“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 by May 21 for Hawaii 2021 Rainbow Trout Fishing at Koke‘e
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/21/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14334
The fishing season for rainbow trout at Pu’u Lua Reservoir on Kaua‘i will begin June 21st. Due to COVID-19, the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) announce there will be a lottery system in place for opening weekend (June 19-20), then the season will open as usual on June 21 from 6 am to 6 pm through September 30. The lottery system will allow fishers to access the reservoir for one 4-hour session, either in the morning or afternoon, on Saturday or Sunday of opening weekend.
Instructions for trout season application:
- The names of ALL PEOPLE IN THE GROUP (maximum group size is 25, pursuant to county guidelines for outdoor gatherings), whether fishing or not, must be included in the application.
- In the case of duplicate fishing applications received, the first application received will be entered into the lottery to assign fishing dates. Duplicate applications will be removed from the list of qualified applicants.
- Each applicant must also obtain a freshwater fishing license, separately from the lottery: $3 for minors (9-15 years old), $5 for residents, no charge for senior citizens. Licenses may be obtained at authorized license agents or online. LICENSES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON-SITE.
- The bag limit for trout per fisher per session will be seven fish.
- There will be NO ENTRY to Pu‘u Lua Reservoir without lottery confirmation email (opening weekend only), fishing license and Photo ID.
- Appropriate social distancing between groups is required.
- Fishers must sign in at the Pu‘u Lua Reservoir main check station upon arrival and sign out at the end of their session.
- Masks must be worn during sign-in and sign-out.
- Pu‘u Lua reservoir intake access road will be closed to foot and vehicle traffic. Streams, upper and lower ditch systems will have poor fishing opportunities. Park headquarters, Trail 2 and Reservoir Intake check stations will open on Monday June 21st, 2021.
- For non-Hawaii residents, no park entrance fee is required to fish at Pu‘u Lua reservoir.
To apply online: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/trout-fishing-lottery/
To apply online for a Freshwater Fishing License: https://freshwater.ehawaii.gov/freshwater/
Authorized license agents: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/fishing/freshwater-fishing/authorized-license-agents/
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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.
Hawaii anglers have until May 21 to apply for the 2021 rainbow trout fishing at Pu’u Lua Reservoir on Kaua‘i. The DEADLINE for submitting applications is 4:00 pm on Friday, May 21, 2021. Interested fishers are encouraged to submit their application well before the application deadline to ensure proper processing.
Application for the lottery is online only. Applicants must fill out an application and PROVIDE AN EMAIL ADDRESS for the session assignment. Application to the lottery does not guarantee access to the reservoir on opening weekend.
Applicants will also still be required to register for a Freshwater Fishing License: $3 for minors (9-15 years old), $5 for residents, no charge for senior citizens (65 years and older). They can also apply online but will be charged a fee of one extra dollar.
