2017 - 2018 Arizona Quail Reports
Host: Bob Corley
Gambel's and Scaled Oct. 6, 2017 - Feb. 11, 2018
Mearn's Dec. 8, 2017 - Feb. 11, 2018
Gambel's and Scaled Oct. 6, 2017 - Feb. 11, 2018
Mearn's Dec. 8, 2017 - Feb. 11, 2018
"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!" Robert Ruark, "The Old Man & The Boy"
Spring, 2017
April 4, 2017 Loved this quote from Gene Hill w/ a printed reminder in the Winter 2017 Quail Forever Journal:
"Soak it up, go into it softly and thoughtfully, with love and understanding, for another year must pass before you can come this way again."
Six months before we come that way again! Lift some weights, get those weekly hikes in, run the Britts. It'll be here before you know it.
And this one from Franklin D. Roosevelt's father, who was known by all to be a country gentleman: "I am most content when I am in the country hunting, fishing, or riding!" Click any photo to enlarge.
April 24, 2017 Had to smile. A good friend said, "Hey, you didn't include your season summary!" So, by request (thanks Brooks!) :
"Soak it up, go into it softly and thoughtfully, with love and understanding, for another year must pass before you can come this way again."
Six months before we come that way again! Lift some weights, get those weekly hikes in, run the Britts. It'll be here before you know it.
And this one from Franklin D. Roosevelt's father, who was known by all to be a country gentleman: "I am most content when I am in the country hunting, fishing, or riding!" Click any photo to enlarge.
April 24, 2017 Had to smile. A good friend said, "Hey, you didn't include your season summary!" So, by request (thanks Brooks!) :
In 2016-2017 I hunted 46 full or partial days, which is an average of 3 days/week. 2016-2017 Gambel's population was up slightly in most areas that I hunted. Scalie populations were spotty with pockets in most areas that I hiked. Some good days -- and other hikes we just couldn't find them. I only made it down for two Mearn's camps down south. One Mearn's camp was a total bust, with most of the area grossly overgrazed. My second Mearn's camp was in an area with good cover -- and bird numbers reflected that even with lots of hunter pressure. Not a bonanza and nothing like 2015-2016, but certainly enough birds to give the Britts plenty of scent in their noses.
Prediction for Gambel's in 2017- 2018 is actually more than just "cautious optimism." Rain total in my Globe rain gauge Oct - Mar. = 14.9" which is excellent. Perhaps just as importantly, rains came at scattered intervals. Rains always vary statewide, so it will be important to check rain total for your favorite hunting areas. Ground cover is good and now seeded. Birds have been paired now and "caw" calling for several weeks. Escape cover and insect food sources should be good for youngsters. All signs are positive for a good Gambel's hatch statewide. We should see our first nestlings in the lower elevations. So many factors. So many variables. And every critter out there wants to eat a baby quail.......... One good hatch does not a bonanza make, but at least a "population bump" would be neat.
For scalies and Mearn's hold your breath for some good monsoons down south.
April 29, 2017 Sawmill Fire burning now at 47,000 acres east of Green Valley and north of Sonoita (Empire Ranch area) toward the Whetstone Mts. Quail country. Man caused. Border Patrol agent recreational shooting at explosives. Aaaargh. On a more positive note: immediate result of most burns is a reduction in local wildlife populations. But long-range wildlife return as annuals and new growth return with rains.
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/tucson/crews-battle-sawmill-fire-in-green-valley
Prediction for Gambel's in 2017- 2018 is actually more than just "cautious optimism." Rain total in my Globe rain gauge Oct - Mar. = 14.9" which is excellent. Perhaps just as importantly, rains came at scattered intervals. Rains always vary statewide, so it will be important to check rain total for your favorite hunting areas. Ground cover is good and now seeded. Birds have been paired now and "caw" calling for several weeks. Escape cover and insect food sources should be good for youngsters. All signs are positive for a good Gambel's hatch statewide. We should see our first nestlings in the lower elevations. So many factors. So many variables. And every critter out there wants to eat a baby quail.......... One good hatch does not a bonanza make, but at least a "population bump" would be neat.
For scalies and Mearn's hold your breath for some good monsoons down south.
April 29, 2017 Sawmill Fire burning now at 47,000 acres east of Green Valley and north of Sonoita (Empire Ranch area) toward the Whetstone Mts. Quail country. Man caused. Border Patrol agent recreational shooting at explosives. Aaaargh. On a more positive note: immediate result of most burns is a reduction in local wildlife populations. But long-range wildlife return as annuals and new growth return with rains.
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-central-southern-az/tucson/crews-battle-sawmill-fire-in-green-valley
Late Spring, 2017
May 23, 2017 The Pinal Fire is still burning about 3 miles from my house near Globe. It was lightning started, but they are letting it go as a prescribed (controlled) burn. Fire management guys doing a good job so far burning decades of on-the-ground fuel (last fire up there was in 1952) without torching the mature evergreens. Needed it badly. To prevent possible future catastrophic wildfire.
Click: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5176/ Speaking of chicks: Have only sighted two family groups to date -- one with 7 and the other with 9 walnuts with wings. Reports from friends around the state have some hatches showing up. And reports of predators taking their toll. Everything out there seems to love baby quail -- skunks, coons, roadrunners, coyotes, birds of prey. |
May 25, 2017 Took my treasured little Beretta Blackwing O/U in for some preventive maintenance and some TLC. It's treasured not because it is the top-of-the-line Beretta (it is not!) or because of it's cost, but because it fits! And a shotgun that fits becomes an old friend.
Jesse Smith, BestShot, LLC, in Peoria, Az did a great job and shared some neat maintenance hints with me. He does custom reloading, gunsmithing, trains Brittanys and really knows his stuff. If you need some work done, you may want to give him a call. Click: http://www.bestshotllc.com
Jesse Smith, BestShot, LLC, in Peoria, Az did a great job and shared some neat maintenance hints with me. He does custom reloading, gunsmithing, trains Brittanys and really knows his stuff. If you need some work done, you may want to give him a call. Click: http://www.bestshotllc.com
June, 2017
June 1, 2017 Chick sighting. . . Out exercising the Britts on a run yesterday and saw the male look-out sentinel. He and mom had 12-15 youngsters who could fly, but apparently not far. Hard to count. Best guess hatched 2-3 weeks ago. They were in good ground cover and disappeared in a heartbeat. Interestingly, later on when mom sees the Britts, I've seen her take the whole family up high into a cedar, mesquite or desert hackberry to escape a perceived "coyote" threat.
