For those that chase and hunt wild birds throughout the west, this is the year we have all been waiting for.
From the Northern Plains down into the Sonoran Desert, by all reports, things are looking good. This is due to timely rains and near perfect conditions when numerous species of upland birds began their nesting cycle.
I am stoked, and from what I am seeing of prairie birds in northern Montana and southern Saskatchewan, the reports are verified.
Further south in the bobwhite quail belt of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the reports I have received from friends are also very encouraging. As we move west into the Great Basin states, chukar, Hungarian partridge and valley quail numbers also seem to be strong. If you have been thinking about planning a trip west and pursuing numerous species, by all indications this is the year to do it.
Once my Montana and Saskatchewan guide seasons wrap up, I am planning on diverting into Nevada for a week to chase chukars around in the hills. Another option is to drop down into Nebraska and Kansas and hunt bobwhite quail and prairie chickens. With a lot of young dogs that need wild bird contact, either way I don’t think I can go wrong.
Arizona Quail Forecast
We all witnessed a very good, wet winter, then a good monsoon. The winter rain stimulates the Gambels, and, to some extent, scaled quail to reproduce while the monsoon Rains stimulate the Mearns quail to do the same thing. With the perfect mix of both summer and winter rains, it’s safe to say we will see a significant increase in Gambels and scaled quail numbers and a decent recovery with Mearns quail.
Due to the concerns that numerous resident hunters had regarding the poor Mearns quail recruitment in 2023, the Arizona Game and Fish Department held off on announcing Mearns quail season dates and limits. Their decision was based on the monsoon rains which we received this past summer and was announced in September.
AZ Quail Season Dates
• Gambels and scaled quail: Oct. 18, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
• Mearns quail: Dec. 6, 2024 -Feb. 9, 2025
This should be a very good year for Arizona quail hunters. See you out there!