“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.
####
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
SCDNR Reminds Hunters of Regulations for 2021 Spring Turkey Season
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/02/21
The Backcountry Press
The country's premier daily HUNTING, FISHING & OUTDOOR news in the USA and around the globe. Read whats happening in your neck of the woods & beyond.
© 2020 TBC Press - All Rights Reserved Website Design by:
News # 14242
- Residents: 3 gobblers per season, no more than one per day, no more than one (1) from April 1-10 on private land and WMAs in Game Zones 1 & 2. No more than one (1) from March 22-31 on private land in Game Zone 3 & 4.
- Nonresidents: 2 gobblers per season, no more than one per day, no more than one (1) from April 1-10 on private land and WMAs in Game Zones 1 & 2. No more than one (1) from March 22-31 on private land in Game Zone 3 & 4.
- Some WMAs may be more restrictive, see Spring Turkey Seasons on WMAs for specified limits
TURKEY TAGS
All hunters, including youth, are required to have turkey tags in possession while hunting during the regular season. They are $5 for a set of three for residents (with exceptions) and $100 for a set of two for nonresidents.
Turkey tags are being printed and mailed this week. If you have purchased or requested tags already, "Seasonal Wild Turkey Tags" should appear on your hunting license, and you should receive them soon.
All Lifetime (including Senior and Disability) and Catawba Licensees who requested their free set of turkey tags last year will automatically receive them this year and into the future. If you have one of these license types and did not request turkey tags last year you will need to request them this year, you will then receive them automatically each year.
Youth and 3-Year Disability Licensees must request these free tags annually.
Tags will also be available over the counter at SCDNR offices in Charleston, Clemson, West Columbia at the Market, Florence, and York beginning March 8.
If "Seasonal Wild Turkey Tags" appears in your list of privileges on your hunting license and you have not received tags in the mail by March 10, contact our license office at (803) 734-3833.
Tags may be purchased or requested by phone at 1-866-714-3611 or online at: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/purchase.html. Please allow 5-7 days for the tags to arrive by mail once you've purchased or requested them.
YOU MUST REPORT YOUR TURKEY HARVEST
All persons (including youth) harvesting a wild turkey are required to report their harvest by midnight of the day of harvest using SC Game Check. Harvest reporting is at no cost to the hunter.
There are three ways to complete the harvest reporting process. Hunters can either (a) log the harvest into the free SC Game Check reporting application on a smartphone; (b) enter the harvest via the SC Game Check website at www.dnr.sc.gov/scgamecheck, or (c) call the SC Game Check reporting phone line at 1-833-4SC-GAME (1-833-472-4263).
STATWIDE YOUTH HUNTING WEEKEND ON PRIVITE LANDS
For youths 17 years old and younger. Game Zones 1 and 2 March 27-28, Game Zones 3 and 4 March 20-21.
Youth hunters who have not completed the hunter education program must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age. No license or tags required for youth or adult on these designated youth days. Adult may call or guide, however, only the youth may take or attempt to take. Limit one (1) gobbler total for the weekend which counts towards the season limit.
For more information on the 2021 turkey hunting seaons see; http://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/huntingandfishing/turkey-regulations/
####
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.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) wants to remind hunters of regulations for the 2021 spring turkey hunting season that opens March 22 on Private Lands in Game Zone 3 and 4.
SEASONS & LIMITS
- Private lands Game Zone 1 and 2: April 1 – May 10
- Private lands Game Zone 3 and 4: March 22 – April 30
- WMA lands statewide: April 1 – April 30
- Some WMAs may be more restrictive, see Spring Turkey Seasons on WMAs for specified hunt dates.
- Limit statewide private and WMA lands:
