2014 - 2015 Arizona Quail Reports
Host: Bob Corley
Oct. 3, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2015 Gambel's & Scaled
Dec. 5, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2015 Mearn's
Oct. 3, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2015 Gambel's & Scaled
Dec. 5, 2014 - Feb. 8, 2015 Mearn's
Summary of 2013 - 2014 Season
I hunted 37 full or partial days and hunted in every direction. It was a tough year. But here better than 2 years ago, 2011-2012 IMHO. For my 4th season in a row, I never made a trip down to the SE for Mearn's. Here's my effort at conservation: I can say that in 37 days, we never hunted the same covey twice. No need. Arizona is a huge place with lots of places to hunt. I'm convinced that hunters cannot really hurt populations UNLESS you (WE) -- and others of course -- go back to the same covey over and over again. And that fact, of course, is the reason why it is a good policy never to talk about the specifics of WHERE to hunt. Which becomes a problem with Mearn's quail -- they live in such an isolated specific geographical area, coveys may be hunted repeatedly! Local populations can be hurt with repeated hunter pressure. We did our best to explore new areas, hike in different directions, get far, far back off of roads. All the best for 2014-2015. Bob C.
A note for the new year: Last year in Dec and Jan we had almost 5 inches of rain. Dec. 2013 and Jan., 2014 have been completely dry. Zero precipitation. Spring rains now through May and then the monsoons will be critical.
SPRING, 2014
I hunted 37 full or partial days and hunted in every direction. It was a tough year. But here better than 2 years ago, 2011-2012 IMHO. For my 4th season in a row, I never made a trip down to the SE for Mearn's. Here's my effort at conservation: I can say that in 37 days, we never hunted the same covey twice. No need. Arizona is a huge place with lots of places to hunt. I'm convinced that hunters cannot really hurt populations UNLESS you (WE) -- and others of course -- go back to the same covey over and over again. And that fact, of course, is the reason why it is a good policy never to talk about the specifics of WHERE to hunt. Which becomes a problem with Mearn's quail -- they live in such an isolated specific geographical area, coveys may be hunted repeatedly! Local populations can be hurt with repeated hunter pressure. We did our best to explore new areas, hike in different directions, get far, far back off of roads. All the best for 2014-2015. Bob C.
A note for the new year: Last year in Dec and Jan we had almost 5 inches of rain. Dec. 2013 and Jan., 2014 have been completely dry. Zero precipitation. Spring rains now through May and then the monsoons will be critical.
SPRING, 2014
Apr.14, 2014 The Southern QF Chpts invited Kirby Bristow, AGF Research Biologist and avid Mearn's hunter, to review his 2000 study of Mearn's quail at their last meeting. Interesting read. "Effects of Human Activity and Habitat Conditions on Mearn's Populations."
Mr. Bristow "found no evidence to suggest that current levels of hunter pressure significantly affects Mearn's quail populations." Wow! That was in 2000 when the Mearn's populations were up and many hunters, especially non-resident winter visitors were just discovering the Mearn's. Fourteen years later -- well, I would sure like to hear what the numbers say now. Perhaps another study to find that out would be in order? Sure wish I could have attended that meeting to hear the discussion and Q&A that followed.
http://www.southernarizonaquailforever.com/ Stay tuned. Bob C.
Mr. Bristow "found no evidence to suggest that current levels of hunter pressure significantly affects Mearn's quail populations." Wow! That was in 2000 when the Mearn's populations were up and many hunters, especially non-resident winter visitors were just discovering the Mearn's. Fourteen years later -- well, I would sure like to hear what the numbers say now. Perhaps another study to find that out would be in order? Sure wish I could have attended that meeting to hear the discussion and Q&A that followed.
http://www.southernarizonaquailforever.com/ Stay tuned. Bob C.
Summer, 2014
June 14, 2014 Aldo Leopold and Teddy Roosevelt -- definitely two of my heros. Re-read a great quote from Leopold today: " There are four categories of outdoors men: deer hunters, duck hunters, bird hunters, and non-hunters. They represent four diverse habits of the human eye. The deer hunter habitually watches the next bend; the duck hunter watches the skyline; the bird hunter watches the dog; the non-hunter does not watch." So. . . . for what do you watch?
Additionally, many today see Leopold as the Father of Wildlife Conservation. No so. His famous ideas on wildlife and "land ethic" were all about sustainability, not preservation or conservation.
