“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.   

####

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.
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North America Sportshows
TPWD and City of Abilene Trout Fest 2020 Starts Dec 5



Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 11/16/20
Grab your fishing poles and mark your calendars for December 5-15 to participate in Trout Fest 2020 at Cal Young Park Pond in Abilene. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is teaming up with the City of Abilene to host the event that is open to anglers of all ages.

“Trout Fest 2020 provides the perfect opportunity to get outside, spend time with your family, and fish close to home,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Abilene Inland Fisheries Assistant Biologist. “Rainbow trout are only stocked during the winter months, so we hope that families take advantage of this unique fishing opportunity and participate in the event.”

Cal Young Park Pond will be stocked with 1,750 rainbow trout leading up to the opening day of Trout Fest 2020 December 5. Four age groups have been established for the event, eight and under with an adult, 9-12 with an adult, 13-16 with an adult, and 17 years of age and older. Three prize categories have also been setup; longest trout, biggest “other” fish, and most days fished. Three winners in each age group will be announced on December 16 and if there happens to be a tie in one of the categories, a random winner will be drawn.

The contest is free, but in order to officially enter, anglers must scan the QR code on one of the signs at Cal Young Park Pond. Once the QR code has been scanned, it will redirect the angler to a website in order to share the name, age, email address, and photo of the catch next to a measuring device. The photo MUST have the catch next to a ruler or measuring device for the entry to be officially counted in the contest. Even if an angler hasn’t reeled in a fish, they can still scan the QR code and fill out the information to be included for a chance to win the “Most Days Fished” award.

Anglers can fish as many days as they would like during the event but are reminded to scan the QR code each day to submit a catch or share that they visited Cal Young Park Pond to fish. Anglers are also encouraged to share photos on social media (Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter) with the hashtag #GottaCatchATrout for a chance to win a prize.

There will be limited loaner tackle available for the event through TPWD. To reserve a pole, families can call the TPWD Inland Fisheries-Abilene District office at (325) 692-0921 to arrange a pickup time. Families that borrow poles and any other equipment through the TPWD Loaner Program should plan to return it following the event.

Participants will need to follow the state and local guidelines when it comes to practicing social distancing and other safety measures. In addition, anglers 17 and older are required to have a valid Texas Fishing License to fish on any public body of water in Texas and statewide bag and length limits will also be in effect. To learn more about freshwater fishing regulations and licenses, visit the TPWD website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/fishing/freshwater-fishing/.

For more information, visit the Trout Fest 2020 event page through the City of Abilene website and on social media, check out the event’s official Facebook page.

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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.

Our country is still battling COVID-19. To avoid the spread of this virus and continue to enjoy outdoor activities, ALL outdoor enthusiasts (man, woman, child) should follow the guidelines set by nps.gov. These guidelines include; social distancing, the Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safe and healthy.
News # 14082