks or money orders will be accepted. Payment must be submitted with application. If not selected via the lottery drawing, the check or money order will be returned.
Eligibility for Atchafalaya Delta WMA Houseboat Mooring Permit Lottery Drawing
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Applicants will be screened for past wildlife and criminal violations. Applicants with felony convictions, that pled guilty to a felony or that have pled guilty, paid a fine for, negotiated/agreed to a pretrial intervention (PTI)/diversion for or been convicted of Class Two or above wildlife, WMA/refuge or littering violations within the last five years, as determined by the Enforcement Division, shall be disqualified.
- Only one lottery application may be submitted per vessel. If more than one application is submitted for a vessel, all applications for that vessel will become invalid.
- Completed applications must be submitted to the LDWF Lafayette Office (Attn: Coastal Lafayette Region / ADWMA Houseboat Lottery Applications, P.O. Box 62250, Lafayette, La. 70596) and received no later than Aug. 11, 2022.
A completed application includes the following:
- LDWF permit application with all required information.
- New (2022) certificate/permit from the St. Mary Parish Office of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (call 985-385-7018 for information).
- In order for a houseboat to be eligible to participate in the ADWMA houseboat mooring lottery program, it must be registered with LDWF or a Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application must have already been completed and submitted to LDWF for registering the houseboat.
- If the houseboat is registered, send a copy of the current registration certificate with your lottery application.
- If the houseboat is not registered but a registration application has been submitted, send a copy of the Boat Registration/Boat and Motor Title Application and any other applicable information submitted for registration with your lottery application.
- Note photos are no longer required as houseboat registration information will be used by LDWF for identification purposes.
- Check or money order for permit fee. As stated above, the fee for two pilings will be $300 and the fee for three to five pilings will be $500. Please make check payable to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. If the application is not selected via the lottery drawing, the check or money order will be returned. Permit fees will not be refunded once permits are issued.
Interested applicants can view piling locations and associated numbers by visiting Atchafalaya Delta WMA. Applicants may request preferred pilings on the application. If preferred pilings have already been permitted, successful applicants will be assigned an alternate location. No sites are guaranteed.
The agreement for successful applicants will specify rules and regulations for houseboat mooring on these sites. Mooring permits are for recreational use only. Providing lodging for hire is prohibited. Successful applicants are prohibited from profiting from houseboat mooring on WMAs.
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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is accepting lottery applications for houseboat mooring sites on Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for the 2022-23 hunting season.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 11, 2022. Permits issued for selected applicants will be valid from Sept. 1, 2022-March 16, 2023. Year round mooring is not permitted on Atchafalaya Delta WMA.
LDWF will permit up to approximately 60% of the available sites at Atchafalaya Delta WMA. Successful applicants will only be allowed to moor adjacent to designated pilings. Mooring sites will be available at Log Island Pass (Main Delta) and Campground Pass (Wax Delta) only. All permits will be issued using a computerized lottery system.
Atchafalaya Delta WMA houseboat mooring permit lottery applications can be printed from LDWF’s website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/atchafalaya-delta, be requested by phone at 337-735-8667 or obtained via email by contacting Leslie Campbell at [email protected]. For more information please contact Vaughan McDonald at [email protected] or 225-765-2708.