An interesting note on S. Ariz Quail Forever website about a new quail study: Can Mearn's now be expanding their range because of warming climate trends and fires up to 9,000 ft. which changes the habitat to more conifer with dense grass understory? Mearn's sightings on the Colorado Plateau have increased. (I have previously seen Mearn's on Black River, south of Alpine in the high |
country -- considered marginal Mearn's range -- perhaps a riparian micro-climate?) Project Leader: Randy Babb, AGF. For details click: http://www.saquailforever.com/updates/
June 13, 2017 Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Can search by Arizona locations and specify date range.
June 14, 2017 Thanks to a reminder from Wally B., in Tucson, gave the Crotalus snake vaccine to all the Britts today. This will be the 4th year I have given them these subcutaneous shots. After a rattlesnake bite vets will emphasize the importance of antivenom administration even if bird dogs have current vaccinations. For a summary of rattlesnake avoidance and prevention in Ariz see my link below.
June 15, 2017 New Valley of the Sun Quail Forever website. http://www.votsqf.com/
Southern Arizona Quail Forever website. http://www.saquailforever.com/ Looking good folks.
June 13, 2017 Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Can search by Arizona locations and specify date range.
June 14, 2017 Thanks to a reminder from Wally B., in Tucson, gave the Crotalus snake vaccine to all the Britts today. This will be the 4th year I have given them these subcutaneous shots. After a rattlesnake bite vets will emphasize the importance of antivenom administration even if bird dogs have current vaccinations. For a summary of rattlesnake avoidance and prevention in Ariz see my link below.
June 15, 2017 New Valley of the Sun Quail Forever website. http://www.votsqf.com/
Southern Arizona Quail Forever website. http://www.saquailforever.com/ Looking good folks.
July, 2017
June 28, 2017 AGF Quail Call Counts called "encouraging." https://www.azgfd.com/gambels-quail-call-counts-encouraging/ Small game biologist, Jonathan O'Dell, gives the call count results for Gambel's. Mating calls were "up" in the 20 mile route they have surveyed for many years now. So we are back to the prediction of a bump, but not a bonanza. Still -- that's encouraging and good news -- a verification or validation so to speak of the winter rains from Oct. - March of last year in various locations across the state. July 10, 2017 Our first monsoon shower in Globe, 0.10" Slow, steady. A nice start. |
July 11, 2017 On the danger of the "artificial life" and the flickering screen. When I catch myself using technology too much -- cell phone, I-pad, TV -- it dawns on me just how important it is to get back into nature. To hike the hills, to be on the water, to watch the monsoon storm rush over the mountain with flashing lightning and crashing thunder. To sit under the pine tree and listen to the quiet. To get back to the REAL world. Author, Jim Harrison, said it well: "The danger of civilization, or course, is that you will piss away your life on nonsense."
July 17, 2017 1.90" for July now in Globe area. Nine dead in flash flood disaster north of Payson. 40% - 60% chance of rains the next week or more. Monsoons are always spotty. Huge downpour in an area and next to nothing sometimes less than 1/2 mi. away. Checking state rain logs gives a clearer picture.
Reminder: Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Can search by Arizona locations and specify date range. Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
July 25, 2017 As we move through the dog days of summer, two thoughts: "Live life deliberately and not find that when you come to die, you have not really lived." Thoreau. And, "Strive to live the strenuous life." T. Roosevelt. Carpe diem, folks, carpe diem! See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C. July rain total at my house, 5.20".
July 17, 2017 1.90" for July now in Globe area. Nine dead in flash flood disaster north of Payson. 40% - 60% chance of rains the next week or more. Monsoons are always spotty. Huge downpour in an area and next to nothing sometimes less than 1/2 mi. away. Checking state rain logs gives a clearer picture.
Reminder: Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Can search by Arizona locations and specify date range. Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
July 25, 2017 As we move through the dog days of summer, two thoughts: "Live life deliberately and not find that when you come to die, you have not really lived." Thoreau. And, "Strive to live the strenuous life." T. Roosevelt. Carpe diem, folks, carpe diem! See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C. July rain total at my house, 5.20".
From my 2016 - 2017 rain gauge:
Oct. 1.50" Nov. 2.70" Dec. 5.15" Jan. 4.1" Feb. 1.20" Mar. 0.25" Apr 0.10" May 0.25" June 0.0" July 5.20 " Aug. 1.20" Sept. 0.75"
Oct. 1.50" Nov. 2.70" Dec. 5.15" Jan. 4.1" Feb. 1.20" Mar. 0.25" Apr 0.10" May 0.25" June 0.0" July 5.20 " Aug. 1.20" Sept. 0.75"
August, 2017
Aug. 1, 2017 0.80" in a violent monsoon storm last evening + 0.25" this morning. Booming lightning, winds whipping from all directions that knocked off tree limbs, horizontal rains at times with a little hail. Followed by a spectacular sunset and a sighting: mom and 8 tiny youngsters -- not walnuts with wings -- but guessing only hatched about a week or so. Oh my! Biologists tell us that a second clutch is unlikely, so most likely a re-nest of a former failed attempt? With our good monsoons am fully expecting to see some very small youngsters in October -- especially scalies. Hence, another reason to start the Gambel's and scalie seasons around Oct. 19 next year rather than on Oct. 5 as is proposed by AGF. (See link above.) Give those young birds a chance to mature in the early fall. I am always amazed by our desert birds. They are survivors. They will find a way to perpetuate the species. Maybe not in huge numbers -- but
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they will find a way. Just back from Tucson. The desert looks wonderful on the drive down. Plush green in spots. Overall, vivid new growth even among the perennials. The ocotillo are fully leafed out. Spectacular red blossoms on the way soon . . . .
Humidity is very high. Feels like the deep south instead of the desert! And good chance of monsoons continuing for at least the next several weeks. Prickly pear fruit is green, swollen, and abundant in many spots. The fruit will be red/purple ripe about September. And that food source is highly sought after by many game animals, including and especially our desert quail.
Humidity is very high. Feels like the deep south instead of the desert! And good chance of monsoons continuing for at least the next several weeks. Prickly pear fruit is green, swollen, and abundant in many spots. The fruit will be red/purple ripe about September. And that food source is highly sought after by many game animals, including and especially our desert quail.
Aug. 9, 2017 Took a 2 1/2 hour Scouting Trip @ 2,700 ft elevation today. Not much grass because of heavy grazing for decades. However, saw dirt tanks with water that are usually dry in past years. Ocotillo fully leafed out, desert shrubs with that vibrant, new light-green growth. And prickly pear fruit ripening already at this lower elevation. Saw 6 family groups (early season coveys) of 10-15 birds. Birds of the year were over half grown. One covey was being pursued by a roadrunner -- for all the world looking like a Jurasic Park velociraptor. Both ground and avian predators will take their toll. Coyote yip/howls were sounding off in their early morning family serenades as the sun rose. Their young of the year should be kicked out on their own by the end of Sept. Also, saw several young cottontails -- a good sign of habitat conditions. Monsoon activity has dried up. Lower humidity, hotter. Predicted to return in about a week, but perhaps not as good as July.
