2015 - 2016 Arizona Quail Reports
Host: Bob Corley
Summary of 2014 - 2015 Season
I hunted 32 full or partial days and hunted in every direction. 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! By Nov. I just quit chasing Gambel's. I made 3 trips down to the SE for Mearn's. My first trips south in four seasons. And the Mearn's put some much needed scent in my young pup's nose. 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: 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 below). 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.
Feb. 7, 2015 With my son, Matt, we hiked the Last Hurrah of 2014-2015. This is the second year in a row that I was blessed to take the last hike of the season with my son. A beautiful day! We got some neat dog work and we hiked long and far. (Click on any photo to enlarge.) Pray for rain in Feb/Mar.!! Bob C.
Early Spring, 2015
Feb. 18. 2015 Out with the Britts on an exercise run today when I heard our first mating call -- and saw him -- sitting high on a small mesquite sounding his caw call and looking handsome for a possible female! Hills are looking really good with new green growth. All dirt tanks are full to overflowing.
Spring, 2015
Mar. 20, 2015 0.20" from this last front. If we don't have baby birds, new fawns, lots of young bunnies. . . . well, they are missing a great chance@! Not only have we had decent winter and early spring rains, it has been spread out and the "timing" has been good.
April 16, 2015 Dry. Our late winter & early spring rains resulted in lots of ground cover, but everything has dried off. Still hearing birds in nesting mode. Rare to see any "groups". Most are still paired. By the end of this month or the first two weeks in May, should see some hatchlings. Then the next issue will be survivability. Plenty of escape cover, but insect protein for the chicks will be key.
April 27, 2015 A very late cold front leaves central Ariz with 0.55" rain plus snow in the high country. Payson got an inch. Let's hope no chicks were at a vulnerable stage, i.e., so young that getting wet and cold could jeopardize survival. I have yet to see youngsters, so maybe hens are still sitting nests . . . ? Just a reminder of some nesting biology:
April 16, 2015 Dry. Our late winter & early spring rains resulted in lots of ground cover, but everything has dried off. Still hearing birds in nesting mode. Rare to see any "groups". Most are still paired. By the end of this month or the first two weeks in May, should see some hatchlings. Then the next issue will be survivability. Plenty of escape cover, but insect protein for the chicks will be key.
April 27, 2015 A very late cold front leaves central Ariz with 0.55" rain plus snow in the high country. Payson got an inch. Let's hope no chicks were at a vulnerable stage, i.e., so young that getting wet and cold could jeopardize survival. I have yet to see youngsters, so maybe hens are still sitting nests . . . ? Just a reminder of some nesting biology:
May 1, 2015 Ah hah, first chicks! Took the Britts for an exercise run up Attitude Hill here at the home place. The chicks that flushed flew well. Guessing at least a week old. Only saw 3 - 4 of them, but others could have been shepherded away with mom and dad that I did not see. Amazing really how well they could fly and still be so small. Males still paired and giving their territorial "mating" calls. These are "town" birds, so doesn't really count until we observe the broods hatched out in the hills. Hearing reports of hatchlings near Wickenburg, Tucson, and in the Tonto Basin. The next few weeks we should get a better handle on how the early hatch numbers look. Bob C.
May 2, 2015 AGF published hunt regulations with Gambel's season Oct. 2, 2015 - Feb. 7, 2016. It's going to be hot! For hunters, but especially for dogs. Our seasons have "shifted" it seems. Our springs have seen cooler temperatures in Mar - April and even May. While our fall months have been much hotter and later. Many dog hunters I know wait until mid to late November (and after the first good frost) to take the gun dogs afield.
May 2, 2015 AGF published hunt regulations with Gambel's season Oct. 2, 2015 - Feb. 7, 2016. It's going to be hot! For hunters, but especially for dogs. Our seasons have "shifted" it seems. Our springs have seen cooler temperatures in Mar - April and even May. While our fall months have been much hotter and later. Many dog hunters I know wait until mid to late November (and after the first good frost) to take the gun dogs afield.
June, 2015
June 6, 2015 0.25" Rain highly unusual for June! Other locations in state got even more. And cool. Storms coming apparently from a warm water Pacific type El Nino. Not sure what this will mean for our monsoon rainy season in July-Aug. We typically need the high pressure and heat to build up good monsoons (which directly affects Mearn's hatch).
