2023-2024 Arizona Quail Reports
Desert Quail: Oct. 13 - Feb. 11
Mearns': Dec. 1 - Feb. 11
Mearns': Dec. 1 - Feb. 11
Early Spring, 2023
Mar. 22,2023 Another cold winter front passing the state from the west coast. More snow for the high country. Spring has not yet arrived. Cold temps are keeping everything on hold. Have observed no bird pairs. And on a recent fishing trip at lower elevations, heard no male caw calling. The bass have not moved up shallow to spawn yet. Too cold amd rising water levels. Our trees have not leafed out. Moisture has been good. State-wide adult carry-over bird numbers are down from 2022-2023.
Apr 4, 2023 Be Careful Out There! As our temps rise, it'll be time for rattlers to come out of hibernation. 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, depending upon diet), their eyes turn cloudy so limited vision adds to their defensiveness and the danger for your dogs!
Apr. 17, 2023 Gear Time: There is an interval between fishing and hunting seasons. "This is the time I sort out every piece of equipment by category, fondle it, admire it, tell stories out loud, test equipment for strength and accuracy -- and for the joy of cleaning it." Ben O. Williams
In anticipation, I start slowly lining out my reloading supplies, dreaming of hikes and camps. Overall, upland bird hunters are an optimistic lot! Anticipating. Hoping. I ended the season shooting 1 oz 7's in SK/IC or IC/IC at 1,174 fps for Gambel's. Very effective, few wounded birds, yet good for table fare.
In anticipation, I start slowly lining out my reloading supplies, dreaming of hikes and camps. Overall, upland bird hunters are an optimistic lot! Anticipating. Hoping. I ended the season shooting 1 oz 7's in SK/IC or IC/IC at 1,174 fps for Gambel's. Very effective, few wounded birds, yet good for table fare.
May 11, 2023 Read a good article In Gun Dog Magazine, Winter 2022, about Ben O. Williams, age 89, Livingston, MT. He is a well-known bird hunter, teacher, author, artist who has hunted upland birds on the prairies of MT since the 60's mostly with Britts.
"I've become so much a part of these birds, I just love to go out and see that they are HERE. I still like to carry a fine gun, but I don't even put shells in it anymore. I haven't shot a bird in years."
There was no sadness or fear of something lost because he is older now. It was a love that didn't require promises, unqualified by shots fired or birds brought to bag." I think what I really like is to see them fly away." Ah yes. For the love of wild places and wild birds. A great read.
"I've become so much a part of these birds, I just love to go out and see that they are HERE. I still like to carry a fine gun, but I don't even put shells in it anymore. I haven't shot a bird in years."
There was no sadness or fear of something lost because he is older now. It was a love that didn't require promises, unqualified by shots fired or birds brought to bag." I think what I really like is to see them fly away." Ah yes. For the love of wild places and wild birds. A great read.
Summer, 2023
June 26, 2023 Note to self: Be a "noticer." Become more aware of your present moment. Mindfulness. Develop that sense of AWE. "The feeling of being in the presence of something VAST that transcends your understanding of the world.
Awe helps us confront our smallness.
Awe expands our frame of reference.
Awe motivates us to contribute to the greater good. Less focus on ourselves. Every hike. Every camp. Notice.
Awe helps us confront our smallness.
Awe expands our frame of reference.
Awe motivates us to contribute to the greater good. Less focus on ourselves. Every hike. Every camp. Notice.
July 4, 2023 Happy Independence Day! This outing at 3,100 ft observed several single birds doing the wounded wing ploy. Stay visible on purpose. Act wounded. Draw the intruder away from either a nest or vulnerable young ones. Way cool to see. And it worked. I never saw a partner or youngsters.
Desert hot and dry. 85F at 8:00. 95F by 10:00. Record heat wave hitting metro Phx area. Any available water source will now draw birds and critters. Grasshoppers evident but not abundant. Many prickly pear shriveling and yellowing. Amazingly, still some caw calls. Saw two broods of different ages. Always astonishing to see a "swarm" of chicks that totally disappear in seconds. Chick survival is always hit or miss.
Desert hot and dry. 85F at 8:00. 95F by 10:00. Record heat wave hitting metro Phx area. Any available water source will now draw birds and critters. Grasshoppers evident but not abundant. Many prickly pear shriveling and yellowing. Amazingly, still some caw calls. Saw two broods of different ages. Always astonishing to see a "swarm" of chicks that totally disappear in seconds. Chick survival is always hit or miss.
July 9, 2023 Record heat wave with Phx hitting 118F this week. Brutally hot.
July 22, 2023 Finally. Late, and minimal, but finally. 0.70"
July 22, 2023 Finally. Late, and minimal, but finally. 0.70"
Aug. 27, 2023 All the meteorologists are talking about the "non-soons." This summer could be the poorest monsoon season in recent memory. In some areas of the state we are seeing scattered monsoonal flow and some showers. Not so around us and in many other Ariz areas. All dirt tanks remain dry. Water sources for wildlife and livestock are at a premium. If you find water, you will find a critter concentration, including birds. If, and when, we begin receiving winter rains, the birds will scatter.
Sept, 2023
Sept. 12 Heard Sadie barking (she usually doesn't) just before I put the Britts in their house for the night. When I entered the dog kennel heard, then saw a coiled, buzzing 3 1/2 ft rattler. The kennel is as large as many back yards. Still I was horrified that one or both Britts had been struck. Killing the rattlesnake with a shovel was imperative. The large sized kennel allowed for them to keep their distance. Also, when I come across a rattler in the field, I never shoot it. Don't want the Brits to associate a shot with a snake. And, no my dogs are not snake broke with an e-collar. I just emphatically "use the whistle and come command" to walk away quickly. Has worked well so far.
Overall, it was a heart stopper. I stayed with the dogs for ~30 min. to observe any possible swelling or pain. Nothing. Still. About midnight, I got up to check again to make certain they had not received a small-dose strike that was slow acting. This morning it was happy talk and belly scratch time. We dodged a bullet. And so very close to upland bird season. Sept. 18 A long sleeve and blue jeans feels good now early morning. Finally. A nip of fall in the air. The morning of Sept. 13 we received 2.90" of rain and the creek ran big and brown. That one morning's rain is by far more than we have received all summer. Dirt tanks that have been dry for months will now hold water. Birds will scatter. Optimism reigns. But until we take those first few hikes and find the "pockets," we won't know for certain how the bird population fared. And, as always, it will be just as important to find those areas NOT to hike, as it is to find the areas with good juvenile survival rate and decent coveys. |
Oct, 2023
Oct. 8 Guessing 80F+ by 9:00 and high 90's by noon. Too hot for man or beast. So. . . short trips, call it early, just try to get the dogs and me into hunting shape. Ah, to carry the little 20 ga again. To return to scout areas I've enjoyed for the last 64 years. To make the effort to hike some "new dirt." Good for soul. And so blessed to still be able to enjoy those sunrises and campfires.
Oct. 20 Hiked 30-40 min. across an old burn today to hit a ridge line. The rocks were brutal so booted up Sadie to save her pads. She was game on. Don't think I would've found a bird without her and for sure would have had no shots. Early season wild, flighty. Dirt tanks drying fast (or already dry). El Nino still predicted to affect our winter precipitation.
Oct. 26 Good morning hike with a fishing buddy today. We saw two good coveys, but almost impossible to slow them down or get any shooting. Add to that -- teddy bear jumping cholla. There is not a dog boot made that will help in that cholla. Had to use the leatherman pliers several times on Sadie. Face, inside mouth, legs, shoulders, ugh. We just had to turn and leave them. Will treat her with Pad Heal and rest the next few days. Reminder to check dogs at end of the day for pad cuts, abrasions, foxtail seeds in webbing, possible wounds. She's a tough little bird finder, but the High Sonoran can put a hurt on you.
