“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
Anglers and hunters who purchase a 2021 hunting and fishing license in December have a chance to win a lifetime license and other prizes from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The WVDNR, which offered a lifetime license giveaway for the first time last year, will give away two lifetime licenses this year, along with four state park getaways and eight gift bags.
“The holidays are coming up and it’s the season of giving, so we wanted to do something really special for our hunters and anglers,” said WVDNR Director Stephen McDaniel. “Gov. Justice asked us to make sure this year’s giveaway was even better and that’s why we’re giving away two licenses and improving the way you enter the contest.”
New this year is the availability of three new license options.
- Class XP (Annual License Plus Trout Stamp)
- Class X3 (Three-Year Sportsman License)
- Class XP3 (Three-Year Sportsman License Plus Trout Stamp)
WVDNR Offering Lifetime License Giveaway for the Holidays -- Deadline to Enter is Dec 31, 2020
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/14/20
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News # 14129
“These new licenses are a great option for folks who want to renew early or lock in prices over a long term,” McDaniel said.
To enter the lifetime license giveaway, a hunter or angler needs to purchase a Class X, Class XJ or one of the new licenses by Dec. 31, 2020. Those who purchase a Class X, Class XJ or Class XP license will automatically be entered into the contest one time. Those who purchase a Class X3 or XP3 will automatically receive three entries.
“Not only is this a great opportunity for you to renew your hunting and fishing license for 2021, you can also gift a hunting and fishing license to your family and friends,” McDaniel said. ”
Recipients of gift licenses are automatically entered into the contest. To purchase a license as a gift, call the WVDNR Licensing Unit at 304-558-2758.
To win, entrants and recipients must be legal residents of West Virginia and meet all other eligibility requirements. Prize winners will be selected in a random drawing and announced in January 2021. To learn more about the lifetime license giveaway, other prizes and contest rules, visit wvdnr.gov/giveaway.
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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.