And on another note: neighbor sighted a brood of babies less than a day old on June 3! Tiny. Walnuts with wings. Around town and on my hikes am still hearing male calls. Again, highly unusual for this "late." Could our much cooler spring temps have delayed nesting for some hens? Or is this a re-nest? Predators are really taking a toll on the youngsters here in our foothills -- owls, hawks, ravens, roadrunners, gila monsters, feral house cats, skunks, bobcats, foxes, coyotes -- EVERYBODY loves baby quail and eggs. But after they can get up and fly they have a much better chance. And the escape cover is good, but the food chain takes its toll.
June 28, 2015 Good monsoon pattern developed statewide. 1.10" in my Globe rain gauge. Have seen broods now of different sizes, obviously hatched at different time intervals. Not seeing much to cheer about however, in terms of bird numbers when I hike with the Britts. The good winter and spring rain storms were noted, but perhaps all I can say at this point is that Gambel's should be better than last season -- which is not saying a whole heck of a lot.
Good monsoon storms the next two months will will directly affect Mearn's and scaled quail hatches. Stay tuned. Hope springs eternal.
And on another note: neighbor sighted a brood of babies less than a day old on June 3! Tiny. Walnuts with wings. Around town and on my hikes am still hearing male calls. Again, highly unusual for this "late." Could our much cooler spring temps have delayed nesting for some hens? Or is this a re-nest? Predators are really taking a toll on the youngsters here in our foothills -- owls, hawks, ravens, roadrunners, gila monsters, feral house cats, skunks, bobcats, foxes, coyotes -- EVERYBODY loves baby quail and eggs. But after they can get up and fly they have a much better chance. And the escape cover is good, but the food chain takes its toll.
June 28, 2015 Good monsoon pattern developed statewide. 1.10" in my Globe rain gauge. Have seen broods now of different sizes, obviously hatched at different time intervals. Not seeing much to cheer about however, in terms of bird numbers when I hike with the Britts. The good winter and spring rain storms were noted, but perhaps all I can say at this point is that Gambel's should be better than last season -- which is not saying a whole heck of a lot.
Good monsoon storms the next two months will will directly affect Mearn's and scaled quail hatches. Stay tuned. Hope springs eternal.
July/August, 2015
July 10, 2015 Strong El Nino Building in Pacific: Click for the full article. Prediction for wetter than normal winter precipitation.
http://mashable.com/2015/07/09/strongest-el-nino-on-record/
http://mashable.com/2015/07/09/strongest-el-nino-on-record/
From Randy Babb, AGF:
What's up with all the very late quail chicks? Received a very interesting observation via email note from Randy Babb, AGF, Mesa Office
"I believe that Gambles (and scaled too) will wait to nest if they find conditions unsuitable or if they are not in good enough condition to pull it off. This results in late, small in number, broods for Gambel's in bad years which have low survivorship. During bad years it is not uncommon to see chicks in late June or even July or August. Even now I see lots of pairs of Gambel's quail without young which I think will try to pull off a brood before it is all over. Some mistake these late broods for second clutches...particularly when there is good or moderate nesting success earlier in the year Late chicks are not a sign of a good year. A very convincing bit of evidence that "second broods" do not regularly occur is the fact that the percent of young birds in the fall bag never exceeds 80% or 8 young per pair."
And. . . . just spotted 12-14 tiny, day-old fledglings w/ mom and dad here in Pinal Creek on July 13. Even though that's exciting to see, Randy B. reminds us that hatching this late is not really a good sign for Gambel's. Good rains. Desert smells great!
What's up with all the very late quail chicks? Received a very interesting observation via email note from Randy Babb, AGF, Mesa Office
"I believe that Gambles (and scaled too) will wait to nest if they find conditions unsuitable or if they are not in good enough condition to pull it off. This results in late, small in number, broods for Gambel's in bad years which have low survivorship. During bad years it is not uncommon to see chicks in late June or even July or August. Even now I see lots of pairs of Gambel's quail without young which I think will try to pull off a brood before it is all over. Some mistake these late broods for second clutches...particularly when there is good or moderate nesting success earlier in the year Late chicks are not a sign of a good year. A very convincing bit of evidence that "second broods" do not regularly occur is the fact that the percent of young birds in the fall bag never exceeds 80% or 8 young per pair."
And. . . . just spotted 12-14 tiny, day-old fledglings w/ mom and dad here in Pinal Creek on July 13. Even though that's exciting to see, Randy B. reminds us that hatching this late is not really a good sign for Gambel's. Good rains. Desert smells great!
