“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
Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico will waive its entrance fee on six days in 2021.
Campground fees still apply on all designated fee-free days. Bandelier normally charges $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, and $15 per individual. The full suite of America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass are available for those who love to visit public lands.
The Bandelier Annual Pass is available for $45. These passes are great options and allow unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks - some for one year, others for a lifetime.
New Mexico to Waive Entrance Fee on Six Days in 2021 at Bandelier National Monument
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/14/20
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News # 14131
The six, entrance fee-free days for 2021 will be:
- Monday, January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 17 – First Day of National Park Week
- Wednesday, August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
- Wednesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
- Saturday, September 25 – National Public Lands Day
- Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day
“The public is encouraged to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities to re-visit a favorite national park or explore a new one without paying an entrance fee”, added Bandelier Acting Superintendent Karl Cordova.
The park visitor center located in Frijoles Canyon is currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for visitors who desire to purchase a pass or need to pay entrance fees and will be closed on Friday, December 25, 2020 and Friday, January 1, 2021. The park is open from dawn until dusk seven days a week.
Bandelier National Monument is one of approximately 100 national parks that has an entrance fee. There are more than 300 other national parks that do not charge an entrance fee. Fee dollars help parks complete vital projects that directly impact park visitors, with 80% of fee revenue staying in the park where it is collected. The National Park System includes more than 85 million acres and is comprised of more than 400 sites, including national parks, national historical parks, national monuments, national recreation areas, national battlefields, and national seashores. Last year, 327 million people visited national parks and spent $21 billion which supported 340,500 jobs across the country and had a $41.7 billion impact on the U.S. economy.
Earlier this year, Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt signed Secretary’s Orders 3386 and 3387, granting veterans, Gold Star Families and fifth graders free access to all national parks, wildlife refuges and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Veterans and Gold Star Families will have free access forever, while fifth grade students were granted the reprieve through this academic year as some of last year’s fourth graders may have been unable to make full use of the Every Kid Outdoors Annual Fourth Grade Pass due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Active duty military and four grade students will continue to have free access with discounted passes also available for senior citizens.
Image courtesy of NM DEC
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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.
