 The Gambel’s quail outlook for central Arizona is poor this year, but both dove and rabbit hunting are bright spots and waterfowl hunting opportunities look promising so far.
Also, expect southeastern Arizona to provide some decent opportunities for Gambel’s quail, scaled quail and Mearns’ quail. In fact, this may be the year to go for a triple.
Although squirrel populations below the Mogollon Rim are mostly fair, this might be an opportune year for a squirrel-hunting excursion to the higher elevations such as the areas around Flagstaff, the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains.
Summer green-up
The state did receive good rains over much of the state with a resulting green-up over in many desert and upland habitats. These green-up areas include some of the places that burned a few years back in central Arizona and these spots in particular will be attractive to lots of wildlife, including quail.
Rabbits have responded well to the green-up and will be plentiful in much of central Arizona.
The summer green up also provided lots of seeds for mourning doves, so hunters can expect to find lots of fat doves in the desert, although the plentiful food and water can also result in doves being more dispersed.
The plentiful summer rain in central Arizona has created good conditions for holding waterfowl, but the final determination on any waterfowl season is the weather in the states north of us to push the migrating birds into Arizona.
In the higher elevations, the good summer rains resulted in a decent mushroom crop this year, and although the tree squirrel hunting below the Mogollon Rim might be only be fair (there should be some good pockets in areas that had better precipitation), the squirrel hunting in the higher elevations should be pretty good, especially above the Mogollon Rim, in the White Mountains, and in the Flagstaff area .
Poor winter rains
Once again, the central portion of state experienced poor winter rains. The preceding several years of below normal rainfall (with the exception of the 2004 winter rainy season) has maintained quail populations at low levels. Gambel’s quail has done predictably poor over most of their distribution in the state.
Biologists have observed young birds and nesting activities through the end of August, which is something typically seen in poor quail years. Many birds did not nest in the early spring when they typically do this year and spring call counts were also down, another indicator of poor reproduction. Hunters should expect poor to well below average bird numbers in most areas of central Arizona.
Hunters will likely find quail populations to be very spotty and should spend time scouting before committing much time to hunting an area.
Hunters should expect to encounter some very young birds in the early season due to some late hatches and may want to let these little birds get some size on them before hunting them. Gambel’s quail coveys will typically average smaller (6-10 birds) this year over much of the central Arizona.
Where to hunt quail
Concentrate your Gamble’s quail hunting efforts in areas that might have gotten some winter rains and good summer rains and that held birds, even uncooperative ones, last year.
Also searching near water sources such as ponds, rivers, streams, lakes and guzzlers will probably be more productive. Regardless, most of the birds hunters will be encountering over much of the state will be adult birds and very uncooperative and therefore difficult to hunt .
Mearns’ quail
Mearns’ quail should have experienced a good nesting season in southeastern Arizona. Summer rains were generous over much of Mearns’ habitat this year. Summer moisture makes all the difference in this species’ numbers. If you intend to hunt this species, concentrate on areas that received decent summer rains and held birds last year.
Expect good dove hunting
Dove hunting should be good for both the early and late seasons due to the good summer rains and fair nesting success these birds have experienced.
These rains have resulted in a good desert summer seed crop and doves may be more dispersed this year. This should be a good year to visit desert stock tanks for doves, quail, rabbits and waterfowl (be sure to check the regulations for the appropriate season dates).
Regardless, doves should concentrate in croplands and at other man-made food and water sources and provide excellent shooting.
Many desert waterholes should have water in them and should make for some good shooting during both morning and evening in the late season. Most traditional areas will offer good dove shooting.
Hunters may also want to take advantage of Eurasian collard doves; there is now a year-long season with an unlimited bag limit on these invaders. These birds provide good sport and are excellent eating. Eurasian collard doves are most abundant in urban areas that inaccessible to hunters. But they do stray into adjacent fields and wild lands where hunters can enjoy them. They most resemble white-winged doves or pigeons in size and flight characteristics but are light colored, which will help hunters distinguish them from other species.
UNIT 22
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: Look for birds in areas that provide adequate cover for roosting and hiding. It’s always a good idea to concentrate efforts around sources of permanent water, especially in dry years. Try some of the higher elevations like the areas south of Payson, Sunflower, foothills of the Mazatzal Mountains and south of Roosevelt Lake. Many of these spots received very good rains during the summer and may offer some hunting, especially for those who are willing to walk. It may be worth hunting the edge of the Willow Fire burn or the pockets of vegetation within the burn. Also check out the Three Bar area. Some of the brush is heavy but it usually holds some quail.