July 28, 2015 Added a new page to my website. How to Instantly Become a Better Shooter. If you hunt our desert birds long enough, they will humble you as a wingshooter. But. . . . this "checklist" may help.
Scaled quail. Our true "grassland" species. Called "blues" in other parts of the country. Can hatch in the spring after good winter moisture, but also respond with hatches after good monsoon rains. These later birds will be very immature juveniles and should not be hunted in October, IMHO. Yes, they are runners. But they will also stick tight if scattered and pressured.
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September, 2015
Sept. 4, 2015 Back from our three week Colorado road trip. And was great to meet some Colorado upland bird hunting buddies. Jim Krater, Cortez, and Charles Peterson, Gunnison. They were both so gracious to invite us into their homes and it reminded me of why we have so much in common with bird hunters -- when you talk dogs, habitat, upland birds, hunting -- the appreciation and joy of it all just ties you together.
Sept. 12, 2015 Part of the time I'm shooting my dear ol' Dad's Rem LW 20 ga. 1100 semi-auto. Wow, the Corley Heritage gun. If you have a family gun passed down through the generations, you know exactly how I feel about it. I have it choked IC. When quail season rolls around however, I'll be carrying my favorite Beretta Blackwing O/U usually choked IC/LM, then about Nov IC/IC, then for late-season Mearn's Skeet/IC. The little Beretta is just an old friend and is SO good to carry in the field.
Everybody is asking me about quail now. What's it going to be like this season? Conditions are good. Good cover, prickly pear fruit ripening, water sources full. Rains came and were spread out during our most critical times. Am still seeing different sizes of birds on our training hikes. BUT, until the Britts and I take those long hikes in the late fall, I really don't think we'll know what's out there. Like always, I'm expecting pockets. Check rain fall totals. Our spring and summer rains are always scattered and variable. And rain data can give you great hints about best places to start hiking. See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Everybody is asking me about quail now. What's it going to be like this season? Conditions are good. Good cover, prickly pear fruit ripening, water sources full. Rains came and were spread out during our most critical times. Am still seeing different sizes of birds on our training hikes. BUT, until the Britts and I take those long hikes in the late fall, I really don't think we'll know what's out there. Like always, I'm expecting pockets. Check rain fall totals. Our spring and summer rains are always scattered and variable. And rain data can give you great hints about best places to start hiking. See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Sept. 15, 2015 Another 0.5" in my Globe rain gauge. The monsoons have been good in our area. We will be entering the season with good habitat conditions. Johnathan O'Dell, AGF Small Game Biologist, did an article for the Sept/Oct. Wildlife Views called "The State of Quail." You might like to find a copy to read (online versions are available only to subscribers). The summaries are based upon data collected through the Small Game Hunter Questionnaires from 2006-2014.
Curiously, I've never been mailed one of those questionnaires, so have never had a chance to give my feedback. Mailed randomly? Which is why many Quail Forever folks are beginning to advocate for an Upland Bird Stamp. Then everyone who purchases a stamp can be sent a questionnaire. Surveying all upland bird hunters (similar to what is done currently on a limited basis with the "Dove Stamp") would -- or "could" -- lead to better data driven, scientific upland bird management, IMHO. It could yield a ton of data relatively inexpensively. I would be more than happy to donate my $5 each year for an Upland Stamp to be part of that process.
The AGF Small Game or Upland Bird Hunter Questionnaire is not available online!
Sept 16, 2015 2015 - 2016 Arizona Small Game Outlook, by Jonathan O'Dell, AGF
I could not find the AGF Outlook using their search function, but was finally led to this link thanks to a new friend, and French Britt enthusiast, Josh Jones. A note: with all the good monsoons and recent follow-up rains, the birds during the early season will most likely be very scattered. Get those legs in shape for lots of miles of hiking! Anticipation is a wonderful thing! And the days are growing shorter. I love the fall !! Bob C.
Curiously, I've never been mailed one of those questionnaires, so have never had a chance to give my feedback. Mailed randomly? Which is why many Quail Forever folks are beginning to advocate for an Upland Bird Stamp. Then everyone who purchases a stamp can be sent a questionnaire. Surveying all upland bird hunters (similar to what is done currently on a limited basis with the "Dove Stamp") would -- or "could" -- lead to better data driven, scientific upland bird management, IMHO. It could yield a ton of data relatively inexpensively. I would be more than happy to donate my $5 each year for an Upland Stamp to be part of that process.
