2020 - 2021 Arizona Quail Reports
Host: Bob Corley
Gambel's & Scaled: Oct. 16, 2020 - Feb. 7, 2021
Mearns': Dec. 4, 2020 - Feb. 7, 2021
Gambel's & Scaled: Oct. 16, 2020 - Feb. 7, 2021
Mearns': Dec. 4, 2020 - Feb. 7, 2021
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."
March, 2020
Mar. 1, 2020 Music to our ears. Heard our first male mating caw call this morning. One lonely male lookin' for love.
Mar. 8, 2020 Cherie J. Nelson, U of A, reported the results to date of this Gambel's Translocation Project to the Southern Ariz Quail Forever Chapter. SAQF President, Zach May, sent along a PDF Power Point and here is my summary of that report: Gambel’s Translocation Project, Altar Valley Arizona, by Cherie Nelson, U of A Grad Student. Two translocation sites with birds trapped on golf courses with females radio collared and translocated to: Altar Valley Site (1) Sonoran Desert and Site (2) Mesquite Grassland Survival percentage of translocated birds: Site (1) 45% and Site (2) 25% -- after 39 weeks or 9.75 months. ( I have always read from AGF that our desert birds have an 80% mortality rate each year, so 25-45% survival appears successful.) Nesting Effort: Site (1) 37% and Site (2) 63% Percentage Success and Percentage Hatched on both sites from these efforts were 100%. Overall, the translocation project seems to have good scientific data for possible success as a quail management tool. |
YouTube Video Link of Translocation Project from Ariz Game & Fish: From Golf Courses to Deserts
Note: from AGF Biologist, Jim Heffelfinger: Gambel's translocation projects from the 1950's had very low survival rates, so the idea was dropped as a management tool. But those 1950's birds were pen raised! With this new study, the 2019 translocated birds are trapped from GOLF COURSES! Hence, they are wild birds with wild survival instincts but they have the advantage of constant green grass and water from the golf courses so their populations and hatch rates remain high.
April, 2020
April 8, 2020 Gunner back home from Gordon's Gun Dogs. Rashawn & Melissa have him steady to Whoa. Can't wait to get him in the field next fall for the real deal. Am certain that reinforcement will be needed when he sees or smells a bird, then gets the Whoa command! He has always been very solid when a bird is holding tight. But if the bird moves or runs will be the real test of his steadiness.
Speaking of dog training: I "train" like I learned from my dear ol' Dad. Get a pup with good genes, teach them basic commands, and take them hunting -- a lot. And when they do something well, positively reinforce it. April 29, 2020 Observed baby grasshoppers on our Britt fun run today. A reminder that the first week or so of a quail chick's life he needs insects for protein. |
There are always two questions: Did we have a hatch and what percentage of chicks survived?
Speaking of grasses seeded out. . . . . . when you take the dogs out from now through mid-winter, check your dogs feet, ears, coat. Seeds like foxtail can, and will, burrow and embed into the skin. Feet are especially vulnerable. Seeds were burrow into and under the webbing of the foot and lead to infection. At the end of each hike check thoroughly.
Speaking of grasses seeded out. . . . . . when you take the dogs out from now through mid-winter, check your dogs feet, ears, coat. Seeds like foxtail can, and will, burrow and embed into the skin. Feet are especially vulnerable. Seeds were burrow into and under the webbing of the foot and lead to infection. At the end of each hike check thoroughly.
May, 2020
May 5, 2020 Have checked with several friends from different areas of the state. All report seeing and hearing lonely males caw calling up high on their "lookout". Paired. Hens are without doubt sitting the nests. Although I read in Brown's Ariz Game Birds that the nest sitting chore can be a shared chore by both parents. Had a report of some chicks spotted on Apr. 11 from the lower desert, but no sightings reported at higher elevations of >2,500 ft.
May 15, 2020 First Gambel's sighting here at the home place. Bumble Bees. Fuzz balls. Walnuts with wings! Mom, Pop and 12 just hatched. About 1 1/2 inches tall with new down feathers -- could not fly. Twelve is a good clutch. On poor years we expect clutches of 3-5 and on good years up to 15. Hope springs eternal.
May 21, 2020 Out with the Britts on our fun run today. Saw Mom, Pop and only 3 chicks in tow. Either they hatched very few or predators have already taken their toll. Observed several other pairs doing what I call the "wounded wing follow me" ploy. It's their often seen technique to lead you away from their nest or clutch of youngsters. The parents stay in sight, but just far enough ahead to keep you moving away from whatever they are protecting. Really interesting to observe. Reports starting to filter in from other areas of the state with chick sightings.
June, 2020
Mearns' Expanding Their Range Above 9,000 ft. ??
June 11, 2020 Just had a White Mt. friend tell me he spotted Mearns' quail at 9,000 ft south of Alpine. Did you know that Mearns' quail have expanded their range into the high mountain country? How do they survive the winters that high? Mearns' have a relatively small home range and are not known to migrate? Do they change their diet during the winter months? I asked AGF Wildlife Specialist, Kirby Bristow:
"I assume those birds are eating the same types of things that the birds at lower elevations eat. There is a lot of Oxalis growing in the White Mountains, I really started to notice it after the Wallow fire. I think fire improves habitat for Mearns' quail by increasing food resources. However, in the White Mountains, the ground freezes in winter making digging for tubers impossible. Do those birds migrate up and down to avoid the cold weather, or do they find some pockets of habitat where the ground hasn't frozen? Perhaps they switch their diet to some unknown food item that is available above ground? A combined telemetry and diet study could answer those questions. |
There is an ongoing Mearns' quail diet study by a Biologist from Mexico looking at seasonal diets of Mearns' quail across their range. His early findings show that Mearns' diets are more varied than previously thought. I'd guess that the Mearns' quail in the White Mountains are feeding on something other than tubers during winter. Kirby Bristow, Wildlife Specialist, AGF
July, 2020
July 3, 2020 Monsoon storms have begun in southern Ariz. Hunting friends have reported showers now for about a week. No monsoon rains yet in central Ariz. Occasional baby bird reports still drifting in. Our staggered desert bird hatch continued through June.
July 6, 2020 I'm reading "Shotguns & Shooting" by Michael McIntosh.
He is a total fan of using LESS shot for both clays and upland birds with apparently outstanding personal, first-hand results.
Wally Barden, a retired fighter pilot, Mearns' enthusiast and clays shooter from Tucson, is sharing his expertise and recipe to help me load up some 3/4 oz 20's. Sure have enjoyed McIntosh's book. Very detailed with a high level of expertise. Recommended if you need something to read during these dog days of summer.
July 6, 2020 I'm reading "Shotguns & Shooting" by Michael McIntosh.
He is a total fan of using LESS shot for both clays and upland birds with apparently outstanding personal, first-hand results.
Wally Barden, a retired fighter pilot, Mearns' enthusiast and clays shooter from Tucson, is sharing his expertise and recipe to help me load up some 3/4 oz 20's. Sure have enjoyed McIntosh's book. Very detailed with a high level of expertise. Recommended if you need something to read during these dog days of summer.
July 15, 2020 Several chick sightings in the area this week. Different sizes indicating a staggered hatch. And today, July 15 a sighting with mom, pop and 8 fuzz balls. Newly hatched in mid July? Seems very late. But, hey, any successfully hatched nest is a good thing!!! More new wildland fire starts this week. Fires have burned HUGE areas of good bird habitat this year. We need monsoon rains badly -- statewide.
July 22, 2020 Dove season is great chance to introduce new hunters to this sport and to practice your wingshooting skills prior to quail season. Dove Season: Sept. 1 -15, 2020 and Late Dove Season: Nov. 20 - Jan. 3, 2021
Young hunters under 10 years old do not need a license if accompanied by a licensed adult. And the best deal ever: Young hunters ages 10 - 17 can purchase a Hunt/Fish Combo License for only $5.00 which includes the migratory bird stamp. Link to Dove Hunting, Arizona Style from AGF: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/dove/ Link to 2020-2021 Regulations: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress-pantheon/wp-content/uploads/archive/2020-21-Dove-and-Pigeon-Regs.pdf |
August, 2020
Aug. 4, 2020 Monsoon rains across our state have been spotty at best. In central Ariz rains have been mostly missing in action since the 1st of July. On a positive note, on today's fun run the Britts and I observed several family groups today with hatchlings less than half grown. Dove Season is only 4 weeks away. Break out the decoys, dust off the vests, scout a few water holes. It is time to remind our muscles what it feels like to mount and swing a shotgun. Muscle memory. Dove shooting is wonderful opportunity to do just that.
Aug. 15, 2020 Heat wave across Arizona with no rain!! The southeast sections of the state have fared somewhat better. Observed a family group of 18-20 here at the home place today. So the birds are out there but survival will be tough with these extreme hot/dry conditions this late in Aug. We need the rain showers to fill up the dirt tanks ! Aug. 16, 2020 Finally: 0.40" Smells and feels wonderful. Monsoonal pattern appears to be changing for the next week! |
Sept., 2020
Sept. 2, 2020 On the dove opener I had fun hunting with grand daughters. So very cool to see the young folks out learning the bird hunting traditions. And kudos to the mentors, dads, family members, friends out there who are taking the time and effort to introduce the sport. Make those memories. Get away from the flickering screens. Get into the "real world' rather than cyber space.
(And had my Pioneer's License checked by local LEA.) I remember how proud my Dad was to finally get his. Now I know how he felt. "Hey check this out. Bet you've never seen one of these!"
(And had my Pioneer's License checked by local LEA.) I remember how proud my Dad was to finally get his. Now I know how he felt. "Hey check this out. Bet you've never seen one of these!"
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."
Sept. 3 Bill G. & Tom invited me to check out a dove area that Bill had hunted back in the 80's with his buddy, outdoor writer & bird dog trainer, Web Parton. We set up along side a good water source for the first 1 - 1 1/2 hours with very few birds flying. We decided to switch places as Bill looked for anything familiar from 35-40 years ago. Bill's words were, "I need to just trust my gut." And to our pleasant surprise about 8:00 am the birds started flights back from feed and water into roost areas and it was game on. Not huge numbers, but for about 2 hours wingshooting was challenging. How cool it was to touch base in the dove fields with an old quail hunting bud and his REI friend. My 6 year old Gunner was our retriever and it was a great appetizer for quail season. Bring it on.
Sept. 9, 2020 Our monsoon season in central Ariz has been a bust. From June - Sept. 1 we had only 1.70" Historically, we typically get around 10-12" of rain during a good monsoon. Every dirt tank I have checked is dry. Monsoon storms have been somewhat better in Mearns' country down in the south and southeast portion of Ariz. but still very poor.
Oct., 2020
Oct. 6: Ariz Game & Fish 2020-2021 Small Game Forecast
https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/forecast/
https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/species/smallgame/forecast/
Oct. 9, 2020 Spent a morning scouting a 10 square mile area of Gambel's habitat. For the largest part of the morning Britts and I were disappointed to find very small, and very few coveys. Habitat had decent ground cover although extremely dry. Prickly pear are starting to shrivel, dry and yellow. Even the jojoba are losing leaves. The bright spot was when we hit the drainage with the tracks, above. By mid-morning
it would've been way too hot to hunt birds. For the huge part of the scouting trip I would consider this an area to "wait until next year." Then we found a pocket. Definitely worth a hike or two. We did not find any dirt tanks that held water. It has been right at 4 months now with very little rain. I love the fall. The mornings just smell and feel different. Praying that we get hunts rained out Nov - Feb!!!
Oct. 15, 2020 AGF Forecast optimistic? Great for Gambel's ? Better than last year? A bump up? Yes, should be fewer "armed hikes" this year. Get out there and make some memories. Good reports starting to filter in from the western and southern parts of the state. Larger coveys with birds seen in areas that did not hold birds the last several years. |
Oct. 19, 2020 First hikes. Close to home. Birds of the year running at ~50%. Not great, but not poor either. Coveys mostly 20-25. Runnin' devils. Had one covey flush across a canyon another ridge away at about 200 yards. Carried a lot of water for the Britts. Still. . . . by 10:00 am they were done in. Birds not holding and skittish like that makes it hard on pointing dogs. For the most part they were just retrievers. No humidity, so the birds can't get moisture from dew. And our succulent cacti are shriveling. These desert birds will find a way . . . .
