“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
Hawaii Extends Additional Hunting Days in Kaua‘i for COVID-19 Response
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/05/21
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Similar to the previous Special Use Permits, each permit will be valid for 30 days with the option to request an extension at the end of that time period. DOFAW will be collecting detailed hunter harvest data to help evaluate any impacts that more hunting days may or may not have on additional hunter trips, animal populations, native forests, rare species or other forest users. Under this extended Special Use Permits, additional data is requested regarding the number of hunter trips, what hunting units were utilized, and number of animals harvested. All existing rules covering bag limits, permissible firearms by unit, and species of game mammals allowable to hunt in various units will remain the same.
Applicants must have a current State of Hawai’i hunting license to apply for this special use permit, which will only be issued for a one-month period, with the opportunity to reapply for future months after submitting harvest data via an online form on this website. All hunters under this changed permit system must re-apply even if they have applied for other permits in the past.
For more information or help with the online application or hunter reporting process, please contact the DOFAW Kaua’i Branch office at 808-274-3433 or send questions and comments to [email protected]
During this extension of the expansion of hunting days, we are asking all forest users to be considerate and careful of each other and other forest users and managers.
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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.
As the response to COVID-19 continues, so will the additional hunting days enjoyed by hunters on Kaua‘i. The additional hunting days were added in May 2020 by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Kaua‘i Branch, and has resulted in a sustainable supply of both hunting recreation and animals harvested. Building on this success, Kaua‘i hunters are again invited to apply for Special Use Permits that allow for some additional days of the week to hunt goats, pigs and deer in all existing hunting Units EXCEPT Units A, B, D, F and L, which will be involved in other Lottery or Special hunts in the near future.
Under this extended Special Use Permit, licensed hunters may hunt more days of the week by submitting an online one month application. “Extending the ability for hunters to hunt more days could help those who need to supplement their food source during the ongoing economic hardship related to the COVID-19 global pandemic,” said Sheri S. Mann, Kaua‘i Branch Manager for DOFAW. Opening daily hunting in some areas provides additional opportunity and more flexibility for hunters and will help spread hunting trips out and reduce the likelihood of hunters overlapping, improving the hunting experience. While hunting, all hunters and forest users should adhere to the latest CDC, State and County social distancing, and other COVID-19 related recommendations.
Special Use Permits will be available upon request for daily hunting in Units C, E1, H, J and K. Units G and E2 are already open for daily hunting, no additional permit required.
Special Use Permits will NOT include Units A, B, D, F and L (including the Game Management Area). See attached map.
All Tags and/or annual permits will still be required, and no other existing hunting rules will change.
This temporary increase in open hunting days in Units C, E1, H, J, and K will last until August 3, 2021 (in some units it will end earlier depending on any existing rules). Each permit is good for 30 days, after which an extension can be requested.
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