The AGF Small Game or Upland Bird Hunter Questionnaire is not available online!
Sept 16, 2015 2015 - 2016 Arizona Small Game Outlook, by Jonathan O'Dell, AGF
I could not find the AGF Outlook using their search function, but was finally led to this link thanks to a new friend, and French Britt enthusiast, Josh Jones. A note: with all the good monsoons and recent follow-up rains, the birds during the early season will most likely be very scattered. Get those legs in shape for lots of miles of hiking! Anticipation is a wonderful thing! And the days are growing shorter. I love the fall !! Bob C.
Sept 18, 2015 Some Early Season Hints and Reminders:
1. Quail are creatures of comfort. When it's hot look for cooler, shaded bottoms. After their morning feeding they will not be loafing on those sunny, south facing slopes that you hunt in Dec/Jan. 2. Carry extra water for both you and the dogs. Try to hunt near a water source that will allow them to get wet and cool off ! A creek, dirt cattle tank, water trough, even a mud puddle or two. Keep that body temperature down. Stop frequently. Rest in the shade. 3. While you rest in the shade it's a good time to hit the quail call. Early season Gambel's many times are not very vocal, but if you've just busted up a covey, give it 10 minutes, then give the "Chi-CA-Go" call. And wait. Many times a young bird will get nervous and give away their location. To locate a covey I usually use the covey "cluck." Just one cluck back can give you the direction to hike. 4. This time of year is one of our most dangerous for snake incidences. Be alert. Vaccinate. Consider snake avoidance training, Many dog owners swear by it. 5. If you jump a covey with half-grown birds of the year, let 'em go! Come back in January. This is especially true with Scalies. They can hatch very, very late after responding to our monsoons. 5. Get those birds in the bag on ice ASAP. |
October, 2015
Sept 27, 2015 Cornerstone of Hunter Ethics: "Never return to a friend's honey hole unless he is with you or has given you permission."
It's not an original quote, but I was taught this as a young boy, and I've heard many of my role models echo it over the years. I fully believe it's a matter of respect and courtesy -- and leads to good will and long-term camaraderie.
Oct. 2, 2015 Arizona Quail Opener. Was 106*F in Phx. Record heat. The ATV and Jeep warriors will be out driving the trails and washes. As always, I will wait until the dust settles before heading out with the Britts. It's been 8 long months, but we can wait. I re-read Robert Ruark's "The Old Man and the Boy", chapter called, You Separate the Men from the Boys again today. " When the season opens, every damfool and his brother is out in the woods, blam-blamming around and trampling all over each other. The birds are wild, and the dogs are nervous. The ground is dry, and the birds run instead of holding. Then along comes [winter] and the part-time quail hunter is tired of bird shooting, and it's too cold and too rainy, and he has to clean his gun every time [and there are lots of NFL games on TV I might add]; so he ties up the dogs and forgets hunting until next year." Love the way that guy says it. When the dust settles, it'll be time for the Britts and I (and Robert Ruark if he was still around) to give it a try! See you in the hills. Bob C.
Each year about this time, I typically receive inquiries about "where" to hunt birds in Arizona. You will notice that I never report specific locations for bird hunting. Internet sites and online blogs should be painted with very wide brush strokes, IMHO. Ariz Game & Fish, however, provides good information by unit that will get you started in the right direction. See "where to hunt" button. Bob C.
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Oct. 8, 2015 Quail Outlook by AGF: Better than last season, but not gangbusters. Click for News Link.
Oct. 15, 2015 NOAA Wetter winter for southwest looking good. Strong El Nino still predicted.
Oct. 16, 2015 Four hour hike with the Britts. Dust has cleared from the quail opener. Habitat & ground cover looks really good. Dirt tanks are mostly full. Even some scattered pot holes with water still in high drainages. Tender green growth in the shade on northern slopes. Prickly pear fruit and black grasshoppers with red wings in abundance. Started hikes within easy walking distance of water. Not for the birds, but to let the Britts swim and stay cool.
After about 10 a.m. it was still way too hot. Birds were jumpy and skittish. Most would flush when the Britts got even close. When they got birdy, I knew they were in the scent cone, but Belle got the only solid point of the day. Scenting conditions were really tough, but all the Britts made finds and retrieves. Was again really proud of pup Gunner's progress. Each outing he gets better and better. Rusty is now 11 so have to be very careful to not push him too hard. Covey sizes, 15-25, all Gambel's.