Little Belle is nearly 11, so about an hour for her is plenty. It was soo good to be out hiking with the dogs and the Rizzini 20.
Little Belle is nearly 11, so about an hour for her is plenty. It was soo good to be out hiking with the dogs and the Rizzini 20.
Oct. 29, 2020 Hunted 8:30 - 1:00 pm yesterday. Much cooler temps. Two coveys, 12 and 15. The Britts hunted their little hearts out. Birds still skittish, wide flushers, runners. Hiked into a spring, but it had been over-run by wildfire. Bummer. The covey of 15 flushed from a ridge and flew about 1/4 mile. Couldn't believe it. We pursued and never found a single bird. I'm shooting IC/LM with 1 oz 6's to begin the season. Reminder: I reached out a hit one with the second barrel. Thought it was a good shot, but the bird barely flinched. No broken wing, no downed leg. I watched as he flew over 150 yards then dropped like a stone. Gunner found him easily. Watch a wounded bird as far as possible to possibly pick him up. It may happen more often than you think.
Details learned from a Texas Gambel's article:
Gambel's average home range = 0.25 - 0.50 square miles. Gambel's average life span = 0.5 - 1.5 years. I had read previously that the average overall annual mortality rate of Gambel's is right at 80%. (That seems to fit with the life span number of 0.5 - 1.5 years.)
Details learned from a Texas Gambel's article:
Gambel's average home range = 0.25 - 0.50 square miles. Gambel's average life span = 0.5 - 1.5 years. I had read previously that the average overall annual mortality rate of Gambel's is right at 80%. (That seems to fit with the life span number of 0.5 - 1.5 years.)
Oct. 31, 2020 Took my gun for a walk. Traveled east. Unbelievable bird behavior for the most part. First good covey of the morning had about 40 birds. We hustled right after them. The entire covey flushed three (3) times ran into a thick wash and we never found them. Aargh. Flushing wide, long, skittish, jumpy runners. Other coveys later in the day played better. On our first two circles 11 year old Little Belle made the first two retrieves then rested the remainder of the day. Young Gunner put four birds in my bag that would've otherwise been lost. Gambel's are so hardy! What you thought was a dead bird runs off the ridge 50 yards. Gunner ground tracks him then zeros in for the retrieve. Lots of ear scratching and happy talk. This sport just would not be the same without a little bird dog. Birds of the year still running 45-50%.
Nov., 2020
It's time to travel and make some camps! 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. See you in the hills, Bob C. (Click any photo to enlarge.)
Nov. 9, 2020 Good Pacific low front crossing the state. Snow in the high country. Total of 0.8" so far here at the home place. Bird reports from the western and southwestern parts of the state continue to be the bright spots of the desert bird season to date.
The birds I'm finding continue to be crazy wild. Track stars even in decent cover. Not holding tight even after 2-3 covey flushes. Usually as the season progresses and the temperatures get colder, and after a shot or a hawk call, the birds scatter and hide especially if the habitat has any variety at all. Nov. 11, 2020 Happy Vet's Day. Finally felt like quail season. Cooler temps, slightly wet ground, better scenting conditions. GPS said we hiked 8.1 miles and Gunner went 20 from 9:00 - 4:00 !! Found birds in a mix of thick mesquite bottoms, steep ridges with decent, although not outstanding, cover. When you're in a bottom with birds flushing around 15 ft high trees, it makes for tough, challenging shooting. Crazy wild survivors is my best descriptor. The boys went home with plenty for two quail fries tomorrow, but we certainly didn't hurt the population any!! How can it be good for the body & soul to work that hard for a few birds? It's just hard to explain unless you've been there. . . . to be the protector yet taker of these beautiful wild desert birds. |
Nov. 19, 2020 Solo 4-day road trip to different quail habitats about 2 hours from home. These are areas I hunted with my Dad, Olan G. Corley, 25-30 years ago. In some ways the trip was bitter sweet. At least two of the areas I found no birds or so few I chose to not take one. I hiked many of those same hills from long ago and the habitat, the vegetation, the possible water sources looked extremely poor -- even ugly in spots given our past winter of good rains statewide.