SPECIES: Doves
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunting around desert ponds and other water sources should produce good hunting in the mornings and evenings. Agricultural areas with cut grain crops and or feedlots should also provide good shooting but these opportunities are scarce in GMU 22.
SPECIES: Band tail Pigeons
FORECAST: FAIR to GOOD
DETAILS: Indications are that acorn production is a little spotty, so the pigeons will likely be found feeding in selected spots where acorns are present. Hunters should look for water holes in pine and oak woodland habitats. Band tails typically come to water in mid-morning. Canyon edges are often used as flight paths by these birds and can offer some challenging pass shooting opportunities.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Snipe are a highly under used sporting opportunity. Hunt flooded areas with low cover along rivers and agricultural pump-backs.
Duck hunters may wish to finish off their mornings with a walk through marshy areas for these birds. Try the Verde River and marshy coves at Bartlett Lake. Flooded agricultural areas often provide excellent hunting. Horseshoe Lake often has excellent marshy areas to search for this bird.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunting should be good provided weather is severe enough to move migrating ducks down from the north.
Desert ponds provide good jump-shooting and often decoying for ducks and occasionally geese. Many of these water holes will have water this year for the first time in quite a while.
The Tonto arm of Roosevelt Lake provides some of the best goose and duck hunting opportunities in Unit 22, though the upper Verde River also holds wintering geese and ducks. Make sure and check current regulations for changes this year.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbits
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Unlike other game species, rabbits have a protracted breeding season and were able to take advantage of the excellent summer rains.
Rabbits can be found predictably in most traditional places. Most desert foothills areas, like the Four Peaks area and near Sunflower should hold cottontails.
Hunt along desert washes with a shotgun to flush hiding rabbits or hunt early mornings and late afternoons with a .22-caliber rifle around cover and near clearings. Try glassing with binoculars early and late from ridge tops to locate rabbits in wash bottoms. Brushy areas around water sources are good bets when looking for these animals.
SPECIES: Tree squirrels
FORECAST: FAIR-AVERAGE
DETAILS: Hunt the ponderosa pine forest near Payson (beneath the Mogollon Rim) for Abert’s
squirrels. A few Arizona gray squirrels may be found in higher elevation riparian areas. Red squirrels will be found in association with spruce and fir trees in cooler, wetter canyons under and on top of the Mogollon Rim.
UNIT 23
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: The foothills of the Sierra Anchas adjacent areas will hold likely hold a few birds and is a good place to start looking. Walking in some areas is tough but the effort could pay off with some decent shooting.
Greenback Valley offers easier walking but will probably not be as good this season due to poor rains. The Three bar area and the Lone Fire Burn should also have some birds and worth checking out.
Make sure you select hunt areas with adequate ground cover so birds will be more likely to hold and not run. Hunters should not expect hunting to be as near as good as last season’s.
SPECIES: Doves
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Desert water holes should provide good hunting in mornings and evenings. Otherwise this unit provides little else in the way of dove hunting opportunities. The trick will be finding waterholes that a number of birds are using.
SPECIES: Band-tail pigeons
FORECAST: FAIR to GOOD
DETAILS: Higher elevations along the Mogollon Rim should hold some pigeons. The Naeglin Rim area near Pleasant Valley is always a good place to check for birds. Watering birds will visit ponds in pine country. Band-tails feed mainly on acorns so watch the oaks and select hunting areas with good acorn production. Early indications are that the acorn crop is spotty and poor so pigeons will be a bit more difficult to find this year.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Marshy areas in the back of coves around Roosevelt Lake and along lower Tonto Creek will be good areas to look for snipe. Keep your eyes open around any body of water; they turn up in all sorts of places.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Jump desert water holes for migrating ducks. The Tonto arm of Roosevelt Lake and Roosevelt Lake itself offer some of the better goose hunting in this unit. The Upper Salt River and the Salt River arm of Roosevelt also hold wintering geese. Duck hunting should also be good in these areas. Ducks and geese often begin to show up in numbers around Thanksgiving time.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbits
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Most of the management unit should be good for rabbits. Concentrate efforts below the pine belt, along desert washes and draws and brushy areas near water. Start early in the morning when rabbits are more active or watch for them during your quail hunts. They make an excellent addition to the dinner table.
