“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.
Loop Knots
Use loop knots to tie a line to the end of a rig or to make an interconnecting system for attaching tackle parts.
The Backcountry Press
There are a large variety of knots for the outdoors including hunting, fishing or boating and each knot has specific properties and suitability for a range of tasks. Some knots are well-adapted to attach to particular objects such as another rope, cleat, ring, or stake. Other knots are made to bind or constrict around an object. Choosing the correct knot for the job at hand is one of the most fundamental aspects of using knots well. (Some Video Instructions are Included)
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K N O T S
Similar to the Surgeon's Knot for joining lines. It is tied the same as the Surgeon's knot but with a double strand. As such, this knot does use more line than most. It is a tad bulky but is great for making quick, strong loops at the end of lines and leaders for connecting to other loops.
Fold over the tag end of line and form the knot using both strands to make a double overhand knot. Pull up carefully on both ends and the loop.
Bimini Twist Loop -- Click for Step by Step Info & video
We'll go out on a limb here. This knot provides nearly 100 percent of original line strength. It's like a hangman's knot. It might take a lot of practice, but it's very, very effective.
The Bimini twist knot is used for offshore trolling and sportfishing and the creation of double-line leaders. A Bimini twist creates a loop at the end of the line in which it is tied.
The loop secured at the top with a long barrel of coiled line created by the tying process. A Bimini twist loop is stronger than the line itself. It is one of the rare knots that does not weaken the line in which it is tied.
Figure-Eight Loop
It creates a fixed loop so a hook can move freely. It is best with larger lines where a tight knot, such as the Improved Clinch can impede hook, bait or lure movement.
In-Line Dropper -- click for step by step video
Use this knot to make a loop in the middle of your line to attach a hook or another rig. This knot is often used on multi-hook fishing lines. Fold the line back over itself to make a loop and then twist the two overlapping line sections four or five times. Pull the loop through this center twist. Pull tight.
