“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
IRAP Accepting Applications for 2021 Waterfowl & Upland Game Hunting Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 09/29/21
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14553
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced it is now accepting applications for 2021 Waterfowl and Upland Game hunting opportunities this fall on private land through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP).
The IDNR has leased nearly 1,200 acres of private land specifically for waterfowl and upland game hunting. Hunters have the choice of nine public access waterfowl sites in three counties and seven public access upland game hunting sites in five counties. Sites will accommodate up to four hunters each and are available at no cost to the participants.
Applications for IRAP Waterfowl opportunities are due four weeks prior to the hunting period selected by applicants. Waterfowl hunters will have access to the sites for five consecutive days during one of the twelve 2021 IRAP fall hunting periods:
- Nov. 1-5; Nov. 6-10; Nov. 11-15; Nov. 16-20; Nov. 21-25; Nov. 26-30
- Dec. 1-5; Dec. 6-10; Dec. 11-15; Dec. 16-20; Dec. 21-25; Dec. 26-30
Applications for IRAP Upland Game opportunities are due at 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2021. Hunters will have two consecutive days of access on one of the following weekends:
- Dec. 11-12; Dec. 18-19; Dec. 25-26
If hunting as a group (up to four), each person in the group must apply and list other hunters in the group. Youth hunters (age 17 and under) must be accompanied by a non-hunting supervisor (parent or designee of parent). Both youth and their supervisors must complete an IRAP application online. A lottery drawing may be held when more applications are received than there are sites available.
All hunters must have completed an IDNR-approved Hunter Education Course (if born in 1980 or after), and must have acquired an Illinois hunting license and HIP certification as well as a habitat stamp for upland game hunting or a state waterfowl stamp and a federal waterfowl stamp for waterfowl hunting. Successful applicants will be notified by mail approximately three weeks prior to their assigned hunting period, upon which they will receive a map, driving directions and an IRAP site permit allowing them to hunt on their assigned, privately-owned waterfowl or upland game hunting site.
Applications for Fall 2021 IRAP Waterfowl hunting sites can be found online at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP/Pages/Waterfowl-Hunting.aspx.
Applications for Fall 2021 IRAP Upland Game hunting sites can be found online at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/conservation/IRAP/Pages/UplandGameHunting.aspx
The IRAP program is funded through a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access Habitat Incentive Program. To date, IRAP has leased more than 26,100 acres in 50 counties to provide for various public access opportunities such as turkey, archery deer, youth firearm deer, small game, waterfowl and upland bird hunting, as well as pond and riverbank fishing. Hunters are placed on a specific site via lottery drawing, with preference given to youth hunters, first-time hunters, and veterans.
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