“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
Apply for Idaho 2022 Moose, Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat Controlled Hunts by April 30
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 04/12/22
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News # 14750
- Residents under Price Lock: $183.50
- Residents without Price Lock: $216.50
- Nonresidents: $2,672.50
Moose, sheep and goat drawing results will be online in early June. Tag fees will be refunded to those who did not draw, but not the hunting license or application fees.
A person is allowed to apply for one of these three species in a year, and those who apply for a moose, sheep or goat hunt are ineligible for most deer, elk and pronghorn controlled hunt drawings. For more details, see page 37 of the rules booklet.
For more information, review the 2021-2022 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Seasons and Rules brochure, which is available at Fish and Game offices and license vendors.
Moose, sheep and goat tags are among Idaho’s most coveted hunts, and also among the most successful for harvest.
In 2021 hunter success was:
- Moose: 77 percent
- Sheep: 71.5 percent
- Goat: 83 percent
Statewide tag numbers
Tag numbers remain the same as they were in 2021 with the exception of changes to two California bighorn sheep hunts. Hunt 7006 (Hunt Area 46-1) was eliminated because of low bighorn sheep numbers after a pneumonia-related die-off. Hunt 7002 (Hunt Area 41-1) was reduced from 2 tags to 1 tag after gathering new survey information in the summer of 2021.
Moose hunters are reminded that in addition to the controlled hunts, there are four moose tags available through Fish and Game's Super Hunt program, or on Page 28 of the 2021-22 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Seasons and Rules booklet. The deadline for entries for the first Super Hunt drawing is May 31.
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The Idaho application period for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts is now open and runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online or at any Fish and Game office, license vendor or by telephone by calling (800) 554-8685.
Hunters are reminded that Fish and Game no longer accepts mail-in applications, and that moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunt tags are excluded from designation by any parent or grandparent to their minor child or grandchild.
Moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts remain unchanged for nonresident hunters, who can still apply, and are limited to no more than 10 percent of the total number of tags for each species.
To apply for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunts, each applicant must possess a 2022 Idaho hunting or combination license. There is a nonrefundable application fee of $16.75 for residents and $45.75 for nonresidents. Moose, sheep and goat hunt applicants must pay the tag fee along with the application fee when they apply. The total application fees for moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat are:
