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Arizona Quail Outlook: Better Than Last Season, But Not Gangbusters
(Before It's News)
Arizona -(Ammoland.com)- Quail hunting in Arizona is pretty much boom or bust — and, lately, it’s been more “bust” than “boom.”
That cycle might be about to change. Timely rainfall last winter gave quail populations — particularly Gambel’s, the best-known and most widespread of the state’s three main species — a much-needed boost. That led to spring call counts that were off the charts, an indicator that numbers are headed in the right direction. The 2015-16 season, which opens tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 2, 2015), still figures to be slightly below average but better than last year.
“Gambel’s quail call counts taken out of the Tucson (regional) office were the highest in 10 years,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Traditionally, these call indices have had a direct correlation to number of birds in the hunter’s bag, but hunters should not be expecting to be wading through desert quail.
“Given the low population levels prior to this population boost, hunters should expect fair to below-average bird numbers. There will be some ‘hot spots’ out there, but it will take some work to find them. At the very least, covey sizes should be up, if not the number of coveys.”
With more detailed information about harvest at the game management unit level, the result of modifications made in 2006 to the “Small Game and Predator/Furbearer Hunter Questionnaire,” hunters might want to consider the following data when planning their hunts:
Highest-Harvest Units (long-term average):
37B
21
16A
22
41
Highest-Harvest Units (2014):
41
37B
24B
22
39
Highest Birds Per Hunter Day (long-term average):
26M
43B
41
15D
18B
Highest Birds Per Hunter Day (2014):
44A
39
26M
24A
41
While quail hunters spend most of their time in pursuit of Gambel’s, the outlooks for scaled quail, which inhabit the open country of eastern Arizona, and Mearns’ quail, whose distribution primarily is in the southeast corner of the state, are pretty much the same.
“This year, scaled quail have had the opportunity to take advantage of either the good winter precipitation or the monsoons,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the department. “So far, I’ve seen more scaled quail this year than last year. Expect a slight below-average season, but again, better than last.”
As for Mearns’: “The monsoon rain patterns have been consistent for four years straight now, which have allowed the Mearns’ quail population to steadily rise to normal levels,” O’Dell said. “You should find another average season waiting for you. The season for Gambel’s, scaled and California quail, which receives little hunting pressure and is found along the Little Colorado River drainage near Springerville, opens Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Mearns’ quail can be hunted starting Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016.
A valid Arizona hunting or combination license is required for all hunters 10 and older. Those hunters under 10 must either have a valid hunting or combination license, or be accompanied by an adult who possesses a valid hunting or combination license. Licenses can be purchased online or at license dealers statewide. The general bag limit is 15 quail per day in the aggregate, of which no more than eight may be Mearns’ quail. 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. Another resource for both new and experienced hunters alike is “An Introduction to Hunting Arizona’s Small Game.” Written by 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.
Did you know?
Arizona hunting and fishing licenses are a great value. You can get combination hunting and fishing licenses for a family of four for less than the price of one night in a motel. Great Outdoors, Great Value! https://azgfdportal.az.gov/License
Source: http://www.ammoland.com/2015/10/arizona-quail-outlook-better-than-last-season-but-not-gangbusters/
