“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
Apply for Utah 2021 Big Game Permits by March 4
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/17/21
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News # 14223
Big game hunts are held in Utah for the following species:
- Bighorn sheep (desert and Rocky Mountain)
- Bison
- Elk
- Moose
- Mountain goat
- Mule deer
- Pronghorn
Applications will be accepted for all of Utah's 2021 big game hunts except one: permits to hunt bull elk during the general bull elk hunt won't be available until July.
Permits to hunt on any-bull elk units go on sale July 13. Permits to hunt on spike bull units go on sale July 20.
Join the Dedicated Hunter program
In addition to applying for the hunts, if you'd like a chance to hunt all three general-season deer hunts, you should consider applying for Utah's Dedicated Hunter program. You can learn more about the program, and how to join it, on the DWR website.
Utah Hunt Planner
When you're thinking about hunting in a new area — or going after a species you've never hunted before — you likely have a lot of questions. The Utah Hunt Planner, an interactive, online map, can answer many of them.
The Hunt Planner provides in-depth, hunter-focused information about all of Utah's hunts. Use it when you're researching hunts you want to apply for — or use it after you draw a permit for a particular hunt. You can learn the best spots to find animals, what the terrain is like in that area, if there's a lot of public land in the unit and where the best access points are located. DWR biologists keep the Hunt Planner up to date with the details hunters care about.
Applying for a bonus point or a preference point
If you're not planning to hunt in 2021, you can still apply for a bonus point or a preference point. Earning a point increases the chance you'll draw a permit the next time you apply. Your application for a point must be received no later than 11 p.m. on March 18. You must have a hunting license or a combination license to apply for a bonus/preference point or a big game hunting permit.
For more information about applying for a 2021 Utah big game hunting permit, see the 2021 Utah Big Game Application Guidebook, call 1-800-221-0659 or contact the nearest DWR office.
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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.
The application period for Utah 2021 big game permits opened on Jan. 28 and runs until 11 p.m. on March 4. To be included in the drawing for the hunts, you can apply on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website at https://www.utah-hunt.com/ or over the phone by calling the nearest DWR regional office.
The results of the drawing will be released no later than May 31. You'll be notified by email, but you can also get the drawing results online or by calling 1-800-221-0659.
Applications will be accepted for all of Utah's 2021 big game hunts except one: permits to hunt bull elk during the general bull elk hunt won't be available until July.
Permits to hunt on any-bull elk units go on sale July 13. Permits to hunt on spike bull units go on sale July 20.
