2019 - 2020 Arizona Quail Reports
Host: Bob Corley
Gambel's & Scaled Oct 18, 2019 -- Feb. 9, 2020
Mearns' Dec. 6, 2019 -- Feb. 9, 2020
Late Dove: Nov. 22, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
Gambel's & Scaled Oct 18, 2019 -- Feb. 9, 2020
Mearns' Dec. 6, 2019 -- Feb. 9, 2020
Late Dove: Nov. 22, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020
Aldo Leopold on Hunter Ethics:
"A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this fact."
"A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this fact."
Some Reminders: From Thoreau: Simplify. Simplify. Confront only the essential facts of life. Live deliberately.
From Teddy Roosevelt: "Strive to live the strenuous life." Why did you take that last adventure trip to the Amazon? "It was my last chance to be a boy."
From Tim McGraw: "Live like you were dyin'."
And from Dad, Olan G. Corley: "Keep the heart of a child."
From Teddy Roosevelt: "Strive to live the strenuous life." Why did you take that last adventure trip to the Amazon? "It was my last chance to be a boy."
From Tim McGraw: "Live like you were dyin'."
And from Dad, Olan G. Corley: "Keep the heart of a child."
Early Spring, 2019
Mar. 1, 2019 Heard our first Gambel's male "caw" call yesterday morning. The high Sonoran desert is looking good.
Mar. 4, 2019 Be Careful Out There! As our temps rise, it'll be time for rattlers to come out of hibernation. During my 60+ years hiking in Arizona, mid-March was the only time I had a dog struck by a snake. As snakes come out of hibernation they are usually aggressive, hungry, have a salivary gland full of venom, and are ready for spring mating season. AND if they happen to be shedding their skin (which can happen several times a year), their eyes turn cloudy so limited vision adds to their defensiveness and the danger for your dogs!
Mar. 4, 2019 Be Careful Out There! As our temps rise, it'll be time for rattlers to come out of hibernation. During my 60+ years hiking in Arizona, mid-March was the only time I had a dog struck by a snake. As snakes come out of hibernation they are usually aggressive, hungry, have a salivary gland full of venom, and are ready for spring mating season. AND if they happen to be shedding their skin (which can happen several times a year), their eyes turn cloudy so limited vision adds to their defensiveness and the danger for your dogs!
Mar. 24, 2019 Since Mar. 1 Roosevelt Lake has gone from 51% to 68% full. That's approximately 17 vertical feet -- an incredible number of acre feet of water for such a short run-off period. Dirt tanks are full. Caw calls can be heard state-wide. Even though our carry-over breeding population was very low, love is definitely in the air. Escape cover and insect populations should be good. Optimism. My early prediction is not a bonanza, but should be a "bump-up" for our desert birds.
And, as Clint Eastwood and Toby Keith say, "Don't Let The Old Man In."
Get up and go outside, don't let the old man in
Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how old you'd be
If you didn't know the day you were born
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5AWImplfE
Video is included in the movie, "The Mule." It's worth a listen.
Get up and go outside, don't let the old man in
Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how old you'd be
If you didn't know the day you were born
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc5AWImplfE
Video is included in the movie, "The Mule." It's worth a listen.
Gambel's Translocation Project
May 1, 2019 Gambel's Translocation Project: So why do we not try to move "municipal birds" to traditional quail areas that now have low populations? It seems that efforts to translocate Gambel's in the past have had mostly poor results. However, the current effort is showing promise: Southern Ariz Quail Forever posted a translocation effort update:
"The project to move birds from urban golf courses to rural areas needing birds is going well. They were able to capture and release 198 "urban" birds, consisting of 117 males, and 81 females, and the birds were split fairly equally between two ranches in the Altar Valley. 75 of the females were collared. As of 19 March, 15 of those collared have been confirmed dead, and 14 have gone missing.
"The project to move birds from urban golf courses to rural areas needing birds is going well. They were able to capture and release 198 "urban" birds, consisting of 117 males, and 81 females, and the birds were split fairly equally between two ranches in the Altar Valley. 75 of the females were collared. As of 19 March, 15 of those collared have been confirmed dead, and 14 have gone missing.
However, Cherie (the grad student tracking the birds) has located at least 3 collared birds much farther away from the release site than anticipated, so it may just be a matter of looking in the right place, and the transmitters having a limited range." Kudos to SAQF for encouraging and supporting this research effort! It only makes pragmatic sense to find out how translocation can best be accomplished. Many, many historically good quail areas in Arizona now have very low desert bird populations because of our prolonged 15-20 drought cycle. Successful translocation might give them a jump start and bring them back!
May 5, 2019 Finally. Mom, Pop and 11-12 walnuts with wings crossing the road here in Six Shooter Canyon. First brood sighting of the season for us. Of course these are "town" birds. Have seen no broods on our Britt fun runs yet.
May 5, 2019 Finally. Mom, Pop and 11-12 walnuts with wings crossing the road here in Six Shooter Canyon. First brood sighting of the season for us. Of course these are "town" birds. Have seen no broods on our Britt fun runs yet.
June, 2019
June 25, 2019 Woodbury Fire burning 112K acres of mixed desert habitat just south of Roosevelt Lake into the Tonto Basin.
Back to an earlier prediction: I expect to see a "bump up" from a very poor 2018-2019 season. Perhaps the elephant in the room, however, is the VERY LOW number of CARRY-OVER birds. What that actually means in bird numbers remains to be seen.
Back to an earlier prediction: I expect to see a "bump up" from a very poor 2018-2019 season. Perhaps the elephant in the room, however, is the VERY LOW number of CARRY-OVER birds. What that actually means in bird numbers remains to be seen.
July-Aug., 2019
July 9, 2019 Two different reports from friends today at different areas around the state at the 2,100-2,500 ft. elevation. LATE baby birds. Hatched as recently as last week in June! Extremely late.
Aug 4, 2019 Flash Flood! Yesterday late pm was a perfect example of how monsoons are spotty! Not a drop of rain here at the home place, but the Pinal Mts to our south had a wild downpour with monster lightning & thunder. Our Pinal Creek ran huge for about an hour then was still running most of the night. It took me 30 min this morning on the New Holland tractor to clear the mud, silt & debris from our creek crossing. This is a great example of how vehicles can, and do get washed downstream during flash floods. It's also a great example in Mearns' country of how one area had a good hatch and just a mile or two away it didn't get the rain and the hatch was minimal. Important to check the rain logs before you plan hikes! Aug. 10, 2019 Another monsoon storm rolled through and left us 0.70". Snapped this prickly pear photo on our fun run this morn. Quail absolutely love this fruit when it ripens in late Sept into Oct. They receive both nutrition & moisture from this bounty. The birds crops -- and even the upper breast muscle -- will be stained a conspicuous purple. On hikes this fall look for evidence of feeding activity. This ripe fruit can be a magnet for birds. Black bears also love to gorge on prickly pear fruit. Locals call the ripe fruit "bear candy." Black bears will leave the high mountain country and travel long distances to feast. |
Aug. 14, 2019 Observed mom/pop and 6-7 hatchlings about 3" tall here at the home place. Very late. All the research & literature indicates that very late hatches would be hens that, for some reason, lost their first nest and re-nested. If that remains true, it is happening to some degree statewide.
Fall 2019
Sept. 9, 2019 August monsoons fizzled ! 1.10" for the entire month! The one inch + we received Sept. 7-8 equaled the Aug total. Ugh. Sept rains are appreciated, but have little effect on the bird numbers for this season.
Sept. 14, 2019 As quail season approaches are you on the hunt for a new vest? My go-to the last 5 years is the Q5 San Carlos H-Back strap vest. The Quilomene Upland Bird vest looks also to be a great option. Dan Priest, of Q5 Outdoor Products, makes these vests right here in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Link below to my review of the San Carlos.
Sept. 14, 2019 As quail season approaches are you on the hunt for a new vest? My go-to the last 5 years is the Q5 San Carlos H-Back strap vest. The Quilomene Upland Bird vest looks also to be a great option. Dan Priest, of Q5 Outdoor Products, makes these vests right here in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. Link below to my review of the San Carlos.
Sept. 18, 2019 One month until bird season. Last year was perhaps the poorest Gambel's season in my memory. Yes, we had some good winter rain with a staggered hatch pretty much statewide. Anything better than last year would be a move in the right direction.
Sept. 22, 2019 Consider being a mentor to a new or young hunter this year. Valley of the Sun Quail Forever has a great looking upcoming event that could be a good start. Opening Day Event, Oct 17, 18, 19 at Burro Creek Campground. Click links for info. Plus VOTSQF has a great looking Sporting Clay Fun Shoot coming up Nov. 2 to get those young, new hunters some practice on their wingshooting skills. A late dove shoot is also a neat way to get young hunters started. That's exactly how I practiced wingshooting as a young boy. The two Ariz Quail Forever chapters are involved in some outstanding efforts to increase participation in our sport. |
Oct. 18, 2019 Ariz Game & Fish 2019-2020 Quail Outlook
https://www.azgfd.com/quail-outlook-all-signs-point-to-better-season-in-2019-20/
Click any photo to enlarge.
https://www.azgfd.com/quail-outlook-all-signs-point-to-better-season-in-2019-20/
Click any photo to enlarge.
A favorite from Aldo Leopold:
"The sweetest hunts are stolen. To steal a hunt, either go far into the wilderness where no one has been, or else find some undiscovered place under everyone's nose."
"The sweetest hunts are stolen. To steal a hunt, either go far into the wilderness where no one has been, or else find some undiscovered place under everyone's nose."
Nov., 2019
Nov. 6, 2019 Reminder: If you run bird dogs in Arizona, always check your dogs' feet at the end of the day. For cactus thorns, for foxtails, for other grass seeds that can get caught, for worn or torn pads. After today's hunt my Belle had a grass seed beginning to imbed in the top web of her front foot. Over the years I have seen foxtail type seeds not only imbed, but travel under the skin and migrate causing infection and problems.
Nov. 21 - 25, 2019 Son, Matthew, and I were invited to join three new friends from Sierra Vista on a four-day quail camp that was epic in many ways. And the mix of bird dogs on our hunt could've been a variety poster for the American Kennel Club. Beau Cartwright, Robert Poor, and Miles McClain are avid bird hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from southern Ariz. We hiked together for 3 wonderful, cool, days in Gambel's & Scalie habitat. We bumped plenty of birds to make the hunt memorable with good covey sizes and Birds of the Year percentages mostly running 50-75%. A good sign. In the three days we only jumped one covey of 15 scalies, but the Gambel's population definitely had a "bump up." We saw new green growth of filaree and other annuals popping after recently receiving 2-3 days of good rains.
Young 14 year old Miles renewed my hope in the next generation of hunters. He was safe, an outstanding wing shot, and had young legs that made the ridges, boulder packed drainages, and mountain goat rocks look easy. Somebody (parents, family, or friends) has brought that young man up right. Oh, that we had hundreds more just like him. Click any photo to enlarge. |
Late Nov. Quail Camp: the noses we put on the ground was something to behold. Two Braque Francais, one female Amer. Britt, two Braque/Britt mixes, and my 5 year old French Britt, Gunner. My 10 year old Belle had to stay home on injured reserve. Would loved to have seen a drone shot of the five of us stretched out in a skirmish line moving up a drainage or a ridge line with 6 bird dogs in front of us.
I have posted a link to another of my pages. You'll see the bird dogs, the habitat, the drainages, the grass cover -- essentially what makes good Gambel's country. I invite you to scroll through and enjoy re-living the hunt with us. Overall, it was a memorable hunt and camp. My son and I are grateful to be able to share the experience with some really neat outdoor types. New dirt, new friends, dogs with sore feet, tired bird hunter legs -- but it's a good tired! Click link for more photos.
Dec., 2019
Dec. 3, 2019 A good green-up is underway in both the Lower Sonoran (2,000 - 4,000 ft) and the Upper Sonoran (4,000 - 6,000 ft) due to our November rains.
The Mearns' hatch and population density will be much better known after noses are on the ground. Be ethical hunters. It's about respect and integrity. "A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this fact."
. . . . Aldo Leopold
The Mearns' hatch and population density will be much better known after noses are on the ground. Be ethical hunters. It's about respect and integrity. "A peculiar virtue in wildlife ethics is that the hunter ordinarily has no gallery to applaud or disapprove of his conduct. Whatever his acts, they are dictated by his own conscience, rather than by a mob of onlookers. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of this fact."
. . . . Aldo Leopold
Dec. 13, 2019 Hiked the Lower Sonoran 2,000 - 3,000 ft with friend, Karl W. Ground saturated, incredible green-up underway. If we get followup rains late winter, early spring it bodes well for our desert birds next year. The cover and habitat looked great. In about 5 hrs of hiking we jumped only 2 coveys. One was 25-30 with good % of young and the other covey was less than 10 (however, we may have missed part of the covey, i.e., they didn't flush and we walked past them.) Not much shooting, wild son o' guns.
Mearns' reports: a week now after the opener many are reporting coveys with very young birds -- undeveloped plumage and the sign of a very late hatch. (Aug rains fizzled, but Sept had good rains in spots. Birds hatched after Sept rains would be very immature to start the season.) Some hikes with nothing. Then a pocket. |
Dec. 21, 2019 Winter solstice, i.e., shortest day of the year.
The largest covey scattered well over a rocky ridge and I thought it was game on. BUT they scattered and stuck in a forest of crucifixion thorn tree (Canotia holacantha), 10-15 ft tall, common over much of southern Ariz at elevations from 2,500 - 4,500 ft. I've experienced some tough shooting over the years but this was over the top. At least 4 birds were pointed and flushed within 10 ft of me. I never even saw the bird in the air. Frustrating. The birds I took from that covey were snap shots between the crucifixion thorn forest. Most were saluted as they returned to the gene pool. Gunner was good. Incredible nose on that little black-nosed beauty. He will be 6 in Feb. Belle was hunting hard and still has the drive but is definitely showing her age (10). Lots of happy talk & ear scratches.
The largest covey scattered well over a rocky ridge and I thought it was game on. BUT they scattered and stuck in a forest of crucifixion thorn tree (Canotia holacantha), 10-15 ft tall, common over much of southern Ariz at elevations from 2,500 - 4,500 ft. I've experienced some tough shooting over the years but this was over the top. At least 4 birds were pointed and flushed within 10 ft of me. I never even saw the bird in the air. Frustrating. The birds I took from that covey were snap shots between the crucifixion thorn forest. Most were saluted as they returned to the gene pool. Gunner was good. Incredible nose on that little black-nosed beauty. He will be 6 in Feb. Belle was hunting hard and still has the drive but is definitely showing her age (10). Lots of happy talk & ear scratches.
Jan., 2020
Welcomed the New Year with very muddy hikes slipping, tripping, stumbling over lava rocks all day. It was wonderful. Both little Belle and Gunner were exceptional. Great scenting conditions. The ground was oozing with moisture. All dirt tanks were brimming full and every drainage and gully ran water. The habitat looks incredible now. Pushed four coveys today in 5.5 miles, about 6 hours. One nice covey of 15 Mearns' found by little Belle was a neat surprise, with no oak trees in sight. Am starting to shoot Skeet/IC with 1 oz 6's late season now even for desert birds. One of the staggered doubles today was first skeet barrel Gambel's, and second barrel IC Mearns'. Unique. Lots of happy talk and ear scratches for the Britts. And perhaps best of all, saw no one else all day. I love to hunt when everybody is home watching TV football. Muddy boots, muddy truck. Britts with a baby aspirin tonight in their evening hot dog reward. Click to enlarge any photo.
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Little 10 year old Belle nailed the covey of 15 Mearns'. Great dog work today with good scenting conditions. The plumage on our male Mearns' never cease to amaze me. Gambel's crops were stuffed with a green/seed mix. Mearns' crops had tubers/seeds that I didn't recognize. Would love to study or learn their diet in this habitat.
Jan. 6-9, 2020 A three night tent camp with the Lost Hunter Tribe Captained by Jim Krater, Cortez, with his new little female, Lilly. Lilly had been on scalies in NM, but this was her first exposure to Gambel's. The birds were tough to find,. We had many dry hikes, but when we did hit them it could really be a nice covey of 20 - 30 birds.
Will Forrest from SE Texas Gulf Coast, Steve Kloppel from Denver/Tucson, and Jim Krater and I rounded out the camp. (All worked in the petroleum geology field together before retirement.) For the first time in my life I had a cot and a little propane Mr. Heater inside the tent. Livin' life large. Three nights around huge campfires, telling stories from the Arctic to South America. Eating meals like CO elk steaks, prime rib, Dutch oven hamburger with onion, mushrooms and pintos, then one night of deep fried quail breast fillets and FRESH Gulf Coast oysters. Add cajun gumbo in roux with brisket sausage and QUAIL LEGS. (Jim named it High Desert Gumbo.) When the Lost Hunter Tribe gathers they have a saying: "Just barely gettin' by!" Dogs: Steve brought his Jazz, a flat haired retriever. Will had Gus, his 14 year old black cocker spaniel, and Jim brought his new black rescue dog, Lilly. Along with my Gunner, the camp was inundated with black dogs! My little Belle was the only orange/white canine to be seen. "Walkin' slow, enjoying the dogs, shooting just enough." Click link for more camp & habitat photos and a chance to re-live with us a beautiful time on the High Sonoran. |
And of course, it's important to remember the First Unwritten Rule of Hunter Ethics: "Thank you for sharing this special place with me. I will not return unless I am with you or ask your permission." That little unwritten rule makes for good friends and hunting buddies.
Jan. 16, 2020 Son, Matt, and I on a three day Mearn's camp and reunion with two Southern Ariz friends, Beau Cartwright and Robert Poor. Beau's first morning was cut off before it even started when his pointer was attacked by javelina. Huge bite wounds on his shoulder and rump. The rump bite went all the way to the pelvic bone. Ugly. Life threatening. Huge vet bill, and bird dog on injured reserve for weeks, but should survive. More info, many more photos, with habitat on the link button below:
Jan. 16, 2020 Son, Matt, and I on a three day Mearn's camp and reunion with two Southern Ariz friends, Beau Cartwright and Robert Poor. Beau's first morning was cut off before it even started when his pointer was attacked by javelina. Huge bite wounds on his shoulder and rump. The rump bite went all the way to the pelvic bone. Ugly. Life threatening. Huge vet bill, and bird dog on injured reserve for weeks, but should survive. More info, many more photos, with habitat on the link button below:
Our bird hunting friends were very gracious to share their ideas about finding birds. Next season we're hoping to schedule another reunion camp up in central Arizona for desert birds. They both said they've never, ever seen so many hunters during the early season in Mearns' country. Everybody -- including guides -- hammered the easy walking draws day after day. Birds there are either dead or have moved to survive. We went high, steep, and thick. Which many times made shots almost impossible. (Matt actually took one shot almost from his knees under the trees. Missed of course!) Tough hunting, and every bird was earned the hard way.
More info, many more photos, with habitat on the link button below:
More info, many more photos, with habitat on the link button below:
Feb., 2020
Feb. 2, 2020 After Gambel's today with new friends. And not hard to remember anyone's name: Bob Roble, Bobby Roble, Bob Corley. The hills were filled with Bob's. Interestingly, we found out we have several bird hunting friends in common. Of course, Bob Sr. spent 15 years in the area and Bobby now works at the local Freeport mine. All the birds we found seemed to be scattered in singles and doubles. Never did actually see a covey rise today. Ah, the season is winding down. Every hike is the best day of the rest of our lives. Click any photo to enlarge.
Jan. 30, 2020 "It's an ancient, honorable, and somewhat mysterious occupation to be, at once, both protector and taker of these birds. I'm not quite sure I completely understand it, but I do know that I have to be there every so often to replenish something in me. I'm not sure just what it is, but I know when it's done and done right." Gene Hill in "Shotgunner's Notebook"
Feb. 4, 2020 Gunner had them pinned. And I made a Rookie mistake. I looked into the bush and actually heard, then saw, the bird launch. BAD. Don't look down. Broke a cardinal rule. You will shoot behind that bird a huge majority of the time. Your eyes, your muscles, your swing, just will never catch up. Keep those eyes up and watching where the birds will most likely be flying. Don't look down. Rookie, rookie move.
Feb. 9, 2020 Another season come and gone. I feel so blessed to be able to hike these hills in the Arizona Sonoran. Met many new friends this year, explored some new dirt, got the feel of a new gun. Although certainly not perfect (and would sure not win any field trials), enjoyed hunting behind the little Britts. They have developed such good bird sense. They know where to look and are my partners in the field.
Only made one camp trip down south after Mearns'. I'm a desert bird guy at heart. Mearns' for me is a novelty. . . . . a unique experience in unique habitat. I hunted 44 full or partial days. Quite a few loops were "armed hikes", but fewer skunks than last season. And when I go out with family and friends, I would much rather just work the dogs and let others shoot. That comes with age. And don't misunderstand, when I'm hunting solo, I love to swing the little 20 gauge. The desert is looking good with lots of green and full dirt tanks as we approach spring.
Quote from my son, Matthew Olan: "We are so fortunate, even rich, in our humble lives. Beans, Viennese, and good sandwich, well-worn boots, wide open spaces to fill the soul, and a loving family." Rains predicted this week. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Feb. 11, 2020 Good low pressure storm dropped 0.6" here at home and snows in the high country.
Only made one camp trip down south after Mearns'. I'm a desert bird guy at heart. Mearns' for me is a novelty. . . . . a unique experience in unique habitat. I hunted 44 full or partial days. Quite a few loops were "armed hikes", but fewer skunks than last season. And when I go out with family and friends, I would much rather just work the dogs and let others shoot. That comes with age. And don't misunderstand, when I'm hunting solo, I love to swing the little 20 gauge. The desert is looking good with lots of green and full dirt tanks as we approach spring.
Quote from my son, Matthew Olan: "We are so fortunate, even rich, in our humble lives. Beans, Viennese, and good sandwich, well-worn boots, wide open spaces to fill the soul, and a loving family." Rains predicted this week. See you in the hills, Bob C.
Feb. 11, 2020 Good low pressure storm dropped 0.6" here at home and snows in the high country.
"The dogs and the birds have trained his attention on the country, on the natural world, on the well-being of wildlife. They have made him a selective shot who takes but a few birds for the edification of his dogs and the glory of his table." Thomas McGuane, QF
2018 - 2019 rain gauge:
Oct. 6.90" Nov. 0.70" Dec. 0.60" Jan. 2.40" Feb. 5.60" Mar. 1.50" Apr 0.0" May 0.80" June 0.0" July 3.60 " Aug. 1.10" Sept. 1.90"
Oct. 6.90" Nov. 0.70" Dec. 0.60" Jan. 2.40" Feb. 5.60" Mar. 1.50" Apr 0.0" May 0.80" June 0.0" July 3.60 " Aug. 1.10" Sept. 1.90"
2019 - 2020 rain gauge
Oct. 0.0" Nov. 6.60" Dec. 3.05" Jan. 1.80" Feb. 3.30" Mar. 2.85" Apr 0.20" May 0.80" June 0.0" July 0.40 " Aug. 1.30" Sept. 0.20"
Oct. 0.0" Nov. 6.60" Dec. 3.05" Jan. 1.80" Feb. 3.30" Mar. 2.85" Apr 0.20" May 0.80" June 0.0" July 0.40 " Aug. 1.30" Sept. 0.20"
"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"
Ariz Quail Hunting Camp Copyrighted by Bob Corley, Use by permission only.