“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
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is expanding seasonal angling opportunities by stocking surplus trout in 38 impoundments across central and western North Carolina this winter.
When fishing in these waters, anglers can harvest up to seven trout per day — with no bait restrictions and no minimum size limits. Anglers need only a basic fishing license, which can be purchased online, or by calling 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834) or visiting one of more than 1,000 Wildlife Service Agents located across the state
From Nov. 30 through Dec. 22, staff will stock more than 60,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout, all of which will be 10 inches or longer. The stocking schedule is below; however, dates may change due to unforeseen weather events or other circumstances. In the event of a schedule change, please consult this document for an up-to-date schedule.
Stocking schedule as of Nov. 20, 2020, listed by county, location and stocking date:
North Carolina Stocking Surplus Trout to Central & Western Areas of the State
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 11/30/20
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14102
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Publishers Notes:
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.
- Alexander County, Ellendale Park Pond, 12/1
- Ashe County, Ashe Park Pond, 12/1
- Buncombe County, Azalea Pond, 12/1
- Buncombe County, Charles D. Owen (lower), 12/4
- Buncombe County, Charles D. Owen (upper), 12/4
- Buncombe County, Tomahawk Lake, 12/21
- Buncombe County, Lake Powhatan, 11/30
- Buncombe County, Lake Louise, 12/2
- Burke County, Broughton Pond, 12/11
- Cabarrus County, Frank Liske Pond, 12/7
- Caswell County, High Rock Pond, 12/7
- Caswell County, Rabbit Shuffle, 12/7
- Durham County, Twin Lakes Park, 12/8
- Edgecombe County, Indian Lake, 12/17
- Forsyth County, CG Hill Park Pond, 12/14
- Forsyth County, Village Point, 12/3
- Franklin County, Owens Park Pond, 12/17
- Gaston County, Dallas Park Pond, 12/3
- Gaston County, Poston Park Pond, 12/3
- Guilford County, Gibson Park, 12/9
- Jackson County, Cashiers Public Pond, 11/30
- McDowell County, Universal Pond, 12/11
- Mecklenburg County, McAlpine Pond, 12/07
- Mecklenburg County, Hornets Nest Park, 12/22
- Moore County, Luke Marion Pond, 12/9
- Orange County, Lake Michael, 12/8
- Polk County, Laughter Pond, 12/2
- Richmond County, Indian Camp Lake, 12/9
- Rowan County, Salisbury Community Park, 12/10
- Rowan County, Salisbury City Lake, 12/10
- Surry County, Tumbling Rock Reservoir, 12/2
- Transylvania County, Lake Imaging, 12/8
- Vance County, Fox Pond, 12/15
- Wake County, Harris Park Pond, 12/15
- Wake County, Simpkins Pond, 12/16
- Wake County, Bass Lake, 12/16
- Wake County, Bond Park Lake, 12/15
- Watauga County, Mayview Lake, 12/1