In two other areas, Britts and I would hike a big circle and find nothing -- not even tracks. Time to move on. Then we'd find a windmill or water trough, or guzzler, covered with tons of tracks and the heart rate quickens. Until we start getting some winter rains, the water sources are now concentrating the birds.
Our last morning made the trip. We pushed two good coveys hard into huntable cover (especially prickly pear ridges), hit the hawk call, and got them sticking tight. Scenting conditions were very poor, but the Britts did just fine. No cripples or wounded. Every one was down for the count. No need for Gunner to ground track to find the retrieve. Surprisingly, 88% of birds taken were birds of the year. Reports from western and southwestern areas of the state glow with "the best days are NOW." I certainly cannot say that about these 4 areas I hunted.
I've gone to IC/IC now in the Rizzini 20 ga SxS. By Dec. it'll be time for SKT/IC.
In two other areas, Britts and I would hike a big circle and find nothing -- not even tracks. Time to move on. Then we'd find a windmill or water trough, or guzzler, covered with tons of tracks and the heart rate quickens. Until we start getting some winter rains, the water sources are now concentrating the birds.
Our last morning made the trip. We pushed two good coveys hard into huntable cover (especially prickly pear ridges), hit the hawk call, and got them sticking tight. Scenting conditions were very poor, but the Britts did just fine. No cripples or wounded. Every one was down for the count. No need for Gunner to ground track to find the retrieve. Surprisingly, 88% of birds taken were birds of the year. Reports from western and southwestern areas of the state glow with "the best days are NOW." I certainly cannot say that about these 4 areas I hunted.
I've gone to IC/IC now in the Rizzini 20 ga SxS. By Dec. it'll be time for SKT/IC.
Nov. 27, 2020 Precipitation Comparison: Last year Nov., 2019 = 6.60" This year Nov., 2020 = 0.8" Just sayin'. La Nina?? We've had two good winter rain years in a row. However, this winter seems to be a continuation of our "non-monsoons." Most of the state now is considered in an "extreme drought." Prayers for rain!
Dec., 2020
Dec. 3, 2020 Just returned from a 4 day quail camp down south. New dirt. Hunted a place I had never seen before. Love that. Was joined on two separate days by Beau Cartwright and Robert Poor out of Sierra Vista area. It's always fun to hunt with the Young Guns. Young legs, quick reflexes, good ears. This was new dirt for them as well.
This scalie posed within 20 yards of my truck giving his rythmic "tuck-too" contact call for over 3-4 minutes. Was WAY cool to observe. He finally heard his buddy and took off running for the reunion like only scalies can!! Make babies, my friend, make babies. Ah, to be both the protector and taker of these beautiful birds. A mystery.
Dec. 4, 2020 Mearns' Opener. AGF Flier. https://www.azgfd.com/mearns-quail-season-opens-friday-3/
Dec. 7, 2020 Friends reporting from Mearns' Country Opening Weekend: Few birds, very small coveys or singles and pairs. Poor, dry scenting conditions. We have a storm predicted to cross the state on Dec. 10. Scenting conditions would definitely improve in such case and our soil would soak it up like a sponge. Rain gauge at the home place = 0.40"
Click any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 7, 2020 Friends reporting from Mearns' Country Opening Weekend: Few birds, very small coveys or singles and pairs. Poor, dry scenting conditions. We have a storm predicted to cross the state on Dec. 10. Scenting conditions would definitely improve in such case and our soil would soak it up like a sponge. Rain gauge at the home place = 0.40"
Click any photo to enlarge.
Dec. 28, 2020 A three night camp in central Ariz while a low front was passing the state. Big winds, bitter cold (for Ariz), tough rocks, steep hillsides, a few coveys to make the heart beat faster. . . . great stories, a few photos to prove we were there. I shared the Jimmy Buffet line: "I'm still here. I'm not in rehab. And I'm not broke." Yup, we're still here. Savor the moment!
Jan., 2021
Jan. 3, 2021 Last day for late season dove.
From Ariz Game & Fish: Seasons are flying by. https://www.azgfd.com/arizonas-dove-waterfowl-quail-seasons-flying-by-2/
From Ariz Game & Fish: Seasons are flying by. https://www.azgfd.com/arizonas-dove-waterfowl-quail-seasons-flying-by-2/
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."
Quail with White Wine and Shallots:
If you have not tried quail browned lightly then baked at low temp, you are in for a treat.
Quail with white wine & shallots: Up to 10 quail breasts with legs (fewer if spatchcocked or whole) 1/2 cup butter (or olive oil) 1/4 cup shallots 3/4 cup chopped mushrooms 2 Tblspoons minced fresh parsley 3/4 cup dry white wine 1 cup heavy cream |
Wash quail, pat dry. Rub with salt, pepper and flour. Saute' birds in butter or olive oil in large skillet at low temp for approx. 5 min per side. Remove birds.
In same skillet saute' shallots (or green onions) mushrooms and parsley in drippings for about 3 min or until shallots are transparent. Add wine and cream. Bring to low heat, then pour over birds in large baking dish. Cover and bake at 325 degrees (low temp) for 30-40 minutes or until tender. Serve on a bed of rice. |
Jan. 31, 2021 Traditional AGF information says that if we get 10" precip or more from Oct - Mar, we can expect a good Gambel's & Scalie hatch in the spring. Last year, 2019-2020 Oct - Mar we received 17.5" here in Ariz. and saw the resultant good hatch. This winter we have received 4.65" Oct - Jan. Much less precipitation, but our Jan. total of 3.15" does give us hope. And bird hunters, by and large, are an optimistic lot!!!
Feb., 2021
Feb. 1, 2021 As the season winds down, I always wax nostalgic. Taking a few selected shots "for the edification of the dogs and the glory of the table." Breeding season is right around the corner and carry over birds are critical. And as I watch my little Belle in physical decline, I am reminded that we all have limitations. Just how many more bird seasons will I have? The days afield become more and more special. The sunrises, with dogs quivering at heel, eager to find the scent. The sunsets, sitting on the peak, thanking God for the gift, this moment in time.
Note to Self:
These are special days, with special dogs, hiking with special friends & family, enjoying the Ariz outdoors. Take a deep breath. Look up. Realize where you are and what you're doing. Savor the moment.
Feb. 1, 2021 Ariz quail diets are about to change after our Jan. rains. We already see new green annuals growing here at the home place. I fully expect to see quail stuffing themselves with green annuals -- any new sprouts, but especially the exotic, filaree and Indian wheat.
Note to Self:
These are special days, with special dogs, hiking with special friends & family, enjoying the Ariz outdoors. Take a deep breath. Look up. Realize where you are and what you're doing. Savor the moment.
Feb. 1, 2021 Ariz quail diets are about to change after our Jan. rains. We already see new green annuals growing here at the home place. I fully expect to see quail stuffing themselves with green annuals -- any new sprouts, but especially the exotic, filaree and Indian wheat.
Feb. 7, 2021 The Britts & I took our last hikes today close to home. Bumped three coveys of 10, 10, 25. One shot, one bird. Green sprouts in evidence. Sitting on the ridge, resting with the little Britts, basking in the glow of a season, soaking it up.
I never made it down for a Mearns' hunt all season. Given low population #'s they got a pass. I camped 19 nights all over the state chasing a few scalies, but primarily Gambel's. Winter rains overall have been very poor. January gave us hope especially if we get some follow-up precipitation Feb - Mar. Ah, the seasons seem to pass ever so quickly. See you in the hills.
Quote from Gene Hill:
"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."
I never made it down for a Mearns' hunt all season. Given low population #'s they got a pass. I camped 19 nights all over the state chasing a few scalies, but primarily Gambel's. Winter rains overall have been very poor. January gave us hope especially if we get some follow-up precipitation Feb - Mar. Ah, the seasons seem to pass ever so quickly. See you in the hills.