The article I just re-read was by David E. Brown, AGF retired and ASU professor, in the Sept, 2001 issue of Ariz Wildlife Views. After the read, Brown is on the mark IMHO. I have admired his opinions and farsightedness. Bob C.
June 14, 2014 Aldo Leopold and Teddy Roosevelt -- definitely two of my heros. Re-read a great quote from Leopold today: " There are four categories of outdoors men: deer hunters, duck hunters, bird hunters, and non-hunters. They represent four diverse habits of the human eye. The deer hunter habitually watches the next bend; the duck hunter watches the skyline; the bird hunter watches the dog; the non-hunter does not watch." So. . . . for what do you watch?
Additionally, many today see Leopold as the Father of Wildlife Conservation. No so. His famous ideas on wildlife and "land ethic" were all about sustainability, not preservation or conservation.
The article I just re-read was by David E. Brown, AGF retired and ASU professor, in the Sept, 2001 issue of Ariz Wildlife Views. After the read, Brown is on the mark IMHO. I have admired his opinions and farsightedness. Bob C.
2014 - 2015 Small Game Outlook by Jonothan O'Dell, AGF Biologist Click: http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml
Aug 26, 2014 Good rains. Scouting trip north of town, prickly pear fruit swollen and ripening. Birds will have faces and crops stained purple when they start gorging on the ripened fruit. Major green-up underway. Survivability of young of the year should be much improved. Prediction of desert bird populations this season fair to below average by Johothan O'Dell, AGF Biologist. Some questions remain to be seen regarding scalies and Mearn's due to the effect of monsoons and possible delayed breeding. See Small Game Outlook.
Early Fall, 2014
Sept 18, 2014 Only .30" from this Baja hurricane storm so far. Most likely too late to affect hatch numbers. Great to have the moisture as we enter the fall months, and great to get more ground cover, but just too late for a nesting event IMHO. The 4.1" we received in July. and the great rains in Aug. , however, should have been plenty to allow birds to re-nest or pull off a "delayed" nest as needed. On Oct. 3 be aware that you might run into desert birds not even close to mature. Let 'em fly!! Give 'em a chance to grow up!@! Bob C.
Sept. 26, 2014 Just read Randy Babb's, "Hunting Arizona's Small Game" and learned that what I've been calling staghorn cholla all these years is actually cane (walking stick) cholla. It seems buckhorn or staghorn cholla live at lower elevations and cane cholla occurs mostly at 4,000 ft or above. Seemed to me the book was for novice or first-time Arizona bird hunters, but always great to pick up some gems here and there. Would love to hike a few hills with Randy. He is well known as a wealth of knowledge re: our beautiful desert and its diversity.
Picking up 6 doses of rattlesnake vaccine next week thanks to Wally B., from Tucson. My three Britts will get two shots each this year.
Rains due again this weekend. September, again, has been wetter than I can ever remember. Evidence that our climate and seasons have "shifted" by a couple of months. Opening weekend, Oct. 3, I will most likely not go out. Everybody who owns a shotgun and an ATV will be driving the trails blasting away. When the smoke clears and it cools off, the Britts and I will take to the hills! See you there. Bob C.
(CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Start of the 2014-2015 Season
Oct. 6, 2014 Young 8 mo old Gunner needs to get a hot scent, scatter a few coveys, and let his genes kick in! Will hunt for only a couple of hours early morn. 83 F predicted high in Globe. Ugh. Too hot for upland bird hunting and upland bird dogs.
Decided to take the Britts for a "first circle" and had to kill a rattler next to the road just before I let them out of the truck. Careful out there! After that, my heart just wasn't in it!!
Oct. 10, 2014 Tropical storm moved through and dropped another 1.20" in my rain gauge. So unusual for Oct. !! Dirt tanks will be full. Seeps and springs will be running. Scattered water puddles in drainages will have birds scattered in small family groups and perhaps harder to find. No real handle yet on what kind of bird populations we have out there. No bonanzas expected for sure, but late Oct. should be more definitive.
Oct. 13, 2014. Snake bites, rattlesnake vaccine, rattlesnake avoidance. Here's my take on it after 56 years in the desert.
Aug 26, 2014 Good rains. Scouting trip north of town, prickly pear fruit swollen and ripening. Birds will have faces and crops stained purple when they start gorging on the ripened fruit. Major green-up underway. Survivability of young of the year should be much improved. Prediction of desert bird populations this season fair to below average by Johothan O'Dell, AGF Biologist. Some questions remain to be seen regarding scalies and Mearn's due to the effect of monsoons and possible delayed breeding. See Small Game Outlook.
