“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 Hawaii Combination 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer/Mouflon Sheep Hunting Season Jan 10
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 12/23/21
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News # 14683
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) announce that online applications for a combination 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep hunting season will be available beginning Monday, January 10, 2022.
A ten-dollar ($10.00) application fee will be assessed for each person applying for the hunt. The application fee is non-refundable even if the hunt is canceled or you are unable to participate. A game mammal tag fee will be assessed at the time of hunter check-in. Hawaiʻi residents will be assessed twenty dollars ($20.00) and non-Hawaiʻi residents one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00) for each Axis deer and Mouflon sheep tag. Accepted forms of payment for game mammal tags include debit cards, credit cards, and cash.
It is important that hunter applicants obtain and pay attention to the hunt announcement, instruction sheet, and addendum; and monitor online information for any changes that may be made to the application process and/or hunting season.
Due to Covid-19, the 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep hunting season may be modified, rescheduled, temporarily postponed, restarted, or canceled at any point prior to or during the season for health and/or safety concerns or for any other unforeseen reasons. All Federal, State, and County Covid-19 restrictions/guidelines apply and must be adhered to for participation in this hunt. Hunters will be required to follow all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
The 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep Season will consist of four separate hunts:
- The Archery Hunt will be held over two nine-day periods and consist of two draws. Subject to limited participation for non-Lānaʻi residents.
- The first draw hunt will begin on May 14, 2022, and end on May 22, 2022.
- The second draw hunt will begin on May 28, 2022, and end on June 5, 2022.
- The Youth Hunt will be open from Wednesday through Sunday, June 8-12, 2022. Subject to limited participation for non-Lānaʻi residents.
- The Muzzleloader Hunt will be open from Wednesday through Sunday, June 15-19, 2022. Subject to limited participation for non-Lānaʻi residents.
- The General Rifle Hunt will be held over eighteen consecutive weeks and open on Wednesdays through Sundays, beginning on June 22, 2022, and ending on October 23, 2022. Subject to limited participation for non-Lānaʻi residents.
All four hunts will be subject to a lottery drawing. There will be no standby hunting opportunities for the four hunts. Drawn hunters will receive an application/permit card in the mail indicating the date drawn.
Hunter assistants will only be allowed to accompany hunters who are senior citizens (age 65 or older) or disabled. Proper documentation is required at the time of hunter check-in.
The 2022 Lānaʻi Axis deer and Mouflon sheep season will be a combination hunt. The bag limit for Axis deer will be three animals: two does and one deer of either sex. Hunters will be required to purchase two doe tags before being able to purchase an either-sex Axis deer tag. If conditions allow, doe bag limits will be increased with hunters being issued free doe tags after the purchase of all upfront tags. The bag limit for Mouflon sheep will be four: two ewes, one Mouflon sheep of either sex and one non-typical ram. Hunters will be required to purchase two ewe tags before being able to purchase an either-sex Mouflon sheep tag. A non-typical ram tag will be issued free of charge if one Mouflon sheep tag is purchased. All heads of non-typical rams must be disposed of properly in the field or at the Lānaʻi hunter check station. Tags are non-transferable and are valid only for the specific hunt for which it was issued.
Archers must apply for this hunt by submitting an application. The group size for the archery hunt will be eight hunters. Due to a new format for the archery hunt, a lottery drawing to assign hunting dates for the Archery Hunt will be conducted. Hunters applying for the Archery Hunt will be allowed to apply for and may be able to participate in either the Muzzleloader Hunt or the General Rifle Hunt.
Archery hunters may check in on the Thursday or Friday preceding the first day of the Archery Hunt between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM or daily during the hunt between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM to validate permits and acquire their tags. Hunter Check-in and harvest reporting will be available through the OuterSpatial Trails and Hunting mobile application and purchasing of tags may be available online at https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov/public/tags, requiring hunters to only sign Pūlama Lānaʻi waiver forms at the check station. Checking in and purchasing of tags will remain available at the Lānaʻi hunter check station. Check station hours may be modified based on hunter participation levels and online check-in/tag purchase options. Archery hunters must check out of the hunting area daily and report their take or their intent to hunt the next day providing their tags remain unfilled.
Due to Covid-19, hunters will be required to apply online for this hunt at https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov. Please select 2022 Lānaʻi Axis Deer and Mouflon Sheep Season. The DEADLINE for submitting applications will be 4:00 PM on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Interested hunters must apply for either the Muzzleloader Hunt or the General Rifle Hunt but may not apply for both. The group size for the muzzleloader and general rifle hunt will be eight (8). Muzzleloader applicants will automatically be assigned to the scheduled date. General Rifle Hunt dates will be assigned by lottery drawing.
Public drawings for the archery and for the youth and muzzleloader hunts will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 11, 2022, at the DOFAW Maui base yard in Kahului, with limited public participation. The public drawing for the General Rifle Hunt lottery will be held at 12:00 noon at the above location. The Lānaʻi resident public drawing will be held at 9:00 am at the same location.
For more information on Youth hunts for azis deer and mouflon sheep season see; https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2021/12/20/nr21-235/ or Additional details for this season, or about the hunting program and rules in general, are available at state DOFAW offices by visiting https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting
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