Aug. 15, 2017 Oh my. A friend at 2,300 ft reported two pair in his yard with just-hatched chicks yesterday (he called them silver dollar puff balls). So started setting their nests in late July after our good monsoon month. . . . .Hmmm. . . .
Scouting trip #2 today: Explored @ 4,300 ft today in a big area that I have hunted since the '70's. Seemed a lot drier -- habitat did not look nearly as green or healthy. Saw only one little family group with half grown youngsters. The area just did not receive the rains that the Aug. 9th area got. Lesson learned: scouting to learn areas NOT to hunt is just as important (or more so) than finding areas TO hunt. Check the rainlogs and take a few hikes before you plan a bird hunting camp. Oct. 6 is only 7 weeks away! See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Aug. 18, 2017 In these days of internet on-line shopping customer service and customer care are of prime importance. In the past I've purchased my e-collars and GPS systems from Gun Dog Supply and have been pleased. Recently, I bought a new portable kennel from them that was "out of shape, i.e., not right." Customer rep, Lance, apparently with the okay of owner, Steve, worked with me on details on how to return for a refund. They made it happen with complete satisfaction. So -- something to consider when looking for dog supplies.
Aug. 15, 2017 Oh my. A friend at 2,300 ft reported two pair in his yard with just-hatched chicks yesterday (he called them silver dollar puff balls). So started setting their nests in late July after our good monsoon month. . . . .Hmmm. . . .
Scouting trip #2 today: Explored @ 4,300 ft today in a big area that I have hunted since the '70's. Seemed a lot drier -- habitat did not look nearly as green or healthy. Saw only one little family group with half grown youngsters. The area just did not receive the rains that the Aug. 9th area got. Lesson learned: scouting to learn areas NOT to hunt is just as important (or more so) than finding areas TO hunt. Check the rainlogs and take a few hikes before you plan a bird hunting camp. Oct. 6 is only 7 weeks away! See you in the hills with my Britts. Bob C.
Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Aug. 18, 2017 In these days of internet on-line shopping customer service and customer care are of prime importance. In the past I've purchased my e-collars and GPS systems from Gun Dog Supply and have been pleased. Recently, I bought a new portable kennel from them that was "out of shape, i.e., not right." Customer rep, Lance, apparently with the okay of owner, Steve, worked with me on details on how to return for a refund. They made it happen with complete satisfaction. So -- something to consider when looking for dog supplies.
September, 2017
Sept. 9, 2017 Monsoons are not over yet. Big line of storms hit much of the state. Globe area received 0.75" Anticipation is building for a chance to take that first quail hike! On another note: Yes, we are a desert with very little precipitation and excessive heat much of the year, BUT we don't have Category 4-5 Hurricanes! Our heart aches for Texas and Florida as we speak! Can't even imagine what 185 mph winds could be like!
Sept. 11, 2017 Reminiscing this morning. My dear ol' Dad starting me hunting our desert upland birds in 1959 when I was 12 years old. And just wondering what it is that holds such a special place in my heart and soul. In my younger years, I was into elk, deer, big game. But now, I just look for any excuse to hike those hills behind my little bird dogs. So. . . . Oct will be the beginning of my 60th season. Hard to even imagine. And, I must admit, I am not a hiking "purist." I like the feel of carrying the little 20 ga. -- the predator attitude, the armed hiker. And thinking back -- I have been privileged to explore and see places in Arizona that very, very few have experienced. All because I was pursuing the wily quail and dreaming of the next desert camp. It draws me over the next ridge, into the next wash, looking for the next water hole. It gives me a "reason" to try to stay physical, to live a "strenuous life." (T. Roosevelt) The myriad of images comes flooding back and my cup is full to overflowing this morning. I am blessed beyond measure.
On Oct. 29 I will apply for my Arizona AGF Pioneer License! Requirements: must be age 70 and have been a resident in Arizona for 25 consecutive years prior. Free! WaaaHoo! There are relatively few benefits of growing older -- but this is one. And I plan to relish it!
On Oct. 29 I will apply for my Arizona AGF Pioneer License! Requirements: must be age 70 and have been a resident in Arizona for 25 consecutive years prior. Free! WaaaHoo! There are relatively few benefits of growing older -- but this is one. And I plan to relish it!
Sept. 12, 2017 CJ Quail Calls: Thanks to a heads-up from Tres G., VOTS Quail Forever, I contacted Chris Johnson re: his new quail calls. I've been out trying out the sounds and really like them. These calls will become my go-to this season. Two sizes: small, 2 1/4" and larger, 3 5/8". The pitch of the smaller size is understandably higher -- more like the call of a juvenile bird of the year -- which might work really well in the early season. I personally liked the lower pitch of the larger size better -- lower tone more like a mature bird. With both calls I cup them with either one or both of my hands to give the sound more realism. I always start with covey cluck and listen for the give away return cluck. The Gambel's covey Ka-KEE-ta call can, at times, be changed to a Ka-KEE-ta-ta for variety and realism. But sure recommend always starting with the covey cluck.
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I haven't decided yet whether to carry the CJ Calls in my jean's pocket or around my neck on a lanyard (notice the opening on one end which could be used with a lanyard attachment.) One nice feature is the ability to change rubber bands in the call when one wears out or gets old. The call can be disassembled with a small Allen wrench and Chris sent along replacement rubber bands for the future. Also, I can change the pitch of the call by changing the "stretch" of the rubber band when re-assembling the call -- a nice variation. If you are needing a new quail call, CJ's is worth your consideration. Bob C.
Sept. 25, 2017 The Sawmill Fire in Mearn's country burned in Apr/May. During the recent Mesquite Trail Ride (great fun horseback), I listened to a rancher who runs cattle in that area. It burned hot, low and fast. As you can see, the mesquite (and oaks) survived and are "coming back." Most cottonwoods were lost. Then in July we got good monsoons rains. The grasses came back green, but after only fair rains in August are now seeded and dry. The rancher said it is not "like it was" but with decent rains next year, it could be fully restored. Are the quail "back?"