Early Fall, 2014
Sept 18, 2014 Only .30" from this Baja hurricane storm so far. Most likely too late to affect hatch numbers. Great to have the moisture as we enter the fall months, and great to get more ground cover, but just too late for a nesting event IMHO. The 4.1" we received in July. and the great rains in Aug. , however, should have been plenty to allow birds to re-nest or pull off a "delayed" nest as needed. On Oct. 3 be aware that you might run into desert birds not even close to mature. Let 'em fly!! Give 'em a chance to grow up!@! Bob C.
Sept. 26, 2014 Just read Randy Babb's, "Hunting Arizona's Small Game" and learned that what I've been calling staghorn cholla all these years is actually cane (walking stick) cholla. It seems buckhorn or staghorn cholla live at lower elevations and cane cholla occurs mostly at 4,000 ft or above. Seemed to me the book was for novice or first-time Arizona bird hunters, but always great to pick up some gems here and there. Would love to hike a few hills with Randy. He is well known as a wealth of knowledge re: our beautiful desert and its diversity.
Picking up 6 doses of rattlesnake vaccine next week thanks to Wally B., from Tucson. My three Britts will get two shots each this year.
Rains due again this weekend. September, again, has been wetter than I can ever remember. Evidence that our climate and seasons have "shifted" by a couple of months. Opening weekend, Oct. 3, I will most likely not go out. Everybody who owns a shotgun and an ATV will be driving the trails blasting away. When the smoke clears and it cools off, the Britts and I will take to the hills! See you there. Bob C.
(CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Start of the 2014-2015 Season
Oct. 6, 2014 Young 8 mo old Gunner needs to get a hot scent, scatter a few coveys, and let his genes kick in! Will hunt for only a couple of hours early morn. 83 F predicted high in Globe. Ugh. Too hot for upland bird hunting and upland bird dogs.
Decided to take the Britts for a "first circle" and had to kill a rattler next to the road just before I let them out of the truck. Careful out there! After that, my heart just wasn't in it!!
Oct. 10, 2014 Tropical storm moved through and dropped another 1.20" in my rain gauge. So unusual for Oct. !! Dirt tanks will be full. Seeps and springs will be running. Scattered water puddles in drainages will have birds scattered in small family groups and perhaps harder to find. No real handle yet on what kind of bird populations we have out there. No bonanzas expected for sure, but late Oct. should be more definitive.
Oct. 13, 2014. Snake bites, rattlesnake vaccine, rattlesnake avoidance. Here's my take on it after 56 years in the desert.
Oct. 15, 2014 Four hour "training" hike. Cover looks good, water puddles in most draws, dirt tanks mostly full to overflowing. Prickly pear fruit available. During first two hours, first 10-12 birds were old, carryover vets scattered over a 150 yard area. Wise, jumped at least 50 yrds in front of Britts and me. Little 8 mo old Gunner hunting hard, using his nose well. Learning "range" mostly from Belle.
Next two hour hike in a drainage. Britts get all birdy. Covey of 12 flushed from a 15' tall hackberry. Took one late flusher who gave me a shot between the trees. Gunner scented the downed bird, and made his first Gambel's retrieve. Lots of happy talk. The bird was 1/2 to 2/3 grown. A baby most likely hatched in late August. A delayed nest or a re-nesting situation. Did not follow-up on the covey. They'll grow up and be ready to hunt about December.
Four hours, saw 20-25 birds, took one. Our last 3-4 Gambel's seasons have been below average. After this hike, I'm afraid we are in for the same -- if that. It's going to be a tough year to break in a new pup. With all the recent rains, birds will be scattered in small family groups and hard to find. Can you say, "Armed hiking?" But I'll still be out there behind the Britts. When I am in those hills, I am most alive. Bob C.
Oct. 23, 2014 Couldn't believe today. I hiked some beautiful country. Three huge circles, in drainages, bottoms, top of ridges, mid-slope. Nothing. Grasses knee to thigh high. Water everywhere (which could be the problem finding the birds). Impossible to adequately train a young pup if we can't even find one for him to smell !! A definite armed hike. On a positive note, Britts and I are getting into hunting shape. My feet are sore today. Tells you a lot about our desert, eh?
