“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
Oklahoma Approves the 2022 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/15/22
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News # 14793
Waterfowl Zones 1 and 2 will again share the same season dates and bag limits this year. Season will be Nov. 12-27, 2022, and Dec. 3, 2022-Jan. 29, 2023. Special youth, active military and veterans hunting days will be Nov. 5, 2022, and Feb. 4, 2023.
Daily bag limit for ducks and mergansers is six; there is no separate limit for mergansers this year. Daily bag may include no more than five mallards (only two may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and one northern pintail. Daily coot limit is 15.
Hunting dates for light and dark geese will be Nov. 5-27, 2022, and Dec. 3, 2022-Feb. 12, 2023. White-fronted geese may be taken Nov. 5-27, 2022, and Dec. 3, 2022-Feb. 5, 2023. Sandhill crane hunting will run from Oct. 22, 2022-Jan. 22, 2023, west of Interstate 35 only.
For more information see; OK MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS
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During their regular June meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners approved hunting season dates and bag limits for this year’s (2022) migratory bird hunting seasons. The resolutions were presented by Bill Dinkines, Chief of Wildlife with the Oklahoma Department of Wildife Conservation.
Commissioners approved migratory bird hunting dates and bag limits for 2022-23 as follows:
· Dove — Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2022, and Dec. 1-29, 2022. Limit is 15 daily, 30 in possession after first day, 45 in possession after second day.
· Teal — Sept. 10-25, 2022. Limit is six daily, 12 in possession after first day, 18 in possession after second day.
· Resident Canada Goose — Sept. 10-19, 2022. Limit is eight daily, 16 in possession after the first day, 24 in possession after the second day.
For ducks, mergansers and coots, the season will be Oct. 8, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023, in the Panhandle counties. Special youth, active military and veterans hunting days will be Oct. 1, 2022, and Feb. 4, 2023, in those counties.