SPECIES: Tree squirrels
FORECAST: FAIR
DETAILS: Hunt the pines in the Sierra Ancha Mts. and north of Young up to the Mogollon Rim for Abert’s squirrels. Some of the riparian areas in and around the Sierra Ancha Mountains, in Greenback Valley and below the Mogollon Rim hold Arizona gray squirrels but this species is less commonly encountered than Abert’s. Start your hunt at daylight.
UNIT 21
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: Northern sections of 21 should offer the best bird hunting. Most of the unit should have some birds but hunters should not be too optimistic. Drainages that provide cover, roost sites and water will be the best places to look for birds. Hunters may want to check out the edges of the burn to find birds feeding on new vegetation.
SPECIES: Doves
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Good dove numbers should be found around stock ponds and other water sources in
the morning and evenings. Check thickets along the Verde and Agua Fria River for roosting and watering birds.
SPECIES: Band-tail
FORECAST: FAIR to GOOD
DETAILS: The topography of the unit does not make for good band-tail habitat. The country between Camp Verde and Childs will probably hold most of the unit's pigeons. Hunters may also to try Pine Mountain east of Bloody Basin. On occasion band-tail pigeons will move into lower elevations and feed on scrub oak (turbinella) acorns, pinion nuts, and even agave seeds.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Marshy areas along the Verde River should provide good hunting. Low water levels in Horseshoe Lake may provide some opportunities for this close holding flushing bird.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: The Verde River should provide good action for migrating waterfowl as well as desert stock ponds. If Horseshoe Reservoir has any water in it, it can be quite food for ducks as can the river between Horseshoe and Bartlett and below Bartlett.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbits
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt along desert washes to flush hiding rabbits. The area south of Cordes Junction and Camp Verde should provide some rabbits and quail hunters in the Bloody Basin area should see plenty of cottontails while hunting birds.
SPECIES: Tree squirrels
FORECAST: FAIR
DETAILS: Some riparian areas should hold Arizona gray squirrels. Pine Mountain may also be worth a look. But time would be better spent hunting for squirrels in the pine forests to the north where mild winters the last several years have resulted in pretty good carry-over squirrel populations.
UNIT 20B
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: The foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains offer some of the better quail hunting in this unit though the walking is rough. Check along the Castle Hot Springs Road and some birds no doubt will be in the Lake Pleasant area near water sources.
Bird numbers will likely be poor throughout the unit. Try some of the higher country near Cleator, and Cordes.
SPECIES: Doves
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt desert water holes in the morning and evenings for watering birds. There is no agriculture to speak of in this unit.
SPECIES: Band-tail pigeons
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Try the high country of the Bradshaw Mountains around Crown King and the canyons leading off the mountains. High elevation water holes may offer some birds. Watch for oaks with acorns and concentrate your efforts in those areas.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Look for these birds along the marshy backwaters of Lake Pleasant. They are a frequent visitor at desert stock tanks.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD
DETAILS: The coves near the back end of Lake Pleasant hold good numbers of waterfowl but check with the ranger station before doing so. There has been some confusion over the hunting in the area and there is an area that has been closed to entry; you don’t want to get a ticket.
Try hunting the Agua Fria above the lake if it is running. Birds will fly up and down the river feeding and migrating. Geese are also occasional visitors to the lake. Desert stock tanks also are excellent places to search for migrating ducks.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbits
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Try hunting the desert areas near Bumble Bee and around the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains. The thickets bordering the Agua Fria River north of Lake Pleasant should also be good places to try.
SPECIES: Tree squirrels
FORECAST: FAIR
DETAILS: Hunt the high country of the Bradshaw Mountains for Abert’s squirrels and the canyons running off the mountains for Arizona grays.
UNIT 39
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR-FAIR
DETAILS: Robbin's Butte reports some quail reproduction, this area typically has some of the higher quail populations in the unit. They are often difficult hunt due to the heavy cover along the Gila River. It is recommended that hunters start early in the morning when the birds may be away from cover giving shooters a better chance to push them out into less heavy cover.
Other places to try are the Gila River, and the small mountain ranges south of the Sierra Estrella and along the Gila River.
SPECIES: Dove
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Robbin's Butte offers excellent early and late season hunting. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has planted many fields with crops to attract birds. Hunting in the late season should be good but hunters should also scout agricultural areas south of Gillespie Dam. Look for roosting sites in the thickets along the Gila River. There are plenty of doves in the area and they should provide good action all season long.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Marshy areas along the Gila River provide good snipe hunting every year. Look for areas with a dense covering of low growing vegetation covering mud flats or standing in shallow water.