Oct. 24, 2014 Birds in cool, thick bottoms. Actually found 3 coveys of birds in pockets today. It is still in the high 90's in our low deserts, so birds hanging in the cooler, taller, thicker stuff. Almost unhuntable, especially with dogs. Am seeing very few birds, so almost feel guilty taking one for Gunner to retrieve. The effects of our lack of precip last Jan-Feb is now becoming obvious. Mostly veteran, holdover birds. Only birds of the year I've found were on Oct. 15 about half grown -- a late, delayed hatch. Come on El Nino!!
November, 2014
Nov. 2, 2014 Tried to keep the Britts (and me) in shape with an all-day hunt. Basically, one covey of 18, summed up our day. And would've missed the covey entirely except for Rusty picking up their scent about 100 yrds to my left as we walked back to the truck into the wind. Birds still very scattered, so very easy to miss the small coveys I'm thinking. Still really obvious, however, that we either had a minimal hatch or chick survival was jeopardized in some way. This is a year to explore new places, hike different spots, camp in areas that you haven't been in for years. See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Nov. 4, 2014 Best day for young pup, Gunner, during his first season. Finally busted up a covey that scattered, took a couple of singles and Gunner had plenty of hot scent to explore! Watching the other Britts get birdy. Getting excited by bird scent seemingly in many places! To make him a real bird dog, that just needs to happen often during this, his first season! (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Next two hour hike in a drainage. Britts get all birdy. Covey of 12 flushed from a 15' tall hackberry. Took one late flusher who gave me a shot between the trees. Gunner scented the downed bird, and made his first Gambel's retrieve. Lots of happy talk. The bird was 1/2 to 2/3 grown. A baby most likely hatched in late August. A delayed nest or a re-nesting situation. Did not follow-up on the covey. They'll grow up and be ready to hunt about December.
Four hours, saw 20-25 birds, took one. Our last 3-4 Gambel's seasons have been below average. After this hike, I'm afraid we are in for the same -- if that. It's going to be a tough year to break in a new pup. With all the recent rains, birds will be scattered in small family groups and hard to find. Can you say, "Armed hiking?" But I'll still be out there behind the Britts. When I am in those hills, I am most alive. Bob C.
Oct. 23, 2014 Couldn't believe today. I hiked some beautiful country. Three huge circles, in drainages, bottoms, top of ridges, mid-slope. Nothing. Grasses knee to thigh high. Water everywhere (which could be the problem finding the birds). Impossible to adequately train a young pup if we can't even find one for him to smell !! A definite armed hike. On a positive note, Britts and I are getting into hunting shape. My feet are sore today. Tells you a lot about our desert, eh?
Oct. 24, 2014 Birds in cool, thick bottoms. Actually found 3 coveys of birds in pockets today. It is still in the high 90's in our low deserts, so birds hanging in the cooler, taller, thicker stuff. Almost unhuntable, especially with dogs. Am seeing very few birds, so almost feel guilty taking one for Gunner to retrieve. The effects of our lack of precip last Jan-Feb is now becoming obvious. Mostly veteran, holdover birds. Only birds of the year I've found were on Oct. 15 about half grown -- a late, delayed hatch. Come on El Nino!!
November, 2014
Nov. 2, 2014 Tried to keep the Britts (and me) in shape with an all-day hunt. Basically, one covey of 18, summed up our day. And would've missed the covey entirely except for Rusty picking up their scent about 100 yrds to my left as we walked back to the truck into the wind. Birds still very scattered, so very easy to miss the small coveys I'm thinking. Still really obvious, however, that we either had a minimal hatch or chick survival was jeopardized in some way. This is a year to explore new places, hike different spots, camp in areas that you haven't been in for years. See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Nov. 4, 2014 Best day for young pup, Gunner, during his first season. Finally busted up a covey that scattered, took a couple of singles and Gunner had plenty of hot scent to explore! Watching the other Britts get birdy. Getting excited by bird scent seemingly in many places! To make him a real bird dog, that just needs to happen often during this, his first season! (CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Nov.15, 2014 Four day trip down south. Nine month old Gunner made his first two solid points on wild birds. I was thrilled. Hiked some good scalie country, but only found 1 covey of scalies -- mature birds. Most coveys were in the 12-15 range with Gambel's running about 20% birds of the year in the bag. Pockets. Long hikes seeing absolutely nothing, then the Britts would pick up the scent.
It is so cool to watch Gunner's genes kick in. On both of his single finds, I took the bird, but the older Britt beat him to the retrieve. He has found several downed birds on his own, but has not really figured out the "Dead Bird, Hunt Dead" chant as yet. Am really excited about his progress to date. He's turning into a beauty! Patience and time in the field will see the light bulb come on! Spoken like a proud papa, eh? ;-) Caution: Check your bird dog feet at the end of each hunt! The grass seeds we are hunting in bury into their foot webs much like foxtails and will lead to festering sores if you don't remove them.
