Check out this updated regulations first, for Arizona hunting seasons 2019-2020, for your reference. This can be a problem in years of poor production as the hunter is faced with pursuing older “educated” birds. Exceptions: waterfowl, crow, wild turkey, coyote, fox, and woodchuck hunters; bow hunters (except when carrying a deer decoy into and out of the hunting area). Walk thick cover such as tumbleweeds, before you finish your morning hunt. Cottontail numbers and harvest generally follow Gambel’s quail numbers and harvest because both species rely on many of the same environmental conditions. Cottontail Use a 12-28ga shotgun with improved cylinder to modified chokes shooting shotshells with 7 ½ – 6 sized shot. Warm winters with little snow often set the stage for good squirrel hunting the following season. Ducks will tend to move more in inclement weather so shooting often lasts longer on these days. Saguaro Lake. Young birds hold better so it is worth the effort to find those areas that experienced better hatches. Consider a hunt for the Arizona big 5 (Abert’s, Kaibab, Arizona gray, Apache fox, and red squirrels). It took hunters a couple of weeks to really zero-in on grouse last season on the Kaibab Plateau. Remember only non-toxic or steel shot may be used for ducks and geese. Set out your decoys and build your blind while it is still dark so you will be situated at legal shooting time. Minimize your frustration while hunting these birds by choosing areas that have good ground cover in the way of grasses and shrubs. Began you hunts about 9 or 10am after birds have moved off the roost, usually located on the slope of a draw, and have laid down enough scent for the dogs to locate them. By Randall D. Babb. Once again a little scouting will be a big help in finding a productive shooting spot. Gambel Quail and Scaled Quail: Use 12-28ga shotgun with improved cylinder to modified chokes and shooting shotshells with #7 ½ -6 sized shot. Mass Market Paperback. Mornings after big winter storms and severe cold snaps are often an excellent time to check desert stock ponds for ducks. Also mark downed birds carefully and walk directly to the spot and retrieve the bird. near a road and hit by a car or puncture marks from a hawk’s talons), contact the Department with location information. One way to hunt them is to sit on pine-country stock tanks. Also consider using a quail call and listen for coveys to answer; this will save walking and time. The Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) kills rabbits quickly so the odds of shooting an infected animal are slim. So the birds are likely to be abundant in pockets that received good precipitation this summer. At this time free water at northern latitudes typically becomes scarce forcing birds southward to seek feeding and resting areas. This lavishly illustrated book provides expert tips for hunting Arizona's small game. Most elk and antelope hunting can be found in northern and north central Arizona, near Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim. All of the breeding call count surveys this spring were up — way up. Wearing drab clothing will also make the hunter less conspicuous. With an expected high carry-over of juveniles from last year, birds should be plentiful in some areas and numbers will be more mediocre in other areas receiving less rainfall. These unpleasant looking grubs do not harm the meat of the rabbit and no rabbit should be discarded because of them. The early part of the season offers the best opportunities for some of the early migrants like cinnamon and blue-wing teal. Arizona's small game species include cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds (quails, chukar, grouse, and pheasants), and migratory game birds (ducks, geese, swan, sandhill cranes, coot, gallinule, common snipe, mourning and white-winged doves, and band-tailed pigeon). Small Game includes Cottontail Rabbit, Tree Squirrel, Migrating Game Birds, & Quail. To register: Arizona Small Game Challenge, Small Game Hunting Tips They usually come to water early in the morning (after feeding) so check stock tanks at higher elevations early. I booked a hunt through Pete Reyes on his property about 80 miles south of San Antonio, with the plan to hunt Javalina with my .308 centerfire and bring a selection of airguns for coyote, bobcat, raccoons, hogs and whatever small stuff came my way. 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. Predatory Fur-bearing Mammals include Coyote, Skunk, Fox, Bobcat, & Raccoon. Yes. Dress bagged rabbits at the first opportunity and throw them on ice. All of the long-term quail survey routes in southern Arizona reported at being 1.5 to 2 times the recent 10-year average. While many would believe that this Southwestern state is nothing but desert, Arizona’s ecosystem is perfect for a variety of wildlife. PHOENIX – This is the time of year Arizona’s small game and waterfowl hunters have been waiting for. The State of Arizona provides more or less 10 big-game species and rich small-game selections, which includes waterfowl. If you do not have a dog, kick or toss rocks into likely clumps of shrubs to flush birds. Once a covey is located be ready for some very challenging shooting. On a typical duck hunt, shooting is usually over by 10 or 11 am. When searching for singles work the area toughly letting your dog do the work. Jackrabbits are often overlooked and not only provide excellent sport but good eating. Arizona