“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 Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input on two laws passed and signed during the 2020 legislative session.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wanted to clarify that there are no changes to legal firearms for the 2020 shotgun hunting seasons starting Dec 4th.
The Iowa DNR is asking for hunter input ahead of the 2021-2022 deer seasons.
Prior to beginning the rulemaking process, the Iowa DNR is first soliciting information from hunters on cartridges commonly used to hunt deer in Iowa. Hunters may submit their calibers along with their justification to [email protected] by Dec. 14, 2020.
A draft rule will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission for initial approval and if approved, available for official public comment in 2021. A final rule will not be developed until all public comments and feedback are considered.
Iowa DNR Seeking Comments on Proposed Laws Ahead of the 2021/22 Deer Hunting Season
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/03/20
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News # 14111
The first is from House File 716 that directs the DNR to develop a list of cartridges approved for use in rifles to hunt deer in Iowa. The following list of cartridges is proposed for inclusion:
Allowable cartridges for use in handguns that were considered for use in rifles but deemed ballistically dissimilar from allowable pistol or revolver cartridges include (these cartridges are NOT proposed for inclusion to the list of allowable rifles to hunt deer in Iowa):
- 35 Whelen
- 356 Winchester
- 358 Winchester
- 444 Marlin
- 45 Raptor
- 45-70 Govt.
- 460 S&W Mag
- 500 S&W Mag
Hunters interested in additions or subtractions are asked to send their request along with a brief justification to [email protected] by Dec. 14, 2020.
The second is House File 2455 that requires hunters and dogs to be trained prior to tracking wounded deer.
In order to satisfy this requirement, the DNR proposes to provide a form to document the hunter and the dog’s blood tracking training and experience. This form would be kept on file for three years and the hunter and dog(s) would be eligible to track wounded deer during that period.
Hunters receiving trespassing or other violations in the act of tracking wounded deer will be deemed “not trained” until a formal blood tracking certification is obtained. Hunters interested in commenting on this proposed approach are asked to send their ideas to [email protected] by Dec. 14, 2020.
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Publishers Note: 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.
- 350 Legend
- 429 DE
- 35 Remington
- 44 Wildey Mag
- 356 TSW
- 44 Remington Magnum
- 357 Sig
- 44 Automag
- 9x25 Dillion
- 445 Super Mag
- 9x23 Winchester
- 45 Super
- 357 Magnum
- 45 Wildey Mag
- 357 Maximum
- 450 Bushmaster
- 400 Cor-Bon
- 480 Ruger
- 38-40 Winchester
- 50 GI
- 41 Remington Magnum
- 50 Action Express
- 41 Wildey Mag
- 50 Beowulf
- 414 SuperMag
- 500 JRH
- 44-40 Winchester
- 500 Special
- 440 Cor-Bon
- 500 Wyoming Express
- 357 SuperMag
- 45 Winchester Magnum
- 357 Wildey Mag
- 451 Detonics
- 357/44 Bain & Davis
- 454 Casull
- 375 Winchester
- 45 Silhouette
- 38-55 Winchester
- 458 Socom
- 10 mm Auto
- 460 Rowland
- 40 Super
- 475 Wildey Magnum
- 401 Powermag
- 475 Linebaugh