SPECIES: Duck & Geese
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: The Gila River will be the big waterfowl spot in the northern parts of this unit. Desert stock tanks will also hold birds.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbit
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAIL: Thickets boarding agricultural areas on Robbin's Butte and along the Gila River have excellent cottontail populations and should provide good rabbit hunting. Start early in the morning when rabbits are more active. Check the edges of agricultural fields with binoculars for feeding rabbits then stalk or walk them up.
UNIT 39M & 42M
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: There is little available in Metro units as far as Quail hunting is concerned. Agricultural areas may offer some activity.
SPECIES: Dove
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: The areas around Coolidge, Casa Grande, Eloy, Chandler Heights, Maricopa and Queen Creek should offer good hunting for both early and late dove season hunters. Look for cut grain fields, feed lots, and potential watering spots; such as canals and ponds.
Many traditional hunting areas have been developed into homes. Be careful to remain up dated on land newly annexed by cities and be sure to not discharge any firearm within a quarter-mile of any building. Please remove any litter you encounter to help maintain access to hunting areas.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Look for flooded agricultural areas or ponds.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Check ponds that border agricultural areas for migrating waterfowl, agricultural pump-backs and cattle tanks. Geese are usually not found in these areas but do occasionally rest on a variety of ponds and pump backs.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbits
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt the edges of agricultural areas bordered by desert. Thickets along fallow fields are also good spots to try.
UNIT 24B
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: Some areas to check are in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and in the Superior area. The higher elevations in the unit should offer the best shot at a decent bird numbers.
SPECIES: Doves
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Desert watering spots along with roost sites will offer the best hunting in 24B. Try the State Trust Lands between Apache Junction and Queen Valley and between Queen Valley and Superior. Remember the dove hunting hours in the early season in 24B is only a half-day, morning-only for adults.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt marshy areas at the back of coves on the Salt River Lakes and back waters of the Lower Salt River.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD
DETAILS: The Salt River lakes (Roosevelt, Apache, Saguaro, and Canyon) all hold good numbers of wintering waterfowl. Hunt in quiet, isolated coves for birds that looking for resting and feeding sites. Desert stock ponds will also be frequented by ducks and geese throughout the season.
SPECIES: Cottontail rabbit
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt desert washes around the Superstition Mountains, Superior, and Salt River Lakes and around stock ponds.
UNIT 24A
SPECIES: Gambel’s Quail
FORECAST: POOR
DETAILS: The areas around Globe and Superior and south will more than likely offer some of the better shooting. Also try north of Globe on the edge of the Juniper and Pinion country.
Some of the larger washes with good brush cover will hold roosting birds. Start your hunts early and search areas adjacent to water. Get out and do some walking, you’ll see more birds but don’t expect too much due to the poor breeding conditions.
SPECIES: Dove
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt desert water holes in the mornings and evenings. Also try thickets along washes or other rooting sites. Agricultural areas in the southern portion of the unit may offer some hunting.
SPECIES: Band-tail pigeons
FORECAST: FAIR to GOOD
DETAILS: The northern pine forest sections of 24A are probably the best bet for finding band-tail pigeons. Try the Timber Camp area and look for potential watering sites and food sources. The Pinal Mountains may also hold band-tails.
SPECIES: Snipe
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: The upper Salt River should hold plenty of snipe for interested hunters. Access is limited, so finding the proper marshy habitat may be difficult.
SPECIES: Ducks & Geese
FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD
DETAILS: For the hunter who is willing to work a little harder than the rest, the Upper Salt River has great potential for all sorts of waterfowl. Rafting sections of the river is an excellent way to access difficult areas.
The Gila River should also offer good hunting. Check desert stock ponds for resting birds throughout the waterfowl season.
SPECIES: Cottontail
FORECAST: GOOD
DETAILS: Hunt the lower half of the unit near Globe, Hayden, Christmas, and along the Gila River for the highest rabbit densities. But with this years rains, the entire unit should be very good for cottontails. In desert areas, hunt along desert washes and thickets.
SPECIES: Tree squirrel
FORECAST: FAIR
DETAILS: As with band-tail pigeon, hunt the pines for Abert’s squirrels. Try the country near Seneca Lake and the higher elevations of the Pinal Mountains. Arizona gray squirrels inhabit riparian corridors running of the mountains.