It is so cool to watch Gunner's genes kick in. On both of his single finds, I took the bird, but the older Britt beat him to the retrieve. He has found several downed birds on his own, but has not really figured out the "Dead Bird, Hunt Dead" chant as yet. Am really excited about his progress to date. He's turning into a beauty! Patience and time in the field will see the light bulb come on! Spoken like a proud papa, eh? ;-) Caution: Check your bird dog feet at the end of each hunt! The grass seeds we are hunting in bury into their foot webs much like foxtails and will lead to festering sores if you don't remove them.
December, 2014
Dec. 15, 2014 Time to seriously consider sustainability efforts? I continue to hear poor to fair Gambel's and scalie reports and above average to "better than last year" Mearn's reports statewide. I don't get down to the SE for Mearn's very often, but given that trophy bird's limited geographical distribution and limited public access in many areas, this scenario always makes me fearful of the hunting pressure the Mearn's will receive the next two months. Easy-walking public lands will get hammered early. What can we all do to make the upland bird hunting experience better for everyone? IMHO, Hunter ethics and voluntary restraint will become more and more critical. Time to explore new areas, find new coveys, and just don't hunt coveys with fewer than 6-8 birds. We all want the same thing: a quality hunting experience and sustainability of the birds we love.
Maybe it's time for us to re-read Aldo Leopold's, "A Sand County Almanac".
Dec. 17, 2014 Good, scattered Dec. rains so fair. Total of 1.5" in my Globe rain gauge and raining again today. Finally, with colder temps, the birds will be gathering into larger coveys, feeding in more open, warmer areas, and sticking tighter when flushed and scattered. The Britts work much better when it's cool and damp. Better scenting conditions. Was neat to hunt with my son, Matt, today from Alaska. His 14 yr old, Flaco, started right where he left off 9 months ago. Wonderful little guy. Gunner, backslid in regards to basic commands -- even though he DID make the last point of the day!! Wahoo. It's just been too long with no training reinforcement for that young pup. My Costa Rica trip set him back a few weeks. Matt and I pushed 4 coveys of desert birds and actually got some surprisingly good dog work. It was oh so good for the soul to be back hiking the desert!! (CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Dec. 15, 2014 Time to seriously consider sustainability efforts? I continue to hear poor to fair Gambel's and scalie reports and above average to "better than last year" Mearn's reports statewide. I don't get down to the SE for Mearn's very often, but given that trophy bird's limited geographical distribution and limited public access in many areas, this scenario always makes me fearful of the hunting pressure the Mearn's will receive the next two months. Easy-walking public lands will get hammered early. What can we all do to make the upland bird hunting experience better for everyone? IMHO, Hunter ethics and voluntary restraint will become more and more critical. Time to explore new areas, find new coveys, and just don't hunt coveys with fewer than 6-8 birds. We all want the same thing: a quality hunting experience and sustainability of the birds we love.
Maybe it's time for us to re-read Aldo Leopold's, "A Sand County Almanac".
Dec. 17, 2014 Good, scattered Dec. rains so fair. Total of 1.5" in my Globe rain gauge and raining again today. Finally, with colder temps, the birds will be gathering into larger coveys, feeding in more open, warmer areas, and sticking tighter when flushed and scattered. The Britts work much better when it's cool and damp. Better scenting conditions. Was neat to hunt with my son, Matt, today from Alaska. His 14 yr old, Flaco, started right where he left off 9 months ago. Wonderful little guy. Gunner, backslid in regards to basic commands -- even though he DID make the last point of the day!! Wahoo. It's just been too long with no training reinforcement for that young pup. My Costa Rica trip set him back a few weeks. Matt and I pushed 4 coveys of desert birds and actually got some surprisingly good dog work. It was oh so good for the soul to be back hiking the desert!! (CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Dec. 26, 2014 Three day camp trip w/ my son, Matthew, down south to hunt the wily Mearn's quail for the first time in 4 years. Weather was gorgeous and cold. Was a pleasure to hunt one day with a new friend, Wally B., from Tucson. As expected, we did not find many in the easy walking draws. Got some good dog work when we made it back into the steep, thick stuff. We laughed and laughed about the number of times we shot at an explosion of wings in the thick stuff and bagged nothing but a tree limb! Several times this trip I wish I had changed to Skeet for my first barrel. But, overall, IC/IC worked well. Ariz desert birds will make the best shooter humble, but Mearn's flushing in thick trees takes humility to a whole new level !! Hope the photos tell the story. (CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO ENLARGE.)