This response from Wade Zarlingo, AGF Small Game Biologist & Program Manager:
"As you mentioned, the Sawmill Fire burned prior to nesting so I would suspect that most of the Mearns’ quail would have settled into adjacent habitats and there would have been little to no direct mortality associated with the fire. After driving through the fire area in late July it was nice to see the amount of green up associated with the monsoonal rain and the oak canopy mostly intact. Mearns’ quail rely on overstory trees for security from predators, thermal cover and a microclimate conducive to forb production and select for overstory canopy of 26 to 75 percent. If the fire had significantly reduced canopy cover we may have seen a shift that would have been more favorable toward scaled quail."
Fire can be a "benefit to wildlife by setting back succession, adding nutrients, and stimulating forb growth mainly Oxalis for Mearns’ quail. Most of our ecosystems in the southwest depend on fire to maintain the historic landscapes. What we have seen is an increase in Mearns’ quail sightings above the Mogollon Rim after 3 large fires in AZ Dude Fire (1990), Rodeo-Chediski Fire (2002), Wallow Fire (2011). I would expect a very similar response within the area of the Sawmill Fire in the next year or 2." Thanks for the response & info Wade.
Bottom line: Mearn's quail should re-populate the burn within another year or two. Interestingly, if the oaks had burned, the habitat would've been more conducive to scaled quail, our true grassland species.
This response from Wade Zarlingo, AGF Small Game Biologist & Program Manager:
"As you mentioned, the Sawmill Fire burned prior to nesting so I would suspect that most of the Mearns’ quail would have settled into adjacent habitats and there would have been little to no direct mortality associated with the fire. After driving through the fire area in late July it was nice to see the amount of green up associated with the monsoonal rain and the oak canopy mostly intact. Mearns’ quail rely on overstory trees for security from predators, thermal cover and a microclimate conducive to forb production and select for overstory canopy of 26 to 75 percent. If the fire had significantly reduced canopy cover we may have seen a shift that would have been more favorable toward scaled quail."
Fire can be a "benefit to wildlife by setting back succession, adding nutrients, and stimulating forb growth mainly Oxalis for Mearns’ quail. Most of our ecosystems in the southwest depend on fire to maintain the historic landscapes. What we have seen is an increase in Mearns’ quail sightings above the Mogollon Rim after 3 large fires in AZ Dude Fire (1990), Rodeo-Chediski Fire (2002), Wallow Fire (2011). I would expect a very similar response within the area of the Sawmill Fire in the next year or 2." Thanks for the response & info Wade.
Bottom line: Mearn's quail should re-populate the burn within another year or two. Interestingly, if the oaks had burned, the habitat would've been more conducive to scaled quail, our true grassland species.
Sept. 27, 2017 As we approach the Az desert quail opener, just a note about snakes. We have two times of year that are most dangerous: first in the early spring as the rattlers come out of their winter dens. And NOW before the first hard frost. Just talked with a rancher here out side of town. He has seen 15 in the last 1 1/2 months. Late one evening he killed 5 diamondbacks on the road near his house. As always, I will not be out on the opener. I usually give it a week or more to let the smoke clear. But always be aware and use caution if you are hunting early with your dogs.
There is a nip o' fall in the air. Long sleeves feel good early morning. Love this time of year. Anticipation is wonderful !! See you in the hills with my Britts. |
October, 2017
Oct. 6, 2017 Opener! As has been my custom for quite a few years now, I'll not be doing any armed hiking for a while. 100 F in Phoenix and 90 F in Globe today for the opener. Way too hot to hunt upland birds, except for the first hour or two early morning. Again, I am glad to see the 2018-2019 season proposed Oct. 19 - Feb. 17. Another reason: a friend @ 2,000 ft elevation reports seeing Gambel's still only 1/2 grown in his yard. Town birds, but still -- starting later would give young birds such as these an chance to mature.
Some reminders:
(1) If you see smaller, immature birds, leave them. Come back in a month or two.
(2) Carry plenty of water for you and the dogs.
(3) Make smaller circles. And try to hunt around water sources so the dogs can get wet and help cool off. Stop often. Find some shade.
(4) Carry a first-aid kit or have one handy. Benedryl is good one to carry in case of stings or bites.
Some reminders:
(1) If you see smaller, immature birds, leave them. Come back in a month or two.
(2) Carry plenty of water for you and the dogs.
(3) Make smaller circles. And try to hunt around water sources so the dogs can get wet and help cool off. Stop often. Find some shade.
(4) Carry a first-aid kit or have one handy. Benedryl is good one to carry in case of stings or bites.
Oct. 9, 2017 First hikes! Well, I couldn't stand it. It's been 8 months since the Britts and I hiked the hills, so. . . Most dirt tanks held at least some water. Desert is really dry, crispy. We haven't had rain now for many weeks. Reminder: look for tracks. No tracks, no birds, move on. The birds talked back to me in the early morning, but were completely quiet as the day got warmer and they coveyed up in the shade. Prickly pear fruit was available, but not really in abundance. Bird crops were full of their purple fruit plus seeds from walking stick (cane) cholla. (See photos.) Birds of the year were running at 60-70%. A good sign. Observed grasshoppers, but occasional, not in abundance.
Britts & I hiked from 7:00 - noon. Scenting conditions were poor -- hot, dry, little if any humidity. Three times today, Mom & her young ones saw the Britts and took them up into a hackberry or mesquite to escape what they saw as coyotes. The birds would look down at me from as close as 8 ft away! And, of course, the flush was inevitably off the back side of the hackberry.
Early season birds I can only describe as acting goofy. Flush wide, long, and in every direction -- but may only fly 50 yards. Hit, run, scatter. After the covey flush, almost no backup singles or follow-up. Evolved into IC with 7/8 oz of 7's in the first barrel and LM with 1 oz. of 6's in the second. Several times folded up the bird with a follow-up shot of 6's in the second barrel. I had to stop and smile many times at how slow my reaction time was. It got better as the morning progressed.
The Britts and I have very sore feet! But it was oh so good for my soul to be in the hills. Click any photo to enlarge.
I am treating the Britt feet now daily with Tuff-Foot. As they get in hunting shape, it helps them to hunt bare footed most of the year with no dog boots -- much preferred.
Ariz Game & Fish Quail Outlook 2017-2018
https://www.azgfd.com/quail-outlook-all-signs-point-to-better-season-in-2017-18/
Britts & I hiked from 7:00 - noon. Scenting conditions were poor -- hot, dry, little if any humidity. Three times today, Mom & her young ones saw the Britts and took them up into a hackberry or mesquite to escape what they saw as coyotes. The birds would look down at me from as close as 8 ft away! And, of course, the flush was inevitably off the back side of the hackberry.
