“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
CDFW’s SHARE Program Now Offering New Public Fishing Opportunities
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 03/01/22
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News # 14734
During the surveys, SHARE participants will catch the fish then transfer them to CDFW staff who will collect information such as length and weight; these data provide insight to trends in abundance and condition of the bass and allows CDFW to actively manage the fishery. Bass caught during these surveys average 14 inches but can reach 25.6 inches and weigh nearly 6 pounds.
Barrett Reservoir, maintained and operated by the City of San Diego, serves as a domestic drinking water supply with a water storage capacity of 34,805-acre feet. The reservoir is home to a robust largemouth bass population, including one of two northern-strain largemouth bass populations in a water that does not contain quagga mussels. This quintessential sportfish and keystone predator make Barrett Reservoir a popular angling destination during the open season and an important freshwater fishery within the state.
All SHARE opportunities are available through random draw, and Barrett Reservoir draw winners are allowed to bring one fishing or non-fishing partner. Each pair will be provided a boat by the City of San Diego and can use their own fishing gear or borrow SHARE program gear. A current fishing license is mandatory of all participants on the day of their event but is not required to apply. A $12.45 non-refundable fee is charged for each access permit application.
SHARE provides angling and hunting opportunities throughout the state by creating long-term partnerships with landowners. Through the program, CDFW hopes to generate appreciation for California’s diverse landscapes and support our longstanding fishing and hunting opportunities for today and future generations.
For more information on this and other events, how to apply for an opportunity or how to enroll your property in SHARE Fishing, please contact Flower Moye at [email protected] and visit CDFW’s SHARE Fishing Program webpage.
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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now offering public fishing opportunities through the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) program. SHARE is a controlled access program that incentivizes private landowners to create wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities to the public in exchange for financial compensation and liability coverage.
Since 2010, SHARE has worked with more than 50 private landowners and enrolled more than 92,000 acres for hunting events throughout the state. In April, the program will expand to include fishing as well.
Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural SHARE fishing opportunities at Barrett Reservoir in San Diego County. Successful applicants will fish for largemouth bass in the reservoir during CDFW fisheries surveys conducted over four days in April. Four access permits will be drawn for each of the four days (16 access permits total). The catch-and-release surveys occur during the bass spawning season and a month before the water opens to the public, meaning only SHARE participants and CDFW staff will be on the water during these opportunities.