Have been reading a 7-page strand on Upland Journal re: Mearn's quail management. It's filled with first-hand observations, science, population dynamics, photos, emotions, and, yes, concern for the birds we love. Most express a fear of the hunter pressure the birds will get this Jan, 2015. It's worth a look. http://www.uplandjournal.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard312a/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=2;t=91453;st=0
Have been reading a 7-page strand on Upland Journal re: Mearn's quail management. It's filled with first-hand observations, science, population dynamics, photos, emotions, and, yes, concern for the birds we love. Most express a fear of the hunter pressure the birds will get this Jan, 2015. It's worth a look. http://www.uplandjournal.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard312a/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=2;t=91453;st=0
Dec. 30, 2014 Took Little Gunner down with my son, Matt, to train in a different area before the big cold front hit us -- Globe got 5-6" and the high country got over a foot of snow! The 18' Minnie Winnie was a joy to camp in -- and warm!! Eleven mo. old Gunner had the proverbial light bulb come on. Two solo covey finds, 3 solo dead bird finds, backed on several singles. Needless to say I was one proud papa! We hiked long and far. We had about 3 hours seeing virtually nothing. Then the Britts lead us to a covey, and it was game on the rest of the afternoon. Tired legs. But a good tired!!
Most unusual happening of the day: While moving to a new area, we see a lady walking towards us with her pistol. We stop to say hi and Cindy Pearson says, "Is your name Corley?" OMG. "Do we know each other? I'm from Manley Hot Springs, AK! " And "Is that Little Gunner and are those Belle and Rusty?" You have GOT to be kidding !!! It was like an Alaskan reunion right there in the sunny desert!! Come to find out, we exchanged emails some time ago, but had never met in person. One thing I can really say about doing this little quail website is that we meet some WAY neat outdoor types! Everywhere. Anywhere. We never did get to meet her husband, Charley (I think that's right), but he was taking a bird hunt circle just to our west. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE. Email: [email protected]
Most unusual happening of the day: While moving to a new area, we see a lady walking towards us with her pistol. We stop to say hi and Cindy Pearson says, "Is your name Corley?" OMG. "Do we know each other? I'm from Manley Hot Springs, AK! " And "Is that Little Gunner and are those Belle and Rusty?" You have GOT to be kidding !!! It was like an Alaskan reunion right there in the sunny desert!! Come to find out, we exchanged emails some time ago, but had never met in person. One thing I can really say about doing this little quail website is that we meet some WAY neat outdoor types! Everywhere. Anywhere. We never did get to meet her husband, Charley (I think that's right), but he was taking a bird hunt circle just to our west. CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE. Email: [email protected]
January, 2015
Jan. 3, 2015, Happy New Year! December, 2014 has been a good month for precipitation. Globe rain gauge was 2.1" for the month. And best of all the rains were scattered throughout the month, with the last 0.30" as snow. Slow melt. Oh yeah! The National Weather Service currently predicts a 65% chance of a significant El Nino this winter going into 2015 spring. Major rain dances are in order.
Am reading and seeing a LOT of unease and concern for our Mearn's quail population regarding excess hunter pressure this month until season's end on Feb. 8. The fact that Gambel's and scalies populations are very poor leads to even more anxiety. Many Mearn's afficianados are urging us all to use good hunter ethics, common sense, and voluntary restraint. I wholeheartedly agree.
And what does that mean to you? Don't shoot coveys less than 6? Voluntarily limit yourself to 4 birds instead of the legal 8? Don't hunt until dark -- give the covey a chance to get back together for the night? Hunt different areas? Explore? Photograph instead of shoot? I have heard all of the above mentioned. And any, or all, will lead to future quality hunting experiences and sustainability of the birds we love. Re: Hunter Ethics. IMHO here are the two Cornerstones:
#1 Never return to a friend's honey hole unless he is with you or has given you permission. And,
#2 If another hunter is already hunting your chosen area, move on. See you in the hills with my Brttis, Bob C.
Am reading and seeing a LOT of unease and concern for our Mearn's quail population regarding excess hunter pressure this month until season's end on Feb. 8. The fact that Gambel's and scalies populations are very poor leads to even more anxiety. Many Mearn's afficianados are urging us all to use good hunter ethics, common sense, and voluntary restraint. I wholeheartedly agree.