Average birds of the year for me this year is running 65-75%. Interestingly, our second covey, I took two birds of the year of obviously different sizes, hatched at different times. After bagging one of the little guys I walked away and left them for January. Two different family groups had obviously merged to form the covey. We found all our birds in cooler, shady bottoms. And two coveys were actually loafing up in hackberry trees. It makes for an interesting flush when they launch from 8-10 feet up in a tree!
No snakes today. But this is a dangerous time of year. Be careful out there.
Carry lots of water. Birds were scattered. Look for tracks. No tracks, no birds. Lots of hiking with nothing, then hit a pocket. You can always tell a real bird hunter -- just check the condition of his boots. Shooting opportunities are directly proportional to miles hiked. Keep those dogs cool.
My little Beretta is now choked IC/LM until about Nov. 1. Then I change to IC/IC. For Mearn's I switch to Skeet/IC. Size 7 shot, 7/8 oz., reloaded at 1175 fps. That is considered a light field load. With different chokes, I've shot the same load at quail, huns, sharptail grouse, and doves.
Rains predicted this weekend. And more importantly, cooler temps. I love the smell of fall. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Oct. 16, 2015 Four hour hike with the Britts. Dust has cleared from the quail opener. Habitat & ground cover looks really good. Dirt tanks are mostly full. Even some scattered pot holes with water still in high drainages. Tender green growth in the shade on northern slopes. Prickly pear fruit and black grasshoppers with red wings in abundance. Started hikes within easy walking distance of water. Not for the birds, but to let the Britts swim and stay cool.
After about 10 a.m. it was still way too hot. Birds were jumpy and skittish. Most would flush when the Britts got even close. When they got birdy, I knew they were in the scent cone, but Belle got the only solid point of the day. Scenting conditions were really tough, but all the Britts made finds and retrieves. Was again really proud of pup Gunner's progress. Each outing he gets better and better. Rusty is now 11 so have to be very careful to not push him too hard. Covey sizes, 15-25, all Gambel's.
Average birds of the year for me this year is running 65-75%. Interestingly, our second covey, I took two birds of the year of obviously different sizes, hatched at different times. After bagging one of the little guys I walked away and left them for January. Two different family groups had obviously merged to form the covey. We found all our birds in cooler, shady bottoms. And two coveys were actually loafing up in hackberry trees. It makes for an interesting flush when they launch from 8-10 feet up in a tree!
No snakes today. But this is a dangerous time of year. Be careful out there.
Carry lots of water. Birds were scattered. Look for tracks. No tracks, no birds. Lots of hiking with nothing, then hit a pocket. You can always tell a real bird hunter -- just check the condition of his boots. Shooting opportunities are directly proportional to miles hiked. Keep those dogs cool.
My little Beretta is now choked IC/LM until about Nov. 1. Then I change to IC/IC. For Mearn's I switch to Skeet/IC. Size 7 shot, 7/8 oz., reloaded at 1175 fps. That is considered a light field load. With different chokes, I've shot the same load at quail, huns, sharptail grouse, and doves.
Rains predicted this weekend. And more importantly, cooler temps. I love the smell of fall. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Oct. 17, 2015 Two hour hike before the predicted low front hit. Most unusual where I found them -- in Desert Hackberry. Up to 6-8 ft high, thorny. The birds I took had crops stuffed with hackberry fruit, ants, a few smaller jojoba seeds, and a few lady bugs. No water was available for over a mile. They were getting plenty of moisture from the hackberry. Click on photos to enlarge.
Oct. 24, 2015 Was hunting solo with Belle when she got all birdy. These three dudes came out from watering in the creek bottom. Big momma and her two almost full-grown cubs. If she had felt threatened, believe me, a 20 ga. with bird shot would have only made her very, very mad. As they moved up the hill, we both did a 180!! (The heart was beating so fast, almost forgot to take photos! Ha.)
The coveys today reminded me how a Gambel's hen trains her young to react to a coyote or fox. The whole family moves off the ground into the nearest tree, shrub, or cholla to be safe. Birds were "quiet", we would hike for. . . . . . ever, then find them in one staghorn or shrub. Birds of the year were running at 60%. No frost yet. Lots of insects and bugs. Saw the whole menagerie today: birds, bunnies, whitetails, muleys, roadrunners, hawks. . . . . and bears. What a day! I love the fall. Bob C. (Click to enlarge photos.)
The coveys today reminded me how a Gambel's hen trains her young to react to a coyote or fox. The whole family moves off the ground into the nearest tree, shrub, or cholla to be safe. Birds were "quiet", we would hike for. . . . . . ever, then find them in one staghorn or shrub. Birds of the year were running at 60%. No frost yet. Lots of insects and bugs. Saw the whole menagerie today: birds, bunnies, whitetails, muleys, roadrunners, hawks. . . . . and bears. What a day! I love the fall. Bob C. (Click to enlarge photos.)
November, 2015
Nov. 1, 2015 Just when you think you have Ariz bird hunting all figured out! Hiked some traditionally good areas, with great cover and just couldn't find them! Four hour hike and two tiny coveys. Ugh. Keeps a guy humble for sure! Then. . . .
Next day I hiked in the same area where my dear ol' Dad had his last quail hunt before passing away -- in 2001. Talk about a flood of memories from 14 years ago! And I just turned 68 years old so the quote (Ruark?) is oh so true: I "felt God in my soul and I thanked Him on the mountain, sitting on the peak. I had seen it before, but to an old man it had more power." I took two birds, hiked many miles, and it was a glorious day. My little French Britts seemed to understand. They hunted hard. Found very few, but it didn't seem to matter -- to them or to me. It was all about BEING THERE. And to an old man, it had more power! See you in the hills, Bob C. |
Nov.19, 2015 I got to tag along with a good French Britt friend, Bill Gilchrist from REI, on a 3 day tent camp in the High Chihuahuan desert. Was such a different and unusual habitat with Agave lechuguilla, soap-tree yucca, creosote as a dominant plant, catclaw, mesquite, and of course a variety of grasses. A chance at both scalies and Gambel's. Recent rains gave the Britts water puddles for drinks on most drainages. And then, the surprise of the trip -- we ran into Dave Brown, Southern QF VP from Patagonia and Randy Babb, AGF Biologist. What a treat! They were also checking to see if the scalie population had a "bump" from the good monsoons. Was very cool for Bill and me to meet guys who have vast experiences with birds and small game in Arizona. And the shocker of the trip -- Dave B. had a Mohave rattler encounter. Unbelievable for this time of year. Bill and I found very, very few scaled quail, but the Gambel's coveys were very healthy with young birds. Ah, the campfire, the yotes sounding off all around us, the half-moon in a star studded night sky, and a Dutch oven. Good for the soul! Thanks Bill.
Nov. 27, 2015 Evolution of a Quail Hunter. Have you heard this about the evolution of a fisherman?
1. I just want to catch a fish.
2. I want to catch lots of fish.
3. I want to catch a BIG fish.
4. I want to catch LOTS of big fish.
And finally, 5. I just want to go fishing!!
I can remember hunting Ariz quail in the 1960's and 70's as a young man. It was very important that I "limit out." I would hunt dawn to dusk if necessary to make sure that I took a limit. And I can vividly remember the day quite a few years ago when I had 8-10 Gambel's in the bag, jumped a beautiful covey of 25-30 birds that scattered into great, huntable cover. It would have been a matter of minutes to for sure complete my "limit."
And I thought: "You know, the Britts and I have had a wonderful day. We have plenty of birds for dinner. We really don't need a limit." We saluted the covey as they returned to the gene pool, turned back to the truck and smiled with a great sense of satisfaction. Now, just like the fisherman, I just want to go hunting and hike behind those beautiful dogs. Like Dan Priest mentions in one of his bird hunting tactics: In these years of lots of hunter pressure, declining desert bird populations, and maybe just out of respect for the birds we love to hunt, it's time for us to consider "limiting our limit." Self-imposed efforts of conservation and sustainability will be good for our sport. I just hope my grand children will have a chance to understand and enjoy this passion. See you in the hills with my Britts, Bob C.
December, 2015
Dec. 3, 2015 Four day solo camp in the Minnie Winnie. Click on any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 9, 2015 Tent camped with the Lost Hunter Tribe. These guys, now mostly from Colorado, Texas, and Ariz, have camped & quail hunted together for over 35 yrs. Was cool to hear the stories, share the (LARGE) campfire, enjoy some Dutch ovens w/ Color. elk, and hike some hills. And the 1870's rolling block antique took it's first desert quail. (And I'd never even seen a rolling block before.)
Dec. 12, 2015 Good rains and snows hitting state. Started my Rain Gauge data chart for 2015-2016. Always interesting to compare different years. Mearn's season is under way. Have heard mixed reports. Most say as good or sometimes better than last year and report that when they do find a covey, sizes range from 8-12 or so.
