Arizona Quail Outlook: All Signs Point to Better 2017-2018 Season

By Ammoland Editor Joe Evans

PHOENIX, Ariz. -(Ammoland.com)- Arizona hunters know that timely rainfall is the elixir that gives the state’s quail populations a much-needed boost.

Good winter precipitation particularly benefitted Gambel’s quail, the best-known and most widespread of the state’s three main species. That led to spring call counts that were almost double what they were in 2016 and higher than the average of the last 10 years (2008-2017).

Throw in statewide summer rains that sustained forage and habitat conditions, and it was a good year for quail brood survival, with some observers noting young chicks as late as mid-September.

So, where should hunters think about going when the 2017-18 season opens Friday, Oct. 6?

“Gambel’s quail are very widespread south of the Mogollon Rim, and this year should be better than it has been in a few years,” said Wade Zarlingo, small game program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Game Management Units 44A, 44B and 20C are promising for Gambel’s quail. This area of the state is not traditionally known as a quail hotspot, even though there seems to be a significant increase in populations in …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand