“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
WVDNR Reminds Anglers of New Fishing Regulations for 2021
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 02/19/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14230
Additional changes to the state’s fishing regulations include:
- A river-wide 14” to 22” slot limit with a daily creel of six fish with only one fish allowed over 22” is in place for all black bass in the New River from the confluence of the New and Gauley rivers upstream to the West Virginia/Virginia state line excluding the 12-mile catch and release section and Bluestone Lake (from the dam upstream to the mouth of Indian Creek).
- The Kanawha River (from the confluence of the Gauley and New rivers downstream to the Buffalo Bridge) has a four-fish daily creel limit with a 15” minimum size limit for all Moronidae species, including striped bass, white bass, and hybrid striped bass.
- A two-fish daily creel limit for all trout is in place on Stephens Lake in Raleigh County
The WVDNR is also introducing three new licenses:
- A three-year hunting and fishing license (Class X3)
- A hunting and fishing license with trout stamp included (Class XP)
- A three-year hunting and fishing license with trout stamp included (Class XP3)
For more information about fishing regulations in West Virginia, download a copy of the 2021 Fishing Regulations at wvdnr.gov/fishing/fishing_regs.shtm.
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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.
Anglers in West Virginia have new fishing regulations to follow and are encouraged to check the 2021 Fishing Regulations for a roundup of changes that may affect them.
“Probably the biggest change is that we now have a statewide 30-fish daily creel and 60-fish possession limit for game fish that didn’t have a creel limit before,” said Mark Scott, assistant chief of fish management for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The new creel and possession limit went into effect Jan. 1 for black and white crappie in aggregate, bluegill and all other sunfish species in aggregate, all other game fish currently not under a creel limit, and yellow perch.
“We felt it would be prudent to set a baseline limit for fish that didn’t have a limit before while we gather data to see if there needs to be less restrictions or more,” Scott said.