However, the best squirrel hunting this year will be found above the Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains, which experienced very good mushroom crops this year.
HUNTING TIPS:
Check the Arizona Game and Fish Dept Web Page at www.azgfd.com for more hunting tips and species updates.
QUAIL
Gambel’s quail are reliant primarily on winter rains for their production, while Mearns quail, and to a lesser degree scaled quail, key their nesting to summer rain amounts.
This year’s poor winter rains in central Arizona will make for poor quail hunting over much of Arizona. Fortunately we had very good summer rains in most places this year, which likely helped those few chicks that were produced to survive, but things are still pretty grim. Hunters can expect poor bird numbers in most places they visit in central Arizona.
Biologists observed poor and late Gambel’s quail hatches with few pairs producing young. Those birds that did manage a brood averaged small broods. Late broods are typical in bad years. Chicks late in the year are usually indicative of conditions being less than optimal for reproduction.
Try starting your quail hunt early in the morning when it is cooler and birds are more vocal and moving about. Also consider using a quail call and listen for coveys to answer; this will save walking and time. Quail calls may be purchased at most sporting goods stores.
Prior to locating a covey when you are walking, stop frequently to listen for birds. Gambel’s and scaled quail make a variety of sounds. Learn to recognize these calls. Once birds are found, attempt to split the covey up and work cover for single birds, this is where you are likely to get most of your birds.
Estimate the number of birds on a covey rise and keep count of the number of single birds that are flushed while working for singles. This way you can make sure you've worked the covey thoroughly.
If you have hunted through the area where the scattered birds settled and have only gotten up half the number of the birds that were counted on the covey rise, you know there are still birds in the area. Work the surrounding cover appropriately.
For quail that want to run ahead of you, put pressure on them by unloading your firearm and trotting after them and flush the covey enough times for the birds to scatter and hold. Then work the area for singles.
Avoid hunting areas with little ground cover. For quail to hold (not flush at a distance too far for the hunter to shoot at them), there must be adequate hiding cover for the birds such as grass and shrubs.
In sparsely vegetated areas, quail tend to run and flush at excessive distances. This can be a problem in years of poor production as the hunter is faced with pursuing older "educated" birds. Running birds will likely be a problem in many areas this year with spotty nature of this season’s rains. Once the birds are scattered and holding, you will flush more birds by walking in a zigzag fashion through the cover, occasionally pausing for a few seconds.
Young birds hold better, so it is worth the effort to located areas that experienced better hatches.
Attempt to read the cover and terrain to predict where birds may be hiding. Groups of closely growing shrubs, shallow draws lined with dense vegetation, or low thickets, should be investigated.
If you have a partner, develop a game plan and move through an area about 20 to 30 yards apart covering the area thoroughly. If birds are holding tightly, it is not unusual to cover the same ground many times and still flush birds. Quail will often hold closely in inclement weather.
Once a bird is knocked down, stay at the ready for a second or two to make sure the quail is not crippled and runs off. Also mark downed birds carefully and walk directly to the spot and retrieve the bird. If the downed bird is not found immediately, take the time to carefully search the surrounding area within about a 15-yard radius. Gambel’s quail are remarkably tough and can take a lot of punishment. Crippled birds will run down mammal burrows, into packrat nests, or hide in most any suitable cover. Resist the temptation to shoot at additional birds once a bird has been downed. This will translate to fewer lost birds and more game in the bag.
DOVES
Weed crops, which were produced by summer rains, are pretty darn good this year and may have the effect of dispersing dove populations in desert areas.
Doves numbers statewide dropped this season, so numbers will be down a bit. However doves will still concentrate in traditional areas making for good shooting. Good numbers of birds may be more difficult to locate because of the abundant summer food in desert areas.
Spend time scouting. A few reconnaissance trips can pay off in great hunting. Check agricultural areas for cut grain fields or fields that may be cut in the near future and feed lots. Roosting sites often make for good shooting and should be watched for. Doves will typically pick densely vegetated areas for roosts. Mesquite bosques, tamarisk (salt cedar) thickets, and citrus groves are typical roosting sites.
Doves establish flight patterns and follow them. Watch tree lines, washes, canals, field corners, or other structural features that birds may follow. Even a field that has lots of birds using it will have a few spots that will offer the best shooting.
Late season doves frequently shift their flight patterns and feeding areas, so the more spots you have lined up the better your chances are for consistent good hunting.
