“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
Wisconsin 2022 Northern Zone Smallmouth Bass Season Opens
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/27/22
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14806
"The beginning of smallmouth bass season offers another great angling option in northern Wisconsin," said Craig Roberts, a fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "Smallmouth bass are known for their tenacity and being both aggressive and hard fighters. They will bite all summer long in both lakes and rivers and offer great fishing for the whole family."
Anglers may purchase a license online through the GoWild system or at certain essential businesses. Please visit the fishing license webpage for more information.
Insight into local smallmouth bass fishing locations can be found in the 2020-2021 Wisconsin Fishing Report. A list of quality bass waters is available on the DNR's fisheries webpage.
The DNR encourages anglers to continue to fish close to home, practice safe social distancing and adhere to Gov. Evers' Badger Bounce Back Plan.
For specific information regarding COVID-19, we encourage the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or @dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information is available on the CDC website.
Image courtesy of WI DNR
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With waters warming up, the Wisconsin 2022 smallmouth bass season opened June 20 for the northern management zone.
While smallmouth bass season is currently open in southern Wisconsin, anglers will now have the opportunity to harvest them from these additional waters:
- Wisconsin-Michigan Boundary Waters;
- Northern management zone;
- Tributaries to Lake Michigan - north of Hwy 29 in Door and Kewaunee counties; and
- Lake Superior - including Kakagon River and Slough.
Smallmouth bass harvest season varies by location. Anglers should consult the 2020-2021 Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for daily bag and size limits and season durations. All regulations and license requirements apply.