I hunted scalies yesterday before the front hit us. Cloudy, chilly day with p.m. winds. Tough hunt and put in lots of miles. My two best coveys just wouldn't let me pin them down. Runnin' son of a guns. The cover was good, but they would flush a second and third time way in front of the Britts. Very few singles. Was a mixed Gambel's and scalie bag. Shot the Benelli Montefeltro semi-auto yesterday. Actually, shot it well, but SO important when I shoot my back-up gun to remember to emphasize wood on wood -- mount it with stock to cheek. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Dec. 17, 2015 I am major bummed! In a freak, and totally unnecessary garage accident, I broke the middle finger on my left hand. The timing is awful. The best weeks of the bird season are approaching. You are aware of catch and release bass fishing? Well, I will be trying catch and release quail hunting the next several weeks -- with my Britts and a camera! Maybe I can talk family or friends into being my "shooter." I've always said that I could hike all day and never fire a shot. . . well, I'm about to find out exactly what that feels like. Yup, I'm bummed. When you're hiking those hills, savor the moment -- I will -- but with a twist and a valuable lesson learned. Bob C.
Dec. 22, 2015 No hiking yet for this ol' quail hunter. Finger bone pinned and set. A slip or a fall would be major. My little camper is getting lonely. Should have been on two camps down south by now. The Britts are in hunting shape, rested, and anxious to go. Heavy sigh!! Maybe after Christmas, mid-Jan, or late Jan? Mearn's reports are mostly better than last season with young birds in the mix. On a very positive note: El Nino jet stream pattern setting up. Moisture for our deserts and snow in the high country. Bring it on. Bring it on.
I hunted scalies yesterday before the front hit us. Cloudy, chilly day with p.m. winds. Tough hunt and put in lots of miles. My two best coveys just wouldn't let me pin them down. Runnin' son of a guns. The cover was good, but they would flush a second and third time way in front of the Britts. Very few singles. Was a mixed Gambel's and scalie bag. Shot the Benelli Montefeltro semi-auto yesterday. Actually, shot it well, but SO important when I shoot my back-up gun to remember to emphasize wood on wood -- mount it with stock to cheek. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Dec. 17, 2015 I am major bummed! In a freak, and totally unnecessary garage accident, I broke the middle finger on my left hand. The timing is awful. The best weeks of the bird season are approaching. You are aware of catch and release bass fishing? Well, I will be trying catch and release quail hunting the next several weeks -- with my Britts and a camera! Maybe I can talk family or friends into being my "shooter." I've always said that I could hike all day and never fire a shot. . . well, I'm about to find out exactly what that feels like. Yup, I'm bummed. When you're hiking those hills, savor the moment -- I will -- but with a twist and a valuable lesson learned. Bob C.
Dec. 22, 2015 No hiking yet for this ol' quail hunter. Finger bone pinned and set. A slip or a fall would be major. My little camper is getting lonely. Should have been on two camps down south by now. The Britts are in hunting shape, rested, and anxious to go. Heavy sigh!! Maybe after Christmas, mid-Jan, or late Jan? Mearn's reports are mostly better than last season with young birds in the mix. On a very positive note: El Nino jet stream pattern setting up. Moisture for our deserts and snow in the high country. Bring it on. Bring it on.
January, 2016
Jan. 1, 2016 Happy New Year to all my upland friends. Well, just learned that the pins holding my fractured LH proximal phalanges did not hold the bone in place. So second surgery planned this week to try to hold the fracture in place with screws. It's like I broke it just yesterday, so have lost 2 1/2 weeks of healing time. Major bummed. And it's only a FINGER for Pete's sake. Am just hoping my 2016 ends better than it has started!! What's that old saying? "Man makes plans . . . . . and God laughs." So, if you are blessed to be hiking those Arizona hills today, smile, thank the good Lord, and savor the moment!! Rains predicted all next week !! Bob C.
Jan. 8, 2016 El Nino weather pattern kicking in big time. Snows: Globe 2-4 inches on the ground and still coming down as we speak. Pinal Creek here at the house running big. Tonto Creek and Salt River swollen and muddy. Payson, 10-12 in. Warm Spgs Rd on the San Carlos, 6-8 in and over a foot at Point of Pines. Sunrise Ski area with a 3 foot base. Rain and snow statewide. With all this weather, many hunts will be cancelled. And since misery loves company, it makes having a hand in a cast not so bad. I know. I know. Terrible.