Desert water holes can often offer spectacular evening shooting during the late season, a great way to combine dove and quail on a hunt.
Avoid shooting near thickly vegetated areas such as alfalfa or cotton fields to minimize the number of lost birds. If you do hunt some place with thick vegetation, try to choose your shots so birds fall into open areas. Mark downed birds and walk directly to them to minimize the chance of losing them.
Find cover: If you stand still or sit next to some sort of cover (a ditch, shrub, tree, telephone pole) birds will be less likely to shy away from them. Wearing drab clothing will also make the hunter less conspicuous.
Ask permission: Be and sure to ask landowners before hunting on private land and to pick up all spent shells and shell boxes. Wait to clean your birds until you reach home. This way unsightly messes and trash will not left on landowner's property and help insure your privilege of hunting on private lands.
BAND-TAIL PIGEONS
How late these birds stay around in the fall is largely dependent on the acorn crop. This year the acorn crop appears to be spotty, with some areas being very good and others downright poor.
Hunters will likely find bandtails concentrated in the acorn-rich areas, which should make for some excellent hunting. Band-tails will use alternative food sources, such as pinon and elderberries, especially in poor acorn years.
One way to hunt bandtails is to sit on pine-country stock tanks. They usually come to water early in the morning (after feeding) so check stock tanks at higher elevations early. If they are using the tank, they will generally show up before 9 a.m. Bandtails may also be found in feeding in dense stands of gamble or other oak species. These birds like to loaf in pine snags and can occasionally be found in these trees at mid-day along ridge tops.
SNIPE
Snipe are one of the most over-looked game birds in the state. Snipe offer a great plus for duck hunters. After a morning duck hunt, try walking nearby marshy areas or other flooded vegetation. If you prefer to jump-shoot ducks, snipe are common visitors to stock tanks. Snipe are classified as an upland game bird and steel shot is not required for hunting them.
Snipe prefer marshy habitats along rivers, lakes, and will also use flooded agriculture areas. Birds can often be spotted by the hunter prior to entering an area by glassing the water's edge with binoculars. Snipe flush similar to quail and usually make distinctive "scipe" call on take off.
The zigzag flight of these birds makes for a challenging target. Often the flushed bird will swing around, presenting the hunter with a pass shot as it returns to the water.
Check suitable areas often as snipe are prone to suddenly appear and disappear in feeding areas.
DUCKS
Good news for waterfowl hunters as reproduction was slightly up this year. This comes on the heels of three years of slightly declining waterfowl numbers.
The abundant summer rains this year filled many ponds and marshes, which should make for some decent shooting and many places for waterfowl to rest and feed. Many of the reservoirs still hold plenty of water so ducks and geese should have no trouble finding places to land. Hopefully this winter will be wet and cold and we will enjoy some good waterfowl hunting.
For several of the past years, warm, winters have short-stopped much of the migrating birds before they have made it to the states further south. So while states just north of us (Utah, Nevada) have enjoyed some of the best waterfowl seasons they’ve ever had, we experienced sporadic shooting at best.
Regulations have not changed significantly but wise hunters will BE SURE TO CHECK CURRENT REGULATIONS FOR CHANGES FROM LAST YEAR AND SEASON DATES.
Hunters will be able to take pintails again this year and there will be limited take on canvasbacks. The early part of the season offers the best opportunities for some of the early migrants like cinnamon and blue-wing teal.
November is usually when waterfowl hunting in the desert areas really picks up. At this time free water at northern latitudes typically becomes scarce forcing birds southward to seek feeding and resting areas.
Mornings after big winter storms are often an excellent time to check desert stock ponds for ducks.
Decoys: Using decoys will prove useful on central Arizona lakes, rivers, and ponds. If you are decoying, you'll want to start early. Have your decoys set and your blind built before legal shooting time comes.
Scout: Once again a little scouting will be a big help in finding a productive shooting spot. Ducks tend to congregate in backwaters, slow runs on rivers, and sheltered areas on lakes such as coves and the mouths of rivers and creeks. With some scouting you will discover that though there may be several spots that seem to look good and are used by ducks there is one spot that they will prefer.
Set out your decoys and build your blind while it is still dark so you will be situated at legal shooting time. On a typical duck hunt, shooting is usually over by 10 or 11 a.m. Geese generally fly a little later than ducks but you'll still want to be prepared by first light. Ducks will tend to move more in inclement weather, so shooting often lasts longer on these