I like roomy pockets up front for the carrying shells. Every day after the school bus dropped us off, I left my friends to watch “Gilligan’s Island” and solve their Rubik’s cubes while I took Dudley quail hunting. Arizona Gambels and Scaled Quail Numbers are solid ,up from previous years.We are excited about what this season will bring as its been a while since Arizona has had good Desert Quail Hunting. The next problem is getting in position for a shot. It’s true that we aren’t experiencing any high-water marks for the most common quail subspecies, of which the mortality rate any given year can come close to 80 percent. Nonresident anglers in AZ can purchase an annual fishing license for $55. Try on boots before you purchase them. What I'd never done was hunt Mearns quail when their numbers were as high as they were last December. If you look carefully, you will still have the opportunity to learn where and how to hunt quail most effectively. Quail Seasons: Gambel’s and Scaled, 3rd Friday of October through 2nd Friday of February; Mearn’s Season is the 1st Friday of December through the 2nd Friday of February . When following up on a covey, look for likely cover where birds may settle, even if you don’t witness birds landing. Everything in the desert tries to protect itself by inflicting pain, but the beauty can… Except in the best summer rainfall years, predictions about Mearns’ quail numbers based on precipitation are less reliable than site-specific field observations. “Places like Patagonia, Sonoita, or in some of the sky island isolated mountain ranges would be good starting points,” Harding suggests. Among flushing game birds, quail accelerate fastest and seem to have an uncanny ability to put obstacles between themselves and the shooter. For late season birds, I even use No. All three major species of Arizona quail form pair bonds by March, but each have different breeding seasons. The morning of Day 2 in Arizona was really foggy and since it was below freezing I worried about black ice on the roads. When a predator is near, a covey will flush and disperse. The Mearns’ quail has been known to make its habitat in lower parts of southern Arizona. Good quail hunters can rest assured they can hit all other types of upland game with relative ease. You can easily do this. last week she got 3 on the ground again 2 with one shot and one on another shot. This broad array of hunting opportunities has given the sport an almost sacred place in United States history. I think the three shell restriction is only in place for migratory birds but I hunt with a double so I never had the occasion to talk with a ... You can pull your plug out for quail if you choose. Our Arizona upland hunts are based in Southern Arizona and we focus on three species of quail located there-Gambels, Scaled, and Mearns quail. Many lightweight vests are made of cool, mesh material, but mesh can shred after one season in our quail country. Wait. Ethics aside, you will have a hard time finding quail without a dog once they roost. The hottest thing going in upland hunting right now is Arizona quail, with the state offering multiple species, hunting into February, and enough public land to accommodate all comers (nearly half of Arizona is public land). To hunt quail, I was required to buy a combination hunting and fishing license for $160 and had no intention to fish whatsoever. On the morning of Day 3 there was a little fog but it was above freezing. Carrying the gun with the muzzle pointed at the ground or in the air enables the hunter to mount the gun quickly. Also, can you hunt bogs Hole without a dog. I know Mearns quail will be out of season, but the timing works with work and family so I’m not sure I could postpone to December. Quail Hunt. Arizona Quail Hunt, Day 1 & 2. A quail hunter needs only a few equipment items: a shotgun, boots and a vest. Quail populations are affected by winter precipitation (October through March), so local information on winter rainfall from the previous year narrows the hunter’s search. Small game hunting season in Arizona began Friday, Oct. 9 for many species, including cottontail rabbits, which can be hunted through June 30, 2021. Hunters 18 and older are required to have a valid hunting or combo hunt/fish license. For quail hunting, the choke (the amount of constriction on the shot pattern) should be open. Check Availability. A valid Arizona hunting or combination hunt and fish license is required for all hunters 10 and older. These little buggers live in some inhospitable areas. 8 shot is commonly used. Arizona Mearns Quail . Many times a return call will give away the covey location. Arizona Mearns Quail Season December 4 – February 7, 2021. 