Jan. 16, 2016 Three screws in my finger bone seem to be holding. Slow mend. Learning patience one slow day at a time. Unbelievable green-up in our desert. If we get Feb-Mar rains too, next season should be a bird rebound. I take the Britts out for hikes, but just not the same without my little 20 ga. :-(
Jan. 18, 2016 Hiked with Britts, my camera, and some friends. Good for the soul to be chasing the elusive desert birds. Even more awesome was to bring along two young ladies ages 10 and 12. Emily's dad, John, was really good helping the girls enjoy the outdoors, and to get into the best position while always emphasizing safety. The snows were mostly melted. The ground was soaked and saturated with squishy hiking in many spots. all drainages were running water and new green was evident everywhere. Come on early spring rains!!
Jan. 16, 2016 Three screws in my finger bone seem to be holding. Slow mend. Learning patience one slow day at a time. Unbelievable green-up in our desert. If we get Feb-Mar rains too, next season should be a bird rebound. I take the Britts out for hikes, but just not the same without my little 20 ga. :-(
Jan. 18, 2016 Hiked with Britts, my camera, and some friends. Good for the soul to be chasing the elusive desert birds. Even more awesome was to bring along two young ladies ages 10 and 12. Emily's dad, John, was really good helping the girls enjoy the outdoors, and to get into the best position while always emphasizing safety. The snows were mostly melted. The ground was soaked and saturated with squishy hiking in many spots. all drainages were running water and new green was evident everywhere. Come on early spring rains!!
Jan.18, 2016 My grandgirl hiker and 12 yr old "shooter". We nicknaned her "Bam Bam" Emily! I carried the camera and hiking stick. Neat to have the youngsters along! The miles and rocks are pretty tough for 12 yr old legs. My friend, John, was SO good emphasizing safety and being certain the girls enjoyed the experience.
February, 2016
Feb. 1, 2016 Only 6 days left of the '15- '16 season. Big winter front crossing the state. Snow in Globe. Timing-- again -- is good. Will keep all the annuals green and growing. When the warmer temps arrive, should look like Ireland out there in our desert!! Bob C.
Feb.4, 2016 Hiked with son, Matt, and his 15 year old Flaco. No Gambel's coveys over 15, but plenty to make a beautiful day! Many coveys skittish and wild, but got a few good points from the Britts. So good for the soul to be in the hills again. No gun until next year, but still good.
Feb. 6, 2016 A combo scalie/Gambel's day with Matt and some long-time AK friends, Jon and Laura from Cooper Landing. The desert is entering the spring in great condition. Green everywhere. Water tanks full. Anticipation will be high in 8 months! Keep on keepin' on and see you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Click to enlarge any photo.
Feb.4, 2016 Hiked with son, Matt, and his 15 year old Flaco. No Gambel's coveys over 15, but plenty to make a beautiful day! Many coveys skittish and wild, but got a few good points from the Britts. So good for the soul to be in the hills again. No gun until next year, but still good.
Feb. 6, 2016 A combo scalie/Gambel's day with Matt and some long-time AK friends, Jon and Laura from Cooper Landing. The desert is entering the spring in great condition. Green everywhere. Water tanks full. Anticipation will be high in 8 months! Keep on keepin' on and see you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Click to enlarge any photo.
From 2015 - 2016 rain gauge:
Oct. ___Nov.___Dec. 1.05" Jan. 2.50" Feb. 1.10" Mar. 0.0" Apr 0.0" May 0.0" June 0.0" July 0.0 " Aug. 0.0" Sept. 0.0"
Oct. ___Nov.___Dec. 1.05" Jan. 2.50" Feb. 1.10" Mar. 0.0" Apr 0.0" May 0.0" June 0.0" July 0.0 " Aug. 0.0" Sept. 0.0"
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From my 2014 - 2015 rain gauge:
Dec. 2.1" Jan. 3.1 " Feb. 0.20 " Mar. 0.70" Apr 0.55" May 1.50" June 1.35" July 3.80" Aug. 2.85 " Sept. 2.45 "
Dec. 2.1" Jan. 3.1 " Feb. 0.20 " Mar. 0.70" Apr 0.55" May 1.50" June 1.35" July 3.80" Aug. 2.85 " Sept. 2.45 "
Ariz Quail Hunting Camps Copyrighted by Bob Corley, Use by permission only.