hunting can be a great experience for you. Ducks have excellent eyesight and color vision, keep this in mind when hunting them, camouflage is recommended. Deer Hunting in Arizona The hunting opportunities are also said to be the best, and most unique, in the nation. We recommend wearing rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning rabbits. Registration is limited to 100 participants/year, and each person successfully completing one of the four challenges this year will receive a plaque and an engraving plate that marks the achievement, with additional space on the plaque for each of the remaining challenges. Mid to late November is usually when waterfowl hunting in the desert areas really picks up. The second year in a row of wet winters — and not all of it snow in the high country — means that acorns and pine cones should be abundant this fall and provide excellent resources for Abert’s squirrels. Region 1 is in Pine Top. From a population standpoint, we are out of a deficit for the first time since 2001-2002. The hunting opportunities are said to be the best, and most unique, in the nation. Snipe are classified as an upland game bird and steel shot is not required for hunting them. Wintering geese are under hunted in Arizona outside of the national wildlife refuges. Read on to find out more about hunting in Arizona. Start your quail hunt early in the morning when it’s cooler and birds are more vocal and active. Arizona is well known for the diversity of its wildlife, which includes everything from big and small game to fish. Be prepared for surprise flushes as the dogs have a difficult time locating recently flushed Mearn’s in dry conditions. Watch tree lines, washes, canals, field corners, or other structural features that birds may follow. The meat is still safe for human consumption. Buy your online license today. Predator Hunting and Trapping with Timberland Fur Harvesters. These birds are known for their habit of holding very tightly, often flushing literally underfoot. Start your hunt early in the morning when squirrels are most active. Be ready to shoot before they disappear over the edge into steep canyon country. If you prefer to jump shoot ducks, snipe are common visitors to stock tanks. However, with the outbreak and spread of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) earlier this year, some areas of the state (particularly southern Arizona) may not have as many rabbits as expected. Mearn’s quail are not nearly as vocal as Gambel’s or scaled quail and the only way to locate them is get out an walk. Small Game Species Arizona's small game species include cottontail rabbits, tree squirrels, upland game birds (quails, chukar, grouse, and pheasants), and migratory game birds (ducks, geese, swan, sandhill cranes, coot, gallinule, common snipe, mourning and white-winged doves, and band-tailed pigeon). Purchase Hunting or Fishing Licenses online at www.azgfd.gov or at “The Tackle Shop” here in Alpine. Arizona Hunting. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE AZ SMALL GAME CHALLENGE! Arizona gray squirrels are a bit harder to come by and can make for a challenging hunt. From guns and outdoor gear to photography and trail cams, we have the information you need. Know that the virus can be spread through contact with infected rabbits, their meat, fur, or materials having contact with those items, so scavengers and even insects may spread RHDV2 via contact with infectious material. Wait to clean your birds until you reach home. Allows the taking of small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. If the downed bird is not found immediately take the time to carefully search the surrounding area within about a 15 yard, or more, radius. Avoid shooting near thickly vegetated areas such as alfalfa or cotton fields to minimize the number of lost birds. Ducks tend to congregate in backwaters, slow runs on rivers, and sheltered areas on lakes such as coves and the mouths of rivers and creeks. For example, a grain field that has lots of doves feeding in it will have a few spots that will offer the best shooting. Check out this updated regulations first, for Arizona hunting seasons 2019-2020, for your reference. This is the place to hunt for big game including elk, antelope, black bear, and deer. Here's a look at what I carry when I'm out small game hunting. Purchase a License. If they are using the tank, they will generally show up before 9 am. Some of the state's top game include: Elk and Antelope. Amazon Business: For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Be and sure to ask landowners before hunting on private land and to pick up all spent shells and shell boxes. The early season is expected to be very good. However, weak monsoon patterns may reduce the number and size of scaled quail coveys such that their numbers will remain average in the southern reaches of their range and perhaps be less than average north of Interstate 10 if monsoonal patterns do not strengthen. Quietly walk along logging roads and search for squirrels on the ground and in the trees. Estimate the number of birds on a covey rise and keep count of the number of single birds that are flushed while working for singles. Add an uphill incline and you have the makings of a cardiac arrest. It is believed that Arizona offers some of the absolute best hunting in the entire nation. In sparsely vegetated areas quail tend to run and flush at excessive distances. The 2020 monsoons have been infrequent, spotty, and relatively weak this year across southern Arizona. Often warm winters in the western states will “short-stop” much of the migrating waterfowl before they make it to the southern US. Check agricultural areas for cut grain fields or fields that may be cut in the near future and feed lots. Ideally rains should start in June or early July for good nesting conditions. Government Lands: 84%. Crippled birds will run down mammal burrows, into packrat nests, or hide in most any suitable cover. ... General Hunting. Just a short drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area, Saguaro Lake is just north of … If the crop is poor, birds leave earlier. Snipe prefer marshy habitats along rivers, lakes, and flooded agriculture areas. Try a special between seasons rabbit hunt using a 22. Waterfowl breeding populations at northern latitudes are still above their long-term numbers. Weed crops, which are produced by summer rains, are also a favored food resource for doves. Scaled Try using a 22 for squirrels instead of a shotgun, it’s a lot more fun and you don’t have to worry about shot at dinnertime. Simply put, many migrating waterfowl species go no farther south than they have to. To do this, we are asking grouse hunters to provide an address or email to the Small Game Program Manager so they can be surveyed directly after the end of the season. Every license purchased online from the Arizona Game and Fish Department contributes directly to our on-the-ground conservation efforts. How late these birds stay around in the fall is largely dependent on how good the acorn crop is. Because of this habit, it is almost impossible to hunt them without a dog. Doves establish flight patterns and follow them. 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. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Abert’s squirrels spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for fungi in the fall and are more likely to be seen there. It is not uncommon to walk into an area, stop for a few seconds, and have a bird flush right behind you after you resume walking. But in good years they can number more than 15. Once a bird is knocked down, stay at the ready for a second or two to make sure the quail is not crippled and runs off. On birds that want to run ahead of you, put pressure on them by unloading your firearm and trotting after the birds until you have flushed the covey enough times for the birds to be sufficiently scattered to hold. grass, shrubs, etc.). Arizona has many surprises when it comes to hunting seasons. This vegetation provides hiding places for scattered birds. Use 12-20ga shotguns with improved cylinder to modified chokes shooting shotshells with 7 ½ to 8 sized shot and 22cal rifles. We have enjoyed two consecutive winters with above-average precipitation. Desert water holes can often provide spectacular evening and late morning shooting during both seasons, and in the late season is a great way to combine dove and quail on a hunt. Gambel’s Both the Arizona gray and Mexican fox squirrel populations should also be improving due to the recent wet winter conditions. Small Game Challenge. If birds are holding tightly it is not unusual to cover the same ground many times and still flush birds. If the hunter stands still or sits or stands next to some sort of cover (a ditch, shrub, tree, telephone pole) birds will be less likely to shy away from them. Attempt to read the cover and terrain to predict where birds may be hiding. So while states north of us (Utah, Nevada, etc.) With all of the good winter precipitation, we expected to see a lot more cottontails this year. Jackrabbits were also impacted by the RHDV2 outbreak this year. On private lands, no shooting is allowed within ¼ mile of any occupied structure or from or across a road or railway. By now, you should know the State of Arizona provides more or less 10 big-game species and rich small-game selections, which includes waterfowl. The same rig fitted with a diving plug will retrieve decoys in deep water by snagging the anchor line. AZGFD manages a variety of small game species, including five only found in the Southwest–Montezuma (Mearns’) quail, Gambel’s quail, scaled quail, Abert’s squirrel, and Kaibab squirrel. But taking the long view on this one (and the older seasoned quail hunters will agree), this season will actually be what an average year used to look like in Arizona. CLICK HERE FOR THE AZ SMALL GAME CHALLENGE VERIFICATION FORM Let’s focus on the three most popular species: deer, ducks and black bears. Yes, fishing is also a form of hunting. Harvest five of the seven small game species in Arizona while in season according to the AZGFD Hunting Regulations. Snipe offer a great plus for duck hunters. Hunting. Hunting in September usually provides more opportunity before birds move into dense fir stands at higher elevations. Check out Johnathan O’Dell’s video: How to clean quail. Late season doves frequently shift their flight patterns and feeding areas, so the more spots you have lined up the better your chances are for consistent good hunting. The weaker monsoon so far could mean a delay in their migration from Arizona, resulting in more birds hanging around for the opener. Squirrel hunting should definitely be better this year. Geese generally fly a little later than ducks but you’ll still want to be prepared by first light. 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