“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
North America Sportshows
Apply for Utah 2021 Black Bear Permits by Feb 23


Submitted by:  TBC Press
Posted on: 02/17/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14222
Hunters are advised to stay informed about COVID-19 pandemicrelated changes that might affect your hunt at wildlife.utah.gov/covid.

Active military personnel may be eligible to take advantage of some new opportunities if they are deployed during the black bear application
period. See wildlife.utah.gov/military for more information. 

You may apply for the certificate of registration (COR) required to run a bait station beginning April 1, 2021. You can obtain the certificate of registration by visiting the Division office in the region where you plan to set up your bait station. 

Pursuit permits are valid for 365 days from the day you buy them, but you may pursue bears only during the state’s pursuit seasons. 

Unit boundaries change every year. Use the Utah Hunt Planner to find unit maps, boundaries and information on the hunts you want to apply for.
Learn more at wildlife.utah.gov/huntplanner. 

HUNTING WITH DOGS
The fall hunt on the Book Cliffs, Bitter Creek/South unit runs from Aug. 7–Nov. 14, 2021. Hunters will be allowed to use dogs on this unit during the early and later parts of the season. Dogs are not allowed from Aug. 21–Oct. 8, 2021.

If you obtain a bear permit for the La Sal or San Juan units during the Aug. 14–Sept. 26 season, you will not be allowed to use dogs from Sept. 18–26, 2021. This restriction is to avoid conflicts with limited-entry elk hunters. 

The maximum number of dogs that can be used to pursue a bear has been set at 16 for the spring and fall seasons. During all summer pursuit seasons and restricted summer pursuit seasons, there’s an eight-dog maximum.

BEAR HUNTING SEASON
  • Spring April 3–May 31, 2021
  • Summer July 7–Aug. 7, 2021
  • Fall Nov. 4–14, 2021 

For more information on black bear hunting in Utah see wildlife.utah.gov/bear.
 
####

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.


Utah’s Application period for 2021 limited-entry black bear hunts are from Feb. 2–23, 2021. The results of the black bear drawing will be available on or before March 3, 2021. Remaining permits go on sale, if available March 11, 2021.

NOTE: : Before you can - apply for or obtain a 2021 black bear hunting - permit, bonus point or pursuit permit, 
  • you must complete an online bear orientation course. You will find the orientation course online at wildlife.utah.gov/bear. After you successfully complete the course, you will be able to apply for or obtain your permit.