Early season birds I can only describe as acting goofy. Flush wide, long, and in every direction -- but may only fly 50 yards. Hit, run, scatter. After the covey flush, almost no backup singles or follow-up. Evolved into IC with 7/8 oz of 7's in the first barrel and LM with 1 oz. of 6's in the second. Several times folded up the bird with a follow-up shot of 6's in the second barrel. I had to stop and smile many times at how slow my reaction time was. It got better as the morning progressed.
The Britts and I have very sore feet! But it was oh so good for my soul to be in the hills. Click any photo to enlarge.
I am treating the Britt feet now daily with Tuff-Foot. As they get in hunting shape, it helps them to hunt bare footed most of the year with no dog boots -- much preferred.
Ariz Game & Fish Quail Outlook 2017-2018
https://www.azgfd.com/quail-outlook-all-signs-point-to-better-season-in-2017-18/
Oct. 16, 2017 Five hour hike today with an afternoon high of 86F. Yikes! About 10 mi or so from my first hikes on Oct. 9. Same elevation, same habitat, even had dirt tanks with water. Jumped one covey of about 25 birds -- all mature veterans. And they headed for the rough stuff. What happened to the 60% birds of the year thang? Was that first hike a fluke? An exception? Can it be attributed to "pockets"? It was a wonderful day out with the Britts, I was just expecting more birds -- especially young ones!
Carried my back-up gun today. My Dad's 'ol Rem 20 ga. 1100 LT with a 22" barrel. It's a bit heavier (steel rather than alloys I'm thinking) but I shot it well and it mounted nice. Took just a few birds, but sure enjoyed carrying and swinging a little of our family history. Sure miss that ol' guy. Wish I could sit down with him and visit just one more time! Olan G. left us a legacy. See you in the hills with my Britts, Bob C.
Carried my back-up gun today. My Dad's 'ol Rem 20 ga. 1100 LT with a 22" barrel. It's a bit heavier (steel rather than alloys I'm thinking) but I shot it well and it mounted nice. Took just a few birds, but sure enjoyed carrying and swinging a little of our family history. Sure miss that ol' guy. Wish I could sit down with him and visit just one more time! Olan G. left us a legacy. See you in the hills with my Britts, Bob C.
November, 2017
Nov. 19, 2017 Hiked 9:00 - 3:30 on an unbelievably warm Nov day. High 70, low 40F. Possible record high temps is Phx the next couple of days. Report: We have now had no rain in over two months. Everything crispy dry. Scenting conditions really poor. Dirt tanks that held water back in Oct are dry now -- or nearly so. Averaged one covey about every 1-2 hours. Mixed bag today -- Gambel's and scaled. Certainly no bonanza, but enough to make for some interesting circles. Fewer birds of the year than I expected. Saw lots of hunters today -- deer hunters. (My neighbor has his nice 4x2 muley.) Was interesting where I found the overnight droppings pile of a scalie covey. Nondescript. Hundreds of yards from anything, i.e., no reason a ground predator would suspect a roosting covey to be there. And that's the point. Made big circles, but never found the covey.
Britts & I are not in very good hunting shape. All of us will have sore feet this morning. Click any photo to enlarge.
Am sure enjoying my H-Back San Carlos strap vest from Dan Priest, Q5 Outdoor Products. Rugged, adjustable, well-made, comfortable. Everything the original Y-back vest was but the H-Back carries weight better balanced between both shoulders. Worth your consideration if you are looking for a new desert bird hunting vest. Great improvement, Dan. And thanks. Bob C.
Nov. 20, 2017 Hiked a big bowl today with a dry dirt tank in the bottom of it. Here's what I mean about "pockets." Bowl was about 1 1/2 mi wide and 1 mile deep. No calls -- silent. Couldn't even get a cluck back. Saw a few tracks, but nothing to get excited about. Good mix of cover and decent grass ground cover. A dry hike for about an hour. Until finally in the back of the bowl Belle lead me to a nice covey of 30+. A pocket -- and the only birds found in the entire bowl. We scattered them well in good cover. With decent scenting conditions it would've been great for a pointing dog. Belle would catch a whiff and circle, false point, move, false point, move -- she just couldn't tell the exact location of the birds. Still . . . it made for good shooting. Birds were jumping a bit wide instead of right under me like a true point. But with 1 oz of 6's in both IC and LM barrels, it made a fun day. I took some for dinner, then left them and moved on. And no cripples.
The birds were miles from the nearest water source. All crops had succulent cacti in them for moisture. Looked to be hedgehog cacti.
Guess the lesson learned about "pockets" is after miles of boot leather, when you finally hit the covey it can make your entire hunt.
The birds were miles from the nearest water source. All crops had succulent cacti in them for moisture. Looked to be hedgehog cacti.
Guess the lesson learned about "pockets" is after miles of boot leather, when you finally hit the covey it can make your entire hunt.
Nov. 22, 2017 Tried a new area today. Tough, tough to find 'em. Hit a covey of 25 about 10:30, then never saw another bird the remainder of the day. My last hike Gunner & I circled a spring and saw a bucket load of tracks, but could never hear or see a bird. Guess that's why they call it "hunting", eh?
A note about stragglers (also called late flushers): I was reminded this morning that most, or many, times after most of the birds flush together, one Late Larry will flush and give you a good shot opportunity IF ONLY you had a shell left. So. . . . if you have a semi or pump, save that third shell -- wait. . . . And if you shoot a double like my little O/U, don't break open your gun after the first shot. Wait. Save that second barrel and count. . . slowly. . . . to five or so. Give that straggler a chance to get nervous and finally flush. Don't get caught with your O/U or SxS broken open with a second shell left. It happened to me . . . again. . . this morning and patience paid off.
A note about stragglers (also called late flushers): I was reminded this morning that most, or many, times after most of the birds flush together, one Late Larry will flush and give you a good shot opportunity IF ONLY you had a shell left. So. . . . if you have a semi or pump, save that third shell -- wait. . . . And if you shoot a double like my little O/U, don't break open your gun after the first shot. Wait. Save that second barrel and count. . . slowly. . . . to five or so. Give that straggler a chance to get nervous and finally flush. Don't get caught with your O/U or SxS broken open with a second shell left. It happened to me . . . again. . . this morning and patience paid off.
When you're from NYC, you soon find that in Ariz you walk on rocks pretty much all day long. And that everything in the desert either scratches, pokes, bites, trips, or sticks you! Ashlynn carried the little Corley Heritage gun: 20 ga. Rem LT 1100 and soon earned the nickname of Bang-Bang Ashlynn! Nothing like a new hunter with a bunch of empty hulls at the end of the day! She took the ol' Corley mantra to heart: "If you don't shoot, you'll never get one!" She was neither bashful nor hesitant, but, alas, it was not to be today! I usually tell a new hunter that "your limit is one. If you take one, you have earned a trophy." A day standing in the shade on a dove shoot might be next. That's how I learned to wing shoot -- after boxes and boxes of shells!
