“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
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that while hunting seasons have ended in the state's Northern Zone and will wrap up next week in most of the Southern Zone, there are still opportunities to hunt in a few select places, including parts of Tompkins County and all of Westchester and Suffolk counties.
"DEC is extending hunting seasons this year in these areas to address deer overabundance. These extended seasons provide a great opportunity for hunters to fill their freezers, donate venison to the less fortunate, and help bring ecosystems back into balance," Commissioner Seggos said. "Big game hunters still looking for an opportunity can explore options in Tompkins, Suffolk, and Westchester counties and safely enjoy more days afield."
Deer hunting continues with archery equipment in Westchester County through Dec. 31. From Jan. 9 to Jan. 31, there is an antlerless deer season in the Deer Management Focus Area (DMFA) in Tompkins County. Hunters wanting to participate in the Tompkins County DMFA must register and download a permit, carcass tags, and a hunting activity log from the DMFA webpage. Registered hunters may take up to two antlerless deer per day in the DMFA.
New York 2020 Late Season Deer Hunting Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/14/20
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News # 14130
In Suffolk County, the regular bowhunting deer season runs through Jan. 31, and the special late firearms season runs from Jan. 3 through 31. Town permits are required in the towns of Southampton, Islip, and Smithtown. For DEC-managed lands, hunters not holding drawing numbers or who missed the reservation sign-up period can claim reservations for any unfilled hunting spots between 10 AM and 2 PM, Dec. 19 - 24, 26 - 31, and between 10 AM and 2 PM on Jan. 4 - 31. Reservations must be made in person. For more information on reservation procedures and to see which DEC-managed lands are available for firearms deer hunting, visit the DEC website. For regulations, places to hunt, and more information, visit DEC's Hunting on Long Island webpage or contact the DEC Region 1 Wildlife Office at (631) 444-0310.
DEC Continues to Assess Holiday Hunt Proposal
DEC continues to assess the proposed holiday deer hunt. In September, DEC proposed an extension of the late bow and muzzleloader seasons in New York's Southern Zone to occur from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. DEC is currently reviewing comments on the proposal received from thousands of New Yorkers. Although DEC is not adopting the 'holiday hunt' this calendar year, the agency continues to evaluate the future holiday deer hunting opportunity.
DEC Encourages Hunter Safety
While statistics show that hunting in New York State is safer than ever, mistakes are made every year. Nearly every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable, and hunters are encouraged to use common sense this season and to remember the tools taught in DEC's Hunter Education Course.
Firearms Safety
- Point your gun in a safe direction;
- Treat every gun as if it were loaded;
- Be sure of your target and beyond; and
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
DEC encourages all hunters to wear blaze orange or pink to make themselves more visible to other hunters. Hunters who wear hunter orange are seven times less likely to be shot.
When hunting in tree stands, use a safety harness and a climbing belt, as most tree stand incidents occur when hunters are climbing in and out of the stand. Hunters should never climb in or out of a tree stand with a loaded firearm.
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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.