And what does that mean to you? Don't shoot coveys less than 6? Voluntarily limit yourself to 4 birds instead of the legal 8? Don't hunt until dark -- give the covey a chance to get back together for the night? Hunt different areas? Explore? Photograph instead of shoot? I have heard all of the above mentioned. And any, or all, will lead to future quality hunting experiences and sustainability of the birds we love. Re: Hunter Ethics. IMHO here are the two Cornerstones:
#1 Never return to a friend's honey hole unless he is with you or has given you permission. And,
#2 If another hunter is already hunting your chosen area, move on. See you in the hills with my Brttis, Bob C.
Jan. 10, 2015 Hiked w/ the Britts at higher elevation today looking for scalies. Pushed coveys of 20 and 12. Took several but only one was a bird of the year. Since scalies will respond with ovulation to last year's monsoon precipitation, was expecting more young birds. I was in an area that should have also held Gambel's, but never saw or heard a Gambel's all day. Little 11 mo old Gunner found and pointed the second covey, one solid point on a follow-up single, and two retrieves. I'm slowly watching him become a bird dog! I'm hunting him alternately with the other Britts, then the next circle solo. He runs bigger when with the other Britts, but actually hunts "better", slower, more thoroughly when I have him solo. Exciting stuff to watch a young dog develop like that. |
Jan. 18, 2015 Trip down south. My third camp, and most likely last, this season after no trips south in the last 4 years. Decided to hunt some popular, well-known areas. Might've been a mistake. Two good mornings. Three smaller coveys Thurs & Fri. Then two days (weekend) competing with deer hunters, trucks of bird hunters, ATV and OHV riders. Had a tough time even finding a good place to hike. Aargh! My definition of a quality hunt does not include crowds. My plans now are to wish the mighty Mearn's a happy new year and pray for good monsoons this summer.
On a great note: Winter storms have continued for Jan. 0.5" so far in my Globe rain gauge.
On a great note: Winter storms have continued for Jan. 0.5" so far in my Globe rain gauge.
Jan. 30, 2015 Lots of moisture hitting the state for two days. Great timing! Reports of RV parks and campgrounds filling up down in Mearn's country. Sure enjoyed my three camps down south this season, but have decided to not go down again.
Yesterday's hike was with Lee M., a long-time Alaskan friend, in search of scalies. His lab, Tess, pointed one covey of 7 Gambel's as we were putting on vests for our first hike. We gave them a pass. The only other covey of the day was a covey of 12-14 scalies flushed during a 2 hour circle. Belle and Gunner scented the covey and led me to the rise, then retrieved a follow-up double for me. Lots of happy talk. Was a really tough year to train a young dog this season, but pup Gunner at least |
had a good start. The year is winding down. Optimist that I am, can't wait to hear some male mating calls in a few weeks. See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
From my 2014 - 2015 rain gauge:
Dec. 2.1" Jan. 3.1 " Feb. " Mar. " Apr " May June " July " Aug. " Sept. "
Dec. 2.1" Jan. 3.1 " Feb. " Mar. " Apr " May June " July " Aug. " Sept. "
February, 2015
Feb. 2, 2015 Met an old friend, Jim K., from Cortez, CO. for a hike on a gorgeous Feb. day. After the big storm we had trickles of water in the washes and drainages. We pushed about 50 birds today. Wise, carry-over survivors. Bird crops were stuffed with green. The desert looks wonderful with new annuals popping up everywhere. Second circle was with Gunner solo. 3 points. First covey, then two single finds and every retrieve. Big hugs were in order. Love how he hunts when I take him solo -- slows down, more thorough, deliberate when he is not competing with the other Britts.
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Feb. 7, 2015 With my son, Matt, we hiked the last hurrah of 2014-2015. A beautiful day! Hope the photos tell the story! Click on each photo to enlarge. Pray for rain in Feb/Mar.!! Bob C.
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Summary of 2014 - 2015 Season I hunted 32 full or partial days and hunted in every direction from Globe. It was a poor year especially for Gambel's, but no worse than 2011-12. In fact, 2011-12 and 2014-15 are the lowest years of the last 12 seasons! I made 3 trips down to the SE for Mearn's. My first trips south in four seasons. And the Mearn's hatch pretty much "saved" the season for my young pup. Reports vary, and many areas have carryover adult Mearn's, but it seems a majority of areas experienced heavy hunter pressure. If we get good monsoons, many questions re: Mearn's population dynamics may become clearer. My effort at conservation: I can say that in 32 days, we never hunted the same covey twice. |
The desert is looking good now with good rains in Dec-Jan (see the rain gauge data above). Gambel's are a boom or bust species. However, with such low carryover adult populations here in central Ariz, it will be very interesting to see results of the spring hatch. Stay tuned. All the best for 2015-2016. Bob C.