Late Dove Nov.24 - Jan. 7, 2018 If you are into dove shoots, late Ariz dove shoots can provide some great action.
Nov. 25, 2017 Just read an interesting rant from Kansas Big Dog on Upland Journal. It appears that Kansas has the best bobwhite quail population in the nation -- and every traveling wing shooter is headed there to hunt. He worries that without voluntary hunter conservation ethics, the birds are going to be "whacked and stacked." As we approach our Ariz Mearn's season, that sounds SO MUCH like having hunters come from all over to hunt our state's Harlequin quail in such a limited geographical area. KBD's rant and 6 pages of responses might be a good read to remind us all to "limit our limit." Aldo Leopold's favorite word is "sustainability." Or . . . . how do we best respect the resource to help insure sustainability? http://uplandjournal.ipbhost.com/topic/62296-a-rant-about-the-northern-bobwhite-quail/
One idea I'll just throw out for your consideration: Arizona is a big place. Why hunt the same covey twice in one year? Move on. Explore new areas. Find some different spots. Hike some ridges you've never seen before. Leave the rest of that covey as carry-over breeding birds.
I've read the research that any given year the mortality rate of our quail is 80%. Still. Sustainability is a worthwhile goal.
Nov. 30, 2017 Now that Mearn's season is just around the corner, and remembering that the daily limit for Mearn's (8) is different from Gambel's and scaled (15), this from 2017-18 Ariz Hung Regs: "Quail hunters are reminded that A.R.S. 17-309 requires wildlife in possession be identifiable as to species. Commission Rule R12-4-305 states that for a person transporting or possessing quail, that each quail have attached a fully feathered head, or a fully feathered wing, or a leg with foot attached." I have started leaving feet attached to prevent having so many feathers on ice -- just a personal preference.
Nov. 25, 2017 Just read an interesting rant from Kansas Big Dog on Upland Journal. It appears that Kansas has the best bobwhite quail population in the nation -- and every traveling wing shooter is headed there to hunt. He worries that without voluntary hunter conservation ethics, the birds are going to be "whacked and stacked." As we approach our Ariz Mearn's season, that sounds SO MUCH like having hunters come from all over to hunt our state's Harlequin quail in such a limited geographical area. KBD's rant and 6 pages of responses might be a good read to remind us all to "limit our limit." Aldo Leopold's favorite word is "sustainability." Or . . . . how do we best respect the resource to help insure sustainability? http://uplandjournal.ipbhost.com/topic/62296-a-rant-about-the-northern-bobwhite-quail/
One idea I'll just throw out for your consideration: Arizona is a big place. Why hunt the same covey twice in one year? Move on. Explore new areas. Find some different spots. Hike some ridges you've never seen before. Leave the rest of that covey as carry-over breeding birds.
I've read the research that any given year the mortality rate of our quail is 80%. Still. Sustainability is a worthwhile goal.
Nov. 30, 2017 Now that Mearn's season is just around the corner, and remembering that the daily limit for Mearn's (8) is different from Gambel's and scaled (15), this from 2017-18 Ariz Hung Regs: "Quail hunters are reminded that A.R.S. 17-309 requires wildlife in possession be identifiable as to species. Commission Rule R12-4-305 states that for a person transporting or possessing quail, that each quail have attached a fully feathered head, or a fully feathered wing, or a leg with foot attached." I have started leaving feet attached to prevent having so many feathers on ice -- just a personal preference.
December, 2017
Dec. 1, 2017 The desert birds are still acting like it's early season, i.e., flighty, don't hold, wild flushers, runners. Warm temps, no moisture/low humidity all play a part. It is like they are scattered, hunkered down, and just surviving until the winter rains come. Six hour hike yesterday. Best covey of 30 absolutely beat me. The covey split on the rise -- and I could just not pin them down. Ran, then flew, then ran, then scattered. In great cover too. Got some shooting on the covey rise of two smaller coveys, but very little to no follow-up. Averaged finding one covey every 2 hours. Without the little Britts don't think I would've seen a bird.
Met and hung out with some new friends from CA: Ron, Gary, and Fred. We shared a meal and some good stories. They've been hunting Arizona for years now. Ah, the comaraderie and bond shared by bird enthusiasts -- doesn't get any better. We reminisced and shared stories of the "good ol' glory days." Maybe next time we will share a hike together. See you in the hills with my Britts, Bob C.
Met and hung out with some new friends from CA: Ron, Gary, and Fred. We shared a meal and some good stories. They've been hunting Arizona for years now. Ah, the comaraderie and bond shared by bird enthusiasts -- doesn't get any better. We reminisced and shared stories of the "good ol' glory days." Maybe next time we will share a hike together. See you in the hills with my Britts, Bob C.
Dec. 6, 2017 This is my 3rd year as a probationary member of the Cortez, Colorado Lost Hunter Tribe. Most are linked by a past geophysical oil exploration background. And I just can never believe how they all get together from all over the west for the annual camp in an isolated, undisclosed Ariz location. We were only a couple of hours from millions of people, but when you are at "Mel's Camp", it feels like the last frontier. This year we were treated to a Dutch oven dinner by Rodney, a champion (literally!!) chuck wagon cook, (names could be changed to protect the innocent), and Gulf coast Will's cajun gumbo with QUAIL LEGS! Talk about unique!
Click any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 10, 2017 Thin layer of ice on the dog water the last few mornings. Maybe it's finally winter. Weather.com predicts 10-20% chance of rain now about Dec. 20. The last 2 1/2 - 3 months has been a drought within a drought.
Click any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 10, 2017 Thin layer of ice on the dog water the last few mornings. Maybe it's finally winter. Weather.com predicts 10-20% chance of rain now about Dec. 20. The last 2 1/2 - 3 months has been a drought within a drought.
Dec. 13, 2017 Reports from Mearn's hunters is really mixed. Very poor scenting conditions is making it really tough to find singles. Some are moving coveys, but it's hit or miss. Pockets or canyons with some coveys, others with nothing. Sounds a lot like our Gambel's and scalie season to date. Our desert birds are finally -- finally -- acting like winter season birds. Got some good single points today from both Gunner & Belle on coveys that split up well and stuck in good cover. Time of day, weather conditions, temperature, whether they have a full crop or not, maturity of the birds -- they all play a part in how the birds will act once they are moved. Scalies are another whole scene. After moving a couple of coveys today (in places I've never found scalies before) some of the single birds were found hundreds of yards from where I marked the flushed covey. And in good cover. Unbelievable survival and escape techniques.
