“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
FWC Accepting Applications for 2022 Alligator Hunt Lottery - Deadlines Pending
FWC also approved regulations changes for this years hunt
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 05/19/22
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News # 14770
Harvest Permits for Alligators
The FWC offers gator hunting opportunities at 128 specified Area Management Units (AMU) throughout Florida. Over 7,300 alligator harvest permits will be issued in three random phase drawings and one leftover phase.
Application periods begin at 10 a.m. EST on the first day indicated for the period and run through 11:59 p.m. EST on the last day.
- Phase I - ran May 6th and runs through May 16th
- Phase II - opens May 20th and goes through May 30th
- Phase III - opens June 3rd and runs through June 13th
- Phase IV (leftover applications) - opens June 16th and runs until filled or October 14th
Hunters over the age of 18 by August 15th who have a valid credit card can apply for the August 15 through November 1, 2022 alligator hunting season.
To apply, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
You can also visit the program’s website to get more information on the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program application process.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved changes to Florida’s statewide alligator hunt.
Approved changes regarding the statewide alligator hunt include increasing hunt hours from 17 per day to a full 24-hours of hunting during the day. The increase in hunting hours allows additional flexibility for planning alligator hunting tips. It also enables hunters with alligator trapping licenses or alligator harvest permits more time to hunt.
Changes also include legalizing precharged pneumatic air bows for harvesting alligators. Allowing for air bows with external high compression source power can provide youth and senior hunters with limited strength or dexterity an opportunity to harvest a gator. It also lets those with mobility challenges partake in the harvest.
Legal air bows must have a restraining line attached to the device so the hunter can control the alligator once they have caught it.
For more information on FWC changes to Florida’s 2022 alligator hunting season, visit the FWC website at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/harvest/rules/.