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. This situation makes opportunities to hunt quail less abundant and hence more valuable. AZQuailToday.com — a website with the goal to provide complete and updated information regarding quail and quail hunting in all of Arizona. It also means it has a lot of hunters. Arizona Boys Hunt California Valley Quail, The KT Diaries – Arizona Means Quail Video. Upland Hunts. The Mearns quail is considered a game bird in Texas, but there is currently no open season for them. Posted on January 10, 2021 by windypointsj1s@aol.com. Thank you. Scaled quail take advantage of both summer and winter precipitation, so their numbers are harder to predict than those of other quail species. By the turn of the century, quail hunting had become a popular pastime in Arizona, and a generous season and lack of a bag limit gave the state a reputation for harboring \"game-hogs.\" In 1909, the territorial legislature limited quail hunting to an open season of October 16 through January 31, an arrangement that was retained in the state game code of 1912 along with a bag limit of 25 quail. There is safety in numbers. Lodging and Ammenities. 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. To Hunt or Not Hunt Quail on the Mexican Border? Gambel’s is most often hunted in the open desert. Spring call counts around the state were up 125 percent from the 10-year average, so Gambel’s numbers and harvest should be better than last year’s numbers.”, Translation: Expect to find a few more birds to chase when the 2019-20 season opens Friday, Oct. 18. Being forewarned is one of the biggest assets of hunting with a dog. The coveys huddle back to together around 3:30 pm to roost for the night. Check Availability. Selecting gauge and choke for California quail. In these areas, the ratio of scaled quail to Gambel’s is about 10:1, as opposed to 1:10 at the edge of scaled quail habitat. Reliability, weight and fit are more important than action type for a quail-hunting shotgun. Arizona is our home turf. Just a warning, busting quail coveys up late in the PM can result in single birds that freeze to death, because they don’t make it … Knowing these calls and being able to imitate them cab be invaluable in locating coveys. Jun 13, 2013 #2 moonprincesskk Hatching. There is no sneaking, stalking or crouching in camouflaged concealment. The Arizona Quail Hunting season opens in Mid -October and generally its is to hot and snaky.We suggest booking an Arizona Quail hunt from mid to late November thru to the 2nd Sunday in February when the Arizona Quail Hunting Season ends.If you are a Quail Hunter seeking the ultimate Wild Quail and Dove hunting experience you need to consider a booking a Guided Arizona Quail Hunt with Orvis Endorsed … When a shot opportunity presents itself, be prepared to capitalize on it. In that case, the one you’re looking at will be just perfect. The second piece of equipment required for quail hunting is a pair of lightweight boots. “Holding the quail in place with a dog will enable you to get close enough to flush the birds and get a shot. This is difficult to do, though, as the desire to bag birds after a long search can override logic in the heat of the moment. I have been back from Montana for about 2 weeks and we are slowly getting out and checking out some areas and running dogs.This will increase now that its cooling off.From what I have seen here in S.E. If you are in flag the best quail hunting and closest to you is beaver creek. Some densely vegetated habitats are difficult to hunt despite good quail numbers, because Gambel’s will run, refusing to fly except behind screening cover. Hunting in southern Arizona is not for the faint of heart or the thin of pants or the light of dog-power. Arizona Quail Hunting Camp: Home 2020-2021 Quail Reports Hunting Gallery 2019-2020 Quail Reports 2018-2019 Quail Reports Bird Dogs 2017-2018 Quail Reports ... How cool it was to touch base in the dove fields with an old quail hunting bud and his REI friend. Expect to hunt and camp in isolated, backcountry regions and prepare accordingly. Success at finding quail is proportional to the numbers of miles walked, which can be brutal in poorly fitting, heavy, insulated boots. As far as the legal aspect of it. “Even with one good year of production — and hopefully more to come — statewide numbers will expectedly be lower than historical numbers, but hunting Gambel’s this fall should still be exciting.”. If you are looking to hunt common game like quail, deer and turkey, Arizona can provide prosperous hunting. You can wear a light jacket underneath when temperatures drop. Mearns’ quail is one of the most common birds hunted in Arizona. Arizona has thousands of acres of public land open to quail hunters, including some remote areas that receive low hunting pressure. warning people that migratory bird was still … It's where we started, where we live, train, and scout the most. Once the covey is broken up into singles, Gambel’s and scaled quail often hold very tight, flushing in a startling whir of wings as you approach the cover in which they are hiding. Hoping to start a new active thread for all of us who are raising quail in Arizona. A quail-call can also help you “call-back” singles to your general direction after you bust up a covey. The book can be ordered for $16.95 at, Finally, hunters should check out O’Dell’s techniques for field-dressing quail at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gRwZAcWzzk. The general bag limit is 15 quail per day in the aggregate, of which no more than eight may be Mearns’ quail (when the … Lighter shot loads (1 ounce and lower) are sufficient. While there will be a few hot spots out there, O’Dell said hunters should prepare to put in the work to find them. Those that zip or snap completely open are easier to clean. Time of year – Is mid-November a fair time of year for Arizona quail? If hunting with a dog, trust the dog – its ability to locate birds is better than yours. I’ve enjoyed hunting quail ever since Dudley and I first took “Arizona Quail Hunting 101” together. Gambel’s and scaled quail make distinctive calls that can be heard from great distances. While many would believe that this Southwestern state is nothing but desert, Arizona’s ecosystem is perfect for a variety of wildlife. Arizona hunters primarily pursue three species of quail: Gambel’s, scaled and Mearns’ (Montezuma). Arizona Quail Hunt, Day 1 & 2. Mearns’ quail breed much later than Gambel’s or scaled quail, so the hunting season starts later (mid-November) to allow chicks to mature. Brian joined me and Brett on an all-day Mearns marathon while the rest of our troop accepted the Herculean task of finding a Gambel's quail or two. Shrugging into my vest and slipping the shotgun from the case, I flipped the tailgate down, dropped the dog dish into the dirt and opened the nozzle on the blue water jug. These features can be convenient but are not required and may add unnecessary cost and weight. riders can make it tough by pushing the birds into cover. 14-17 He’d put down two or three at a time and we’d hunt three or four human miles before heading back to the truck to swap dogs and set off in a … The heart of scaled quail habitat is southeastern Arizona in the semi-desert grasslands near Willcox, Safford, Douglas and Sierra Vista. Many bighorn sheep hunting zones are difficult to access. Harding says Gambel's quail can be found many places where there's open desert country south of the Mogollon Rim, but for scaled or Mearns' quail, southeastern Arizona is the place to be. Waterproof boots are nice, but not necessary. Quick question: Is that one of the new Q5 vests? My Brittany is a little young for water retrieve, but I have heard this area is full of Mexican ducks an am looking to do a combo quail. The hunter should be familiar with the habits of his quarry, especially the calls. Large coveys seem to evaporate as individual birds hide from the hunters. 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. 6). Went on a “armed hike “ that day with my two bird dogs. Such hunting can be spectacular, and hunters that get a taste of hunting with a pointing dog rarely go back willingly to hunting without one. Unfortunately, quail populations have been on the decline in recent decades as the species' habitat has become more and more sparse. 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. Hunting and fishing, which are regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, are allowed on public and private lands with landowner consent. ... Arizona California Quail Season October 16 – February 7, 2021 Limits: 15 per day in aggregate with other quail, 45 possession. Sometimes marking the spot where you were standing at the shot will help you line up with landmarks and locate a downed bird. Often times your bird will be found five to 10 yards past where you’d marked it down. statewide. Let's make this the best quail thread on BYC. We hunt in Arizona for early dove in September and most of the quail season. Arizona Quail Hunt, Day 3. Arizona Bighorn Sheep Seasons. The Arizona Quail Hunting season opens in Mid -October and generally its is to hot and snaky.We suggest booking an Arizona Quail hunt from mid to late November thru to the 2nd Sunday in February when the Arizona Quail Hunting Season ends.If you are a Quail Hunter seeking the ultimate Wild Quail and Dove hunting experience you need to consider a booking a Guided Arizona Quail Hunt with … 2020 Forecast: Winter moisture improves overall brood survival PHOENIX — Truth be told, Arizona’s quail hunters are also weather wonks — always checking the forecasts, particularly during the winter months, their fingers crossed that the wet stuff is on the way. Meanwhile, hunters should note that the season for Mearns’ quail doesn’t begin until Dec. 6. No black ice worries. Let's make this the best quail thread on BYC. Shell loops are handy but wear out quickly and shells fall loose in your pockets anyway. One thing I like about it is that success relies more on skill than luck. Has me want to start the season early. I prefer medium to high-top (8 to 12 inches) boots for ankle support and to keep grass seeds out of my socks. I laughed at her .. 