Outdoor Writer Report post Posted October 15, 2020 GAME AND FISH NEWS Oct. 15, 2020 Quail outlook: All signs point to best season in several years Back-to-back wet winters have bolstered Gambel's population PHOENIX — Arizona quail hunters will be glad to know — in fact, they should be thrilled — that the 2020-21 season is shaping up to be average. That’s right, average. And that’s tremendous news heading into Friday’s season opener for Gambel’s, scaled and California quail. “Taking everything into account, this will be a great season compared to what we have experienced in the last 15 or more years,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “But taking the long view on this one — and the older, seasoned quail hunters will agree — this season will actually be what an average year used to look like in Arizona.” O’Dell points to consecutive winters that saw above-average precipitation, which gives the state’s Gambel’s quail population a much-needed boost. As a result, spring call counts were off the charts. All of the long-term survey routes in southern Arizona reported numbers up to twice the recent 10-year average. The newer routes in central and northwestern parts of the state posted their highest numbers yet, with most being twice as high as those recorded in the past five years. The bottom line: These are numbers not seen since the 1990s. “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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 16, 2020 Doesn't get any better than this. Saw a pile of Gambel's checking some desert deer cams today. Pumped for tomorrow AM. 🤠 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 17, 2020 Had a great opening morning hike, bagged 10. Would have easily been a limit but ran outta ammo 🤨 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted October 17, 2020 2 minutes ago, high rise hunter said: Had a great opening morning hike, bagged 10. Would have easily been a limit but ran outta ammo 🤨 Awesome man!! Next time bring more than 10 shells!! Hoping to get a few in the morning. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 17, 2020 15 hours ago, muledeerarea33? said: Awesome man!! Next time bring more than 10 shells!! Hoping to get a few in the morning. I'm an idiot, thought I had more shells in the truck than I did. Should have check before heading out. Gonna try to get back out mid next week. Hopefully you're knocking them down as I type! Good luck! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted October 17, 2020 Skunked this morning. Got into one covey I caught crossing the road. By the time I parked and got out they were a few hundred yards away. I busted them up and lost them. Never called or anything, found that odd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted October 17, 2020 17 hours ago, high rise hunter said: Had a great opening morning hike, bagged 10. Would have easily been a limit but ran outta ammo 🤨 Dang, you’re a good shot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted October 17, 2020 39 minutes ago, trphyhntr said: Dang, you’re a good shot Hmmm, but he didn't say how much ammo he ran out of, did he??? He might have used up two boxes on the 10 birdies he shot. 🤣 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trphyhntr Report post Posted October 17, 2020 27 minutes ago, Outdoor Writer said: Hmmm, but he didn't say how much ammo he ran out of, did he??? He might have used up two boxes on the 10 birdies he shot. 🤣 No matter how many shots it took, had to be shooting pretty good to get 10. Unless they were ground pounded Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 17, 2020 I had two half boxes, right around 25 shells. I'm no purist, grounded pounded 6, got the other 4 outta the air. Target rich, must have been 100+ birds in a small area. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmoto Report post Posted October 18, 2020 Picked up 6 in 90 minutes yesterday after work. Missed some easy shots...practice makes perfect I guess. Been going to the same spots year over year....and this was the most amount of birds I've seen in a very long time. Should be a great year. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted October 18, 2020 I am going to head out in the morning to try some new spots between Rye and Payson that I have been eyeing the last few years. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 18, 2020 6 hours ago, muledeerarea33? said: Skunked this morning. Got into one covey I caught crossing the road. By the time I parked and got out they were a few hundred yards away. I busted them up and lost them. Never called or anything, found that odd. Huh, that is odd. You headed back out again soon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muledeerarea33? Report post Posted October 18, 2020 18 minutes ago, high rise hunter said: Huh, that is odd. You headed back out again soon? In the morning, same spot 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
high rise hunter Report post Posted October 18, 2020 26 minutes ago, muledeerarea33? said: In the morning, same spot No messing around! Good luck, quick draw and keep us posted 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