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Dec. 17, 2017 0.30" in my rain gauge today. First moisture in over 3 months! The southern part of the state got much more than we did. The Tucson area particularly got good showers.
Dec. 22, 2017 Just back from a 4-day camp down south. From day to day, morning to afternoon, canyon to canyon, ridge to ridge, mixed report. Went down mid-week to stay away from week-ender's, but still saw way more hunters than I expected. That 0.30" rain in Globe left a blanket of snow here on the surrounding mountains and must've been at least an inch of rain. Couldn't believe this time of year moving coveys of 3 birds. And the dogs and I scoured the area to be sure they weren't just scattered. Nope.
Hiked some circles that held good birds in past years -- but for the most part struggled to find coveys. Of course, I'm not covering the ground I did 15 years ago either. ;-) To an ol' desert bird hunter, those shots going up over a tree, then downhill on the opposite side are beyond tough. Many are snap shots moving through trees or just as they hit an opening in the cover. Many times I saluted as they return to the gene pool !!
The last morning in a 3 hour hike I got skunked by a covey of 4 and a cold, west wind.
Unlike Mearn's, can remember the birds flushing before the Britts even hit their scent cone, or having a Britt on point and the bird flushing from 5-8 yrd away. Not typical for Mearn's from what I understand. (Natural selection at work? Survival of the fittest?) Lots of miles, rare decent shooting opportunities, in unbelievably beautiful country with great grass cover for the most part. Was so good to be hiking those oak/grass covered canyons. Carpe diem folks. Seize the day!
Hiked some circles that held good birds in past years -- but for the most part struggled to find coveys. Of course, I'm not covering the ground I did 15 years ago either. ;-) To an ol' desert bird hunter, those shots going up over a tree, then downhill on the opposite side are beyond tough. Many are snap shots moving through trees or just as they hit an opening in the cover. Many times I saluted as they return to the gene pool !!
The last morning in a 3 hour hike I got skunked by a covey of 4 and a cold, west wind.
Unlike Mearn's, can remember the birds flushing before the Britts even hit their scent cone, or having a Britt on point and the bird flushing from 5-8 yrd away. Not typical for Mearn's from what I understand. (Natural selection at work? Survival of the fittest?) Lots of miles, rare decent shooting opportunities, in unbelievably beautiful country with great grass cover for the most part. Was so good to be hiking those oak/grass covered canyons. Carpe diem folks. Seize the day!
Dec. 22 continued: I usually only get to camp down south a couple of times a year. Doubt if I'll go back to this area. Time to explore some new hills and a different part of the state the next trip. On a really interesting note, I ran into some friends that I had not seen in over 20 years! He was a former AGF wildlife guy now working in SD and NM and his bride & hunting partner knew my family from back in her high school and college days. Had a great visit. Unbelievably small world!
Click any photo to enlarge.
Click any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 27, 2017 As we approach the new year: over 3 months now with very little rain! (Oct - Dec. = 0.3") Compare last year's rain data below: We need some late winter/spring storms badly. Bring it on. Bring it on.
January, 2018
Jan. 3, 2018 Four hour hike today @ 2,800 ft. Two coveys. One good-sized "winter" covey, the other maybe 5 birds. Had to flush the entire nice covey twice. Caught them picking up grit for their full crops after leaving a mid-day water seep. First flush in two directions about 150 yards. Second flush over the next ridge. After the second flush in less-than-ideal cover, interestingly, got some good dog work.
Crops were stuffed with only one type of weed seed. No variety. No green. And no succulent cacti for moisture. Not enough humidity in the air to get their moisture from morning dew. These birds were hanging out near their only water source -- a water seep.
Click any photo to enlarge.
Jan. 10, 2018 Finally. . . a winter storm low front passed our way. 0.70" in my rain gauge. Moisture will change hunting conditions. Am sure enjoying my H-Back San Carlos strap vest from Dan Priest, Q5 Outdoor Products. Rugged, adjustable, well-made, comfortable. Everything the original Y-back vest was but the H-Back carries weight better balanced between both shoulders. Worth your consideration if you are looking for a new desert bird hunting vest. Great improvement, Dan. And thanks. Bob C.
Crops were stuffed with only one type of weed seed. No variety. No green. And no succulent cacti for moisture. Not enough humidity in the air to get their moisture from morning dew. These birds were hanging out near their only water source -- a water seep.
Click any photo to enlarge.
Jan. 10, 2018 Finally. . . a winter storm low front passed our way. 0.70" in my rain gauge. Moisture will change hunting conditions. Am sure enjoying my H-Back San Carlos strap vest from Dan Priest, Q5 Outdoor Products. Rugged, adjustable, well-made, comfortable. Everything the original Y-back vest was but the H-Back carries weight better balanced between both shoulders. Worth your consideration if you are looking for a new desert bird hunting vest. Great improvement, Dan. And thanks. Bob C.
Jan. 13, 2018
Lately have watched a lot of videos, talked to hunting friends, and read more about "gun fit." Wow. Length of pull, drop at comb, pitch, cast on, cast off. A LOT going on to get a gun that fits! Bottom line it seems is to buy a gun that fits you as close as possible, then tweak it if necessary. Still a good mount with head naturally straight and stock to cheek will go a long way toward looking down a straight, flat barrel. If your shooting eye is looking correctly down a flat barrel -- you will then hit where you look. Sounds so simple, but can really get technical it seems.
Jan. 15, 2018 Dan Priest posted an article about the drought we are in. We have been in this prolonged pattern now for 21 years! With small positive glitches here and there (like 2017). This winter is now getting scary. And does not bode well for next year's desert quail hatch.
Lately have watched a lot of videos, talked to hunting friends, and read more about "gun fit." Wow. Length of pull, drop at comb, pitch, cast on, cast off. A LOT going on to get a gun that fits! Bottom line it seems is to buy a gun that fits you as close as possible, then tweak it if necessary. Still a good mount with head naturally straight and stock to cheek will go a long way toward looking down a straight, flat barrel. If your shooting eye is looking correctly down a flat barrel -- you will then hit where you look. Sounds so simple, but can really get technical it seems.
Jan. 15, 2018 Dan Priest posted an article about the drought we are in. We have been in this prolonged pattern now for 21 years! With small positive glitches here and there (like 2017). This winter is now getting scary. And does not bode well for next year's desert quail hatch.
