“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
Michigan’s late antlerless firearm deer season in the Lower Peninsula is underway. The season is open on private lands only through Jan. 1 and hunters may take only antlerless deer (see exception below) — regardless of the type of license you are using.
Valid licenses include:
- A private land antlerless license valid for the deer management unit in which you are hunting.
- A deer management assistance permit valid for that DMU.
- A deer license or deer combo license (valid for antlerless deer only during the antlerless-only seasons).
- A deer kill tag issued under the mentored youth license (valid for antlerless deer only during the antlerless-only seasons).
An additional opportunity is available for deer hunters in Zone 3 (see page 11 of the Hunting Digest for hunting zone maps and descriptions) who want to hunt with a muzzleloader on public land during the late antlerless season. If you’re hunting with a muzzleloader on public land in Zone 3 only, you may take any deer (antlerless or antlered) with a mentored youth hunting license, a deer license or a deer combo license.
Michigan 2020 Late Season Anterless Deer Season Open to Jan 1st 2021
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/16/20
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News # 14138
Hunters hunting with a muzzleloader on public land in Zone 3 may also hunt with their public land antlerless deer license valid for the DMU in which they are hunting, but an antlerless deer license is valid for an antlerless deer only.
Archery deer season also continues through Jan. 1 statewide.
DNR deer check stations are still available on a limited basis. Check station locations and hours of operation are available at Michigan.gov/DeerCheck. The DNR especially needs deer heads from Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties. If you hunt in these areas, please bring your deer to a DNR check station!
Find CWD testing options (depending on harvest location) at Michigan.gov/CWD under “For Hunters.”
For a map of open DMUs and antlerless firearm deer season information, see page 40 of the 2020 Hunting Digest, available at Michigan.gov/Deer and Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at [email protected] or 517-284-9453.
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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.