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Arizona Upland Birds: Shotgun Tips and Chokes:
CHOKES:
I start the season in Oct. through about Mid-Nov. with IC/LM using my light 5 lbs, 13 oz Beretta 20 ga. O/U with 7/8 oz. Scenting conditions are usually poor, the birds tend to jump wild with few opportunities to shoot over the Britts on solid point. By Mid-Nov. through about the end of Dec. I go with IC/IC. Birds always seem to hold tighter as it gets colder and wetter, so closer shots over the Britts becomes more the norm. By Jan. and Feb. I usually go with Skeet/IC, Looked up info on Briley: Skeet, 0.005", 22.5 yrds optimum; Improved Cyl 0.010" optimum at 25 yrds; Light Mod 0.015" optimum at 30 yrds. Reinforced the idea that many bird shooters are over choked. Just FYI. Everyone recommends patterning your gun with your shells and various chokes. Most are surprised to find how tight the pattern is with IC at 25-30 yrds. Keep in mind that if you hunt without bird dogs, your shots most likely will be generally longer. Many dog-less hunters I know use modified choke and/or size 6 shot. Put the bird down hard with larger shot size so you lose fewer crippled or downed birds. You either put him in your bag. . . . or you miss.
SHOTGUN TIPS:
On Positioning Your Feet: Most shotgun instructors start with proper foot placement and balance! But good luck with that on the side of a mountain with rolling rocks under your feet!!! I've seen outstanding sporting clay shooters humbled by our desert birds. In fact, if you hunt Arizona long enough, you too will be humbled. And many times it's because you really don't have much choice where your feet are when the bird flushes.
1. Hold your gun lightly. Squeezing or gripping your shotgun will be detrimental to smooth gun movement.
2. Gun mount. Gun to cheek, wood on wood, not visa versa. Gun "fit" here is very important! A good fit becomes an "old friend."
3. Swing and follow-through. But not with your arms! Rotate your hips and entire upper body. That keeps wood on wood, stock to cheek.
When I get into a shooting slump, a mental review of those 3 things can help put me back on track. Bob C.
CHOKES:
I start the season in Oct. through about Mid-Nov. with IC/LM using my light 5 lbs, 13 oz Beretta 20 ga. O/U with 7/8 oz. Scenting conditions are usually poor, the birds tend to jump wild with few opportunities to shoot over the Britts on solid point. By Mid-Nov. through about the end of Dec. I go with IC/IC. Birds always seem to hold tighter as it gets colder and wetter, so closer shots over the Britts becomes more the norm. By Jan. and Feb. I usually go with Skeet/IC, Looked up info on Briley: Skeet, 0.005", 22.5 yrds optimum; Improved Cyl 0.010" optimum at 25 yrds; Light Mod 0.015" optimum at 30 yrds. Reinforced the idea that many bird shooters are over choked. Just FYI. Everyone recommends patterning your gun with your shells and various chokes. Most are surprised to find how tight the pattern is with IC at 25-30 yrds. Keep in mind that if you hunt without bird dogs, your shots most likely will be generally longer. Many dog-less hunters I know use modified choke and/or size 6 shot. Put the bird down hard with larger shot size so you lose fewer crippled or downed birds. You either put him in your bag. . . . or you miss.
SHOTGUN TIPS:
On Positioning Your Feet: Most shotgun instructors start with proper foot placement and balance! But good luck with that on the side of a mountain with rolling rocks under your feet!!! I've seen outstanding sporting clay shooters humbled by our desert birds. In fact, if you hunt Arizona long enough, you too will be humbled. And many times it's because you really don't have much choice where your feet are when the bird flushes.
1. Hold your gun lightly. Squeezing or gripping your shotgun will be detrimental to smooth gun movement.
2. Gun mount. Gun to cheek, wood on wood, not visa versa. Gun "fit" here is very important! A good fit becomes an "old friend."
3. Swing and follow-through. But not with your arms! Rotate your hips and entire upper body. That keeps wood on wood, stock to cheek.
When I get into a shooting slump, a mental review of those 3 things can help put me back on track. Bob C.
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