Quote from Gene Hill:
"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."
Feb. 15, 2021 My friend, Tres, asked a good question about journaling. Some thoughts:
I have journaled now for about 30 years. We educators use journaling as a valuable tool. And it's so much more than notes about hunting and fishing. Although as you can imagine that is certainly included. And I refer back to my journals all the time -- about everything. Here are some subjects I include in my pen and paper journals:
Family history, quotes that mean a lot to me, bird dog records, details of hunting and fishing adventures., lists of possible hunt destinations for the coming season, books I want to read, travel and camping adventure details, spiritual reflections on mortality and health, for what am I grateful? Journaling: highly recommended.
I have journaled now for about 30 years. We educators use journaling as a valuable tool. And it's so much more than notes about hunting and fishing. Although as you can imagine that is certainly included. And I refer back to my journals all the time -- about everything. Here are some subjects I include in my pen and paper journals:
Family history, quotes that mean a lot to me, bird dog records, details of hunting and fishing adventures., lists of possible hunt destinations for the coming season, books I want to read, travel and camping adventure details, spiritual reflections on mortality and health, for what am I grateful? Journaling: highly recommended.
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
Can search by Arizona locations and specify date range. Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
June 10, 2021 Smoky this morning but much better. Skies to the west are clearing. I still cannot believe how the fire fighters and air attack turned that beast. Nothing short of miraculous. The air attack even had Scoopers (fixed wing planes that can scoop thousands of gallons of water into their bellies and return to dump that on fires in minutes) picking up water from Roosevelt Lake. The GO evacuation order has not been lifted. Active fire has turned south into the Pinal Mts.
June 15, 2021 Update: The Telegraph roared 3-5 mi from us all night 6/13 and most of yesterday 6/14. The Pinal Mts and East Mt. south and southeast of us are mostly rocks and black toothpicks. Fire made it into our Six Shooter Canyon. Fire crews stopped it before it moved north into homes and neighborhoods with a dozer line, backburns, and tankers.
Our horses are in a safe zone. For two days now have been ready to leave in 10 minutes with Britts, truck, and Minnie Winnie. I hate to even look at our beautiful sky island mountains this morning. Miles and miles of beautiful Ariz habitat went up in smoke.(Now totaling 276 square miles). Much of it never to be the same. I am so grateful to have a place to sleep tonight. But my heart cries for what once was. Now we have to prepare for flooding. If, and when we get rains, and with no plants to hold the soil, flash floods are expected to be extreme. We will keep on keepin' on.
June 15, 2021 Update: The Telegraph roared 3-5 mi from us all night 6/13 and most of yesterday 6/14. The Pinal Mts and East Mt. south and southeast of us are mostly rocks and black toothpicks. Fire made it into our Six Shooter Canyon. Fire crews stopped it before it moved north into homes and neighborhoods with a dozer line, backburns, and tankers.
Our horses are in a safe zone. For two days now have been ready to leave in 10 minutes with Britts, truck, and Minnie Winnie. I hate to even look at our beautiful sky island mountains this morning. Miles and miles of beautiful Ariz habitat went up in smoke.(Now totaling 276 square miles). Much of it never to be the same. I am so grateful to have a place to sleep tonight. But my heart cries for what once was. Now we have to prepare for flooding. If, and when we get rains, and with no plants to hold the soil, flash floods are expected to be extreme. We will keep on keepin' on.
From my 2020 - 2021 rain gauge:
Oct. 0.30" Nov. 0.80" Dec. 0.40" Jan. 3.15" Feb. 0.40" Mar. 1.10" Apr 0.35" May 0.10" June 0.0" July 9.05 " Aug. 6.45" Sept. 1.70"
Oct. 0.30" Nov. 0.80" Dec. 0.40" Jan. 3.15" Feb. 0.40" Mar. 1.10" Apr 0.35" May 0.10" June 0.0" July 9.05 " Aug. 6.45" Sept. 1.70"
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