Oct. 28 Our desert has returned to crispy dry conditions. Our last precipitation was Sept. 13, a month and a half ago.
Oct. 29 My ol' man, Gunner, had a fun afternoon while I left Little Sadie on a rest break. Unbelievably, because of overgrazing and little ground cover, the coveys were flushing and landing in tops of trees. Typical behavior more of young birds I'm thinking. Explored some New Dirt. Always love that.
Nov, 2023
Nov. 6 Britts & I decided to change elevations and hike an old burn area that appears to have habitat recovering. We bumped two nice coveys mid-morning and got right after them. Covey stayed together, flushed about 100 yards and took off running. Over the "next hill" dogs point, relocate, point, relocate. After four similar flushes and pursuit, we saluted the survivors and circled back to the truck. Tried the hawk call to break them up and stick them. Has worked well in the past. Not today. Cover was decent enough to stick the birds, but nope. The birds were there, but almost unhuntable. We scratched out a few on two smaller pm coveys, but overall a very tough day.
Nov. 7 Reflected on our last hunt in the old burn. Yes, we scratched out a few for dinner. But, upon reflection, we got "beat" by the larger coveys and a quote came to mind from Jim Krater, my hunting bud from Cortez, CO: "I'm just not that mad at 'em!" :-) The Brits and I had a beautiful, fun day. What's not to like? I'm just not that mad at 'em.
Nov. 11 Britts & I spent two nights in the hard-sided tent and hiked some dirt that I first explored 30+ yrs ago. The torrey yucca and soaptree yucca are habitat indicator species. Was bitter-sweet from what I remembered. Much of this yucca is struggling to survive and much of the ground cover is missing to the point of barren. Over grazing has added to our 20+ year drought. Cattle observed every hike.
To find the birds we had to hike far back into the steeper foothills. And we found them. Gambel's ability to survive in harsh conditions continually amaze me. The Britts were really good once we scattered coveys, but we definitely limited our take.
Nov. 17 Overall, I'm finding fewer birds than last season. With our decent past winter rains, a bit of a mystery.
To find the birds we had to hike far back into the steeper foothills. And we found them. Gambel's ability to survive in harsh conditions continually amaze me. The Britts were really good once we scattered coveys, but we definitely limited our take.
Nov. 17 Overall, I'm finding fewer birds than last season. With our decent past winter rains, a bit of a mystery.
Nov. 18 Finally, 1.10" with a fast-moving low hitting the state. It's been 2 months now with zero precipitation. We need it badly.
Nov.18 Read a great article by Thomas Reed in the Fall QFJournal, "The Freedom of a Single Quail." I can echo a resounding Amen. Why does it have to be about the numbers?. . . . the number of coveys we saw, limits in the bag, the number of birds lined up for the obligatory social media tailgate shot? Or why "go back to the same coveys year after year, never stepping far from the vehicle, walking the same terrain. . . ."? Why not new dirt? Why not explore? When it's said and done, ". . . . . .with respect for the birds and reverence for the hunt." Reed's article was a good reminder for us all to once again ask: Why do I hunt?
Nov.18 Read a great article by Thomas Reed in the Fall QFJournal, "The Freedom of a Single Quail." I can echo a resounding Amen. Why does it have to be about the numbers?. . . . the number of coveys we saw, limits in the bag, the number of birds lined up for the obligatory social media tailgate shot? Or why "go back to the same coveys year after year, never stepping far from the vehicle, walking the same terrain. . . ."? Why not new dirt? Why not explore? When it's said and done, ". . . . . .with respect for the birds and reverence for the hunt." Reed's article was a good reminder for us all to once again ask: Why do I hunt?
