Quail Outlooks by Region >>
Q: How does precipitation affect the quail outlook?
A:
October - March precipitation (winter rain) affects
Photo by Robert Shantz
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Gambel's and Scaled quail hunting outlooks
July - September precipitation (summer rain) affects Mearns' quail hunting outlook
As a general rule, if the total amount of precipitation during these periods is greater than 10 in., it will be a good start to the making of a good quail hunting season.
Quail Outlooks © Arizona Game & Fish Department
REGION I - Click for Quail Outlook
REGION II - Click for Quail Outlook
REGION III - Click for Quail Outlook
REGION IV - Click for Quail Outlook
REGION V - Click for Quail Outlook
REGION VI - Click for Quail Outlook
2009-10 Quail Outlook:
By Randy Babb, AZ Game & Fish Information & Education Program Manager
Scaled quail = Fair to Average: "Last year was fair and the timing and amount of seaonal rains fell short of average and will have this year looking much the same for this bird found in the southeastern reaches of our state."
Mearns' quail = Below-average to Average: "After two back-to-back season, due to spotty to poor summer rains resulting in a poor nesting season, predictions are for a below-average to average Mearns' quail season."
2009-10 Quick Outlook - REGION 6 / CENTRAL ARIZONA:
By Randy Babb, AZ Game & Fish Information & Education Program Manager
Region 6 contact iInformation:
(480) 981-9400
7200 E. University
Mesa 85207
SMALL GAME HUNTING FORCAST FALL-WINTER
UNIT 22
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE
Look for birds in areas that provide adequate cover for roosting and hiding. It’s always a good idea to concentrate efforts around sources of permanent water, especially in dry years. Try some of the higher elevations like the areas south of Payson, Sunflower, foothills of the Mazatzal Mountains and south of Roosevelt Lake. Many of these spots received good rains during the summer and winter rainy seasons and should offer good hunting, especially for those who are willing to walk. Try hunting the edge of the old Willow Fire burn or the pockets of vegetation within the burn, these may hold birds. Also check out the Three Bar area above Roosevelt Lake. Some of the brush is heavy but it usually holds quail.
UNIT 23
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE
The foothills of the Sierra Anchas adjacent areas will hold likely hold a few birds and is a good place to start looking. Walking in some areas is tough but the effort could pay off with some decent shooting. Greenback Valley offers easier walking but will probably not be as good this season due to poor rains. The Three bar area and the Lone Fire Burn should also have some birds and worth checking out. Make sure you select hunt areas with adequate ground cover so birds will be more likely to hold and not run. Hunters should expect Gambel’s quail hunting to be better than it has in many years.
UNIT 21
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR
Northern sections of 21 should offer the best bird hunting. Most of the unit should have some birds but hunters should not be too optimistic. Drainages that provide cover, roost sites and water will be the best places to look for birds. Hunters may want to check out the edges of the old burns to find birds feeding on new vegetation.
UNIT 20B
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR
The foothills of the Bradshaw Mts. offers some of the better quail hunting in this unit though the walking is rough. Check along the Castle Hot springs road and some birds no doubt will be in the Lake Pleasant area near water sources. Bird numbers will likely be poor throughout the unit. Try some of the higher country near Cleator, and Cordes.
UNIT 39
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR
Robbin's Butte reports some quail reproduction, this area typically has some of the higher quail populations in the unit. They are often difficult hunt due to the heavy cover along the Gila River. It is recommended that hunters start early in the morning when the birds may be away from cover giving shooters a better chance to push them out into less heavy cover. Other places to try are the Gila River, and the small mountain ranges south of the Sierra Estrella's and along the Gila River.
UNIT 39M & 42M
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR
There is little available in Metro units as far as Quail hunting is concerned. Agricultural areas may offer some activity.
UNIT 24B
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR
Some areas to check are in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and in the Superior area. The higher elevations in the unit should also hold birds and worth a look. Most of the unit is good Gambel’s quail habitat and on a year like this hunters should be able to find birds most anywhere they go in the unit.
UNIT 24A
SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE
The areas around Globe and Superior and south will more than likely offer some good shooting. Also try north of Globe on the edge of the Juniper and Pinion country and down near the Salt River. Some of the larger washes with good brush cover will hold roosting birds. Start your hunts early and search areas adjacent to water. Get out and do some walking, you’ll see more birds and get away from other hunters.
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2009-2010 Arizona Quail Season
Mearns' Quail: November 27th 2009 - February 7th 2010
Gambel's and Scaled Quail: October 2nd 2009 - February 7th 2010
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