Jan. 16, 2018 Karl & Kent and I, 2 French Britts, 2 Amer Britts, chased late season, wise, wild, veteran birds. Tough to find, tough to pin down even with four Britt noses on the ground. These two are good fishin' buddies, but this was our first time hiking together. Little O/U's were in abundance today. Two 20's and one 28. Was blustery, cloudy, & windy but the circles and the stories were good. Click any photo to enlarge.
Jan. 27, 2018 Enjoyed a camp and hikes with my son, Matthew Olan and Charles P., from Gunnison, CO. Found plenty of water sources but struggled to find huntable coveys. We did a Triple Play -- it just took us three days to do it. :-) The campfires, the stories, the camaraderie,watching the dogs work, observing a young pup becoming a bird dog -- ah, good stuff. Charles, many thanks for sharing some special places learned from 30 years of Ariz bird hunting experiences! A favorite quote from Charles: "The difference between an average bird dog and a great bird dog is about 1,000 wild birds." It was a special time and a special place! Click any photo to enlarge.
Jan. 31, 2018 On a three-day camp with my son, Matthew Olan & his German Wirehair Pointer, Blaze. Bird scent in his nose every day. And finally, on Day 2, a solid point on a tight-holding bird. Totally by instinct with the genes kicking in. And a good retrieve to top it off. Lots of happy talk and ear scratches. Was extremely pleased with the work of my Britts, little Belle & Gunner, but watching that young wirehair become a bird dog was a moment to savor.
Our rain total from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1 = 1.25" Sad. Prospects for our Gambel's bird hatch this year will most likely be in jeopardy if we do not receive really good late winter or spring rains.
Our rain total from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1 = 1.25" Sad. Prospects for our Gambel's bird hatch this year will most likely be in jeopardy if we do not receive really good late winter or spring rains.
Feb. 8, 2018 Out with Kent G. again as the season winds down, many are voluntarily calling it quits because of low bird numbers. It's crispy dry out there -- with many prickly pear cacti pads shriveling and turning yellowish. Dirt tanks are mostly dry. IMHO In years such as this water catchments/wildlife drinkers like those constructed in the mid-1900's might equal survival for some. It was noted that the drinkers concentrated the birds in dry years, however, did not increase quail population overall. Matt & I did notice some green annuals on our last few hikes from the Jan. 10 low front. But isolated and minimal. Bird crops all did have at least "some" green in them. These desert survivors can and will surprise us many times -- but based on extremely low winter moisture, prediction for next year's Gambel's hatch is currently below average or poor.
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From "Old Man & the Boy, Robert Ruark: "Hunting ain't a competition. Hunting is watching the dogs work, taking it easy, shooting just enough, walking slow, enjoying the day." The Old Man hated noise in the woods -- particularly "always hollering at the dogs and loud talkers with chitter-chatter."
Feb. 15, 2018 Rain! Mostly state-wide. My rain gauge here in Globe = 1.7"
Hope springs eternal! Just hope it's not too little, too late!
Feb. 17, 2018 Re: Man-made Wildlife Water Development in Ariz: Quote: "Since assembling the first “Arizona guzzler” in 1946, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has constructed more than 900 wildlife water developments statewide." This link from AGF:
https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/wildlife/watercatchments/WildlifeWaterDevelopmentStandards2014.pdf
That's 72 years, or an average of 12.5 water developments per year? So, just where are these 900 "new" water developments? For ONLY $35 you too can find that out. Wow. Must be a huge document!
Arizona's Wildlife Water Maps -- Water Catchments
Link: https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/pubs/books/PublicationsOrderForm0916.pdf
Thanks to a note from Brian M.: Link to AGF online map with free access to lat and long of AGF Wildlife Waters:
https://azaccessmap.com/map.html
I could find only one AGF guzzler anywhere close to Globe. Maybe that's why I'm so unaware of the 900 "new" developments since 1946?
Hope springs eternal! Just hope it's not too little, too late!
Feb. 17, 2018 Re: Man-made Wildlife Water Development in Ariz: Quote: "Since assembling the first “Arizona guzzler” in 1946, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has constructed more than 900 wildlife water developments statewide." This link from AGF:
https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/wildlife/watercatchments/WildlifeWaterDevelopmentStandards2014.pdf
That's 72 years, or an average of 12.5 water developments per year? So, just where are these 900 "new" water developments? For ONLY $35 you too can find that out. Wow. Must be a huge document!
Arizona's Wildlife Water Maps -- Water Catchments
Link: https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/pubs/books/PublicationsOrderForm0916.pdf
Thanks to a note from Brian M.: Link to AGF online map with free access to lat and long of AGF Wildlife Waters:
https://azaccessmap.com/map.html
I could find only one AGF guzzler anywhere close to Globe. Maybe that's why I'm so unaware of the 900 "new" developments since 1946?
Oct., 2017 - Mar. 2018 Globe Rain Summary:
Oct. 1 - Feb. 15 = 1.25" Extremely low
Feb. 15 = 1.70"
Feb. 18 = 0.30"
Feb. 19 = 0.40" :-)
Feb. 28 = 0.10"
Mar. 11 = 0.15"
Mar. 18 = 0.25" :-)
Oct. 1 - Feb. 15 = 1.25" Extremely low
Feb. 15 = 1.70"
Feb. 18 = 0.30"
Feb. 19 = 0.40" :-)
Feb. 28 = 0.10"
Mar. 11 = 0.15"
Mar. 18 = 0.25" :-)
Some favorites from 2017-2018 Season:
"Live life deliberately and not find that when you come to die, you have not really lived." Thoreau. And, "Strive to live the strenuous life." T. Roosevelt.
To hike the hills, to be on the water, to watch the monsoon storm rush over the mountain with flashing lightning and crashing thunder. To sit under the pine tree and listen to the quiet. To get back to the REAL world. Author, Jim Harrison, said it well: "The danger of civilization, of course, is that you will piss away your life on nonsense."
I have been privileged to explore and see places in Arizona that very, very few have experienced. All because I was pursuing the wily quail and dreaming of the next desert camp. It draws me over the next ridge, into the next wash, looking for the next water hole. The myriad of images comes flooding back and my cup is full to overflowing. I am blessed beyond measure.
To hike the hills, to be on the water, to watch the monsoon storm rush over the mountain with flashing lightning and crashing thunder. To sit under the pine tree and listen to the quiet. To get back to the REAL world. Author, Jim Harrison, said it well: "The danger of civilization, of course, is that you will piss away your life on nonsense."
I have been privileged to explore and see places in Arizona that very, very few have experienced. All because I was pursuing the wily quail and dreaming of the next desert camp. It draws me over the next ridge, into the next wash, looking for the next water hole. The myriad of images comes flooding back and my cup is full to overflowing. I am blessed beyond measure.
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