Nov 28, 2023 Thought a lot this year about the joy of hiking solo -- the complete sense of freedom when I'm hiking with the little Britts in wild places. All studies indicate that the key to real happiness is human connection. Sitting around the campfire sharing stories with friends, family and hunting buds is priceless. The difference between solitude and loneliness can be a fine line. So what is the pull, the attraction? Why is it that when I hunt all day and never see another human being it is good for my soul? After all, I've seen the point, moved up with anticipation, swung the little 20 after the flush, thousands of times. Solo. Only my partner dogs and I. Worn boots, tired legs, belly rubs for the Britts, another sunset on the High Sonoran, a contented heart. A sense of completeness. And maybe even more so because no one else was there to bear witness.
Nov. 28 Enjoyed the day with one of the best callers I know. And we just couldn't get them to talk. Bumped 4 decent coveys but one flushed into the catclaw patch from hell. My legs looked like they went through a meat grinder.
Dec, 2023
Dec. 3 Averaging one covey about every 2 hours. Isolated pockets. One covey of scalies today. Beautiful day. Sunny, around 60F, good scenting conditions. A green-up is underway. Last covey was scattered in mid afternoon, feeding or previously hunted. We "took but a few for the edification of the dogs and the glory of the table."
Dec 7 Was way cool to get reports from many of you. Many thanks. From the NW corner (and even MT and NV) to the SE and most points in between. Always neat to "meet" new folks and touch base with old friends. Best Day Yet . . . .report of a day in the hills with a 10 year old son. . . . . . . had a blast and wants to go again. Good on you, Dad, good on you. That's how we all learned.
Dec. 9 Can't believe it. Our desert bird season is almost half over. Or you could say we have half the season left! Wahoo! On our last outing, Birds of the Year still hovering less than 50%. I'm starting to believe that our lack of summer monsoons, or Nonsoons, which resulted in lack of green summer growth negatively affected chick survival. Little ground escape cover, few insects, less food for the juveniles. We have pockets. As usual. With greater survival percentages. So, of course, the key to the hunt is to find those pockets, take a few, and move on.
Mearns' reports are varied. Many reports indicate fewer, and smaller coveys.
Mearns' reports are varied. Many reports indicate fewer, and smaller coveys.
Dec. 12 I'm an old desert bird hunter at heart. In fact, I rarely hunt specifically for Mearns' quail. This is our first bird in two seasons. Every bird in the bag to me is a trophy, but Montezuma quail are an entirely different level of unique. I'm reading many uplanders who are advocating now for more restrictive regulations. such as: Lowering the daily limit. Restricting the number of guides and guided days in the field. Bird "stamps." Differentiating between resident and non-resident regulations. Guess we'll see where that goes.
Wingshooting: " It's an ancient, honorable, and somewhat mysterious occupation to, at once, be both protector and taker of these birds. I'm not quite sure I completely understand it, which is just as well, 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, "Shotgunner's Notebook
Dec. 14 I carry a red rag or kerchief for multiple reasons. Gunner came back with blood all over his chest, shoulder, vest. Going through either thick shin dagger or catclaw he ripped the end of his ear. I used the kerchief to apply pressure and stop the bleeding. Also, when you need to mark a downed bird or an area to come to, hanging red in a bush works well. Click on any photo to enlarge.
Favorite quote from "Best Day Yet" by Ben O. Williams:
"Taking but a few birds for the edification of the dogs and the glory of the table."
"Taking but a few birds for the edification of the dogs and the glory of the table."
Late Dove: Nov. 17 - Dec. 31, 2023
Jan, 2024
Jan. 4, 2024 Rain and later, snow, predicted this week. My dear ol' Dad used to say, "Bob, to have a good year next season we have to have some bird hunts rained out." January is the reward we residents get for enduring June/July/Aug. And this month we always get an influx of out-of-state hunters who are tired of their snow and cold and want to enjoy that reward. Welcome to Arizona. Ah, to be both the protector and taker of these beautiful birds. Click on any photo to enlarge.
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 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."
Jan. 10 Snow melt slowly soaking in is ideal for our desert. Sadie found and pointed two coveys today. All huddled in the sun warming up under one patch of cover. Both coveys scattered uphill into boulder/rock patches tough to hike in. But that's where they stuck. Am finding that the gnarly, rock slopes have more grass cover -- cattle cannot graze it down. Best of all, new green annuals popping up (including filaree!) especially on the south facing slopes. Slow going and difficult to keep your balance. Better not bring along that $25K shotgun. Even if you're careful, it, more than likely, will have a few scratches at the end of the day.