520-235-9095. That was “Arizona Quail Hunting 101” for me. This video is a good example of what you might see during a typical day of Arizona quail hunting. “This is the second summer of widespread 'nonsoons' instead of monsoon moisture. The game pocket should have a lining impervious to blood. Avoid areas with dense woodland. Be persistent – look for feathers to help locate the kill. Be persistent: Learning to kick cactus and other cover to flush tight-holding birds offers some of the most exciting moments in quail hunting. Boots that are uncomfortable in the store will be tortuous in the field. We will recommend a lodging location based on the species you desire to hunt. Once a bird flushes, you have only a few seconds to mount your gun, acquire the target, swing and shoot. Quail are social-gatherers and live in social groups called coveys. I've never seen anybody hunt quail with a .22, even when they're on the ground. Quail hunting in Arizona is not for the faint of heart. More quail-hunting information can be found on the department’s website. Birds often concentrate along desert washes in dense scrubby vegetation and near water sources. Except in the best summer rainfall years, predictions about Mearns’ quail numbers based on precipitation are less reliable than site-specific field observations. LunaRita Outfitters, LLC. We can discuss all things quail--hatching, breeding, raising, etc. Some lightweight 12-gauge shotguns are suitable for quail hunting, but generally the smaller-gauge guns are lighter. I believe there used to be a hunting cap of 5 shells for predator, quail, etc. If you consider yourself a sportsman or outdoor enthusiast, Arizona Hunting Today is your place to discuss hunting (big and small game), archery, bird dogs and even fishing. What’s Happening Now-Season Opener Oct 18 2019, What’s Happening Now-Post Season 2018-2019 Spring Report, What’s Happening Now-Season Opener Oct 19 2018. A good dog and a call can improve enjoyment, but are not necessary for success. It’s a lifestyle that is weaved throughout the fabric of American life. Ten years ago I went to Arizona to hunt the desert quail. California Quail cover parts of Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, and even into Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. While you do not have many hunting opportunities in the United States, you can still get out after them in two states (Arizona and New Mexico). We’ve all heard stories about the fortunate neophyte (aka lucky idiot) who stumbles into taking a nice buck, but no one stumbles into bagging a limit of quail. Carefully watch where the flushing covey flies to, rather than waste ammunition and distract your attention on questionable long-range shots. Avoid being distracted by other shooting opportunities until the downed bird is located – you’ll bring home more birds and less frustration. and the game dept. Whether you are hunting for a day or for a week, we can customize your hunt to achieve the objectives you desire. 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. Sporadic, localized summer rainfall determines Mearns’ quail numbers, which can be good in one mountain range and poor in another. If you love to hunt game birds, you know that finding them in the wild can prove to be somewhat challenging. Our Arizona quail season ended last Sunday on February 10th . Its a little too hot and snaky early in the season but by mid November it is getting cool enough to make for an enjoyable hunt … A modified, improved cylinder or skeet choke works best. Jun 13, 2013 #2 moonprincesskk Hatching. Specializing in upland birds- Gambel's, Scaled, and Mearns quail / Lunarita Outfitters. Mearns’ numbers can be high in thickly vegetated habitat. Call us to book your guided or outfitted hunt in southern Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah. On private lands, no shooting is allowed within ¼ mile of any occupied structure or from or across a road or railway. Or, you could look further south to find quail opportunities that are open when those northern states’ seasons have been closed for weeks. Arizona’s quail season runs until Feb. 9. Unless you intend to carry birds and shotgun shells in grocery bags – don’t laugh, some hunter do – a good shooting vest is a necessity. Depend on monsoonal moisture, and scout the most exciting moments in quail hunting southern. 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