“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
Wyoming 2021 Big Game Hunting Applications Open for Deer/Antelope
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/03/21
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News # 14190
Another notable addition for 2021; all applicants will have the ability to make a voluntary donation to Wildlife Crossing, an initiative that funds projects to reduce wildlife and vehicle collisions. Each year, more than 6,000 big game animals are killed on the roads. Read about all the updates in the 2021 Hunting License Application Information.
Details on 2021 deadlines and information is on the Game and Fish Hunt Planner .
DEER
There are two categories of deer hunt areas in Wyoming: limited quota and general. Limited quota deer hunt areas have a set number of licenses valid for that specific hunt area. These areas have full-price "any" or "antlered" deer licenses (Type 0, 1, 2 or 9). Type 3 licenses are only valid for (any) white-tailed deer, and do NOT permit mule deer harvest. Many hunt areas also provide reduced-price limited quota "doe/fawn" licenses (Type 6, 7 or 8). Type 6 and 7 licenses permit the take of doe or fawn mule deer or white-tailed deer. Type 8 licenses are only valid for doe or fawn white-tailed deer.
General deer licenses are full-price licenses that allow the harvest of "any" or "antlered" deer depending upon the limitations for a given hunt area. General license deer hunt areas allow unlimited "over-the-counter" license sales for Wyoming residents.
Nonresident deer hunters wishing to hunt a general area must obtain a Region General License specific to a select region. Region General Licenses allow a nonresident to hunt deer in any hunt area within that region that is open to general license hunting (within the specified dates). For example, nonresident Region B Licenses are valid in Deer Hunt Areas 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 21, which are open to general license hunting. However, Region B licenses are NOT valid in Deer Hunt Areas 10 and 22 (although these two hunt areas fall within Region B) as these hunt areas are limited quota. Many general license deer hunt areas also have additional limited quota doe/fawn (reduced-price) licenses available.
ANTELOPE
All Wyoming antelope hunt areas are managed under a limited quota framework, meaning there are a set number of licenses valid for each specific hunt area. All hunt areas have full-price "any" antelope licenses (Type 0, 1, 2 or 9). Most hunt areas also provide reduced-price limited quota "doe/fawn" licenses (Type 6, 7 or 8), which can be obtained separately or in addition to a full-price license.
After the license draw has been held, hunters can purchase a second "any antelope" license in specific hunt areas, if still available. "Any antelope" licenses still available after the draw are typically found in areas that are predominately private land, so hunters are encouraged to line up access before buying the license. Hunters may purchase up to four doe/fawn antelope licenses, only two of which can be obtained through the draw.
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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.
Wyoming 2021 hunting applications opened for resident and non-resident deer and antelope Jan 4th. Deadline to apply is June 1st. All applications must be submitted online.
For 2021 planning, hunters can use the Game and Fish Hunt Planner for estimating season dates. Tentative season information for 2021 is available for moose, sheep, and mountain goat. Elk, deer and antelope hunters can use prior season information for the best estimate. Final season information will be published on May 1, with time for hunters to make modifications or withdraw applications.
New for 2021, nonresident applicants for moose and bighorn sheep will need to elect to opt-in with their applications to be awarded a preference point if unsuccessful in the draw. They will not be automatically purchased if unsuccessful. Otherwise, unsuccessful applicants can apply for a point beginning in July.