Jan 10 Had a Javelina scare today. Pushed a covey into prickly pear when I heard the grunts of javelina and saw the herd feeding. In javelina/bird dog confrontations the dog will lose every time. They see dogs as coyotes and go into defense mode. I used the whistle for come and heeled the Britts in the opposite direction. Had a friend with a javelina episode -- dog got 200 stitches to save him, but later died of complications. Big mommas protecting a young piglet are the most dangerous. Be aware.
Jan. 12 Have visited with other hunters over the past months. We are finding overall fewer birds this season than last. With our good winter rains, why? Chick survival rate? Our summer was brutally hot with very few monsoons. No insects, harsh conditions, birds of the year currently running less than 50%. With little to no summer grass growth, grazing hit some areas hard. Just expected much better. Reports from other areas of the state are varied.
Robert Ruark, "The Old Man & the Boy."
"Hunting ain't a competition. Hunting is watching the dogs work, taking it easy, shooting just enough, walking slow, enjoying the day."
"Hunting ain't a competition. Hunting is watching the dogs work, taking it easy, shooting just enough, walking slow, enjoying the day."
"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"
Robert Ruark, "The Old Man & The Boy"
Jan. 21 Hiked a cloudy, cool day with new Arizona friends. A few birds, wild, runnin', survivors. A mixed scalie/Gambel's bag. Enjoyed watching the English Pointers -- bird finding athletic machines that cover lots of ground. It became obvious to me how much slower I hunt than guys with young legs. They have a 5th gear. Cover lots of ground. Comparatively, I saunter, slow wobble, meander in 1st or 2nd gear. :-) Loved seeing all the new green annuals sprouting. With possible follow-up late winter and spring rains the High Sonoran will perk up. Click any photo to enlarge.
Feb. 4 Green-up in progress. Season winding down. Late season it's time to take fewer birds. They've survived the winter and will become our breeding population. So I'll give the Britts that last run and bask in the moment. The end of a season is always bittersweet. |
Summary of 2023 - 2024 Season
I hunted from elevations 2,000 - 6,000 ft in every direction. Many miles and often 4WD. My desert bird season was not as good as 2022-2023. Even though we had good winter moisture, lack of any summer monsoons dealt a heavy blow to chick survival. Wildfires the last 2 years, no summer rains, increased hunter pressure and, in many cases, overgrazing took it's toll. Quite a few loops were "armed hikes." I did not hunt for Mearns'.
My effort at conservation: In 39 mostly partial days, we never hunted the same covey twice. No need. Arizona is a huge place with lots of places to hunt. I'm convinced that hunters cannot really hurt populations UNLESS we go back to the same coveys over and over again. To be both the protector and the taker. . . . . a mystery.
I hunted from elevations 2,000 - 6,000 ft in every direction. Many miles and often 4WD. My desert bird season was not as good as 2022-2023. Even though we had good winter moisture, lack of any summer monsoons dealt a heavy blow to chick survival. Wildfires the last 2 years, no summer rains, increased hunter pressure and, in many cases, overgrazing took it's toll. Quite a few loops were "armed hikes." I did not hunt for Mearns'.
My effort at conservation: In 39 mostly partial days, we never hunted the same covey twice. No need. Arizona is a huge place with lots of places to hunt. I'm convinced that hunters cannot really hurt populations UNLESS we go back to the same coveys over and over again. To be both the protector and the taker. . . . . a mystery.
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."
"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."
Reminder: Rainlog.org https://rainlog.org/map
Can search for any Arizona location and specify date range. Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Can search for any Arizona location and specify date range. Rain Maps>Select Date Range>Get Report> Zoom in on map for specific locations
Ariz Quail Hunting Camp, Bob Corley, [email protected] Use by permission only.