“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
Friends Reel In South Carolina Record Walleye
Submitted by: TBC Press
Posted on: 06/27/22
The Backcountry Press
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News # 14805
Starzek, a Michigan native who grew up walleye fishing, has targeted record walleye in South Carolina and Georgia throughout the past seven years and crafted a worm rig with a hand-painted lure he designed specifically to land trophy fish in the Tallulah basin.
"It’s a passion for me, and it’s been a long time coming," Starzek said.
Starzek and Edlund were on the water by 6:30 a.m. and trolled less than two hours in the 13-foot Lowe boat before hooking up with the fish.
The men searched for an open store with a state-certified scale for hours before being able to officially weigh the fish at a grocery store in Greer.
Lake Tugalo is a 597-acre mountain reservoir on the Georgia border and is owned and operated by Georgia Power Company.
Fishing South Carolina lakes requires a freshwater fishing license. For more, visit www.dnr.sc.gov.
Image courtesy of SCDNR
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The S.C. Department of Natural Resources recently certified a state-record walleye caught in the Upstate over Memorial Day weekend.
Chris Edlund, of Spartanburg, and Dave Starzek, of Greer, caught a 10-pound, 1.44-ounce walleye from Lake Tugalo in Oconee County on May 29. Edlund pulled the fish in and is the angler on record, while Starzek netted the fish.
"When it surfaced, we got excited and knew if that wasn’t a record, it was going to be close," Edlund said.
The fish will officially share the state record with a 10-pound walleye caught in Lake Russell in 1994. While Edlund’s catch is slightly heavier, a fish weighing less than 25 pounds has to exceed the previous record catch by at least 2 ounces to replace the record holder.
Walleye require a cool-water habitat not found many places in South Carolina. South Carolina has a small reproducing population, primarily in the Tugalo River arm of Lake Hartwell, that move up the Tugalo River to spawn in the spring.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources has also stocked walleye in Lake Tugalo and Lake Yona over the years.
Chris Edlund, of Spartanburg, poses with a walleye he caught on Lake Tugalo in Oconee County on May 29. The 10-pound, 1.44-ounce fish will share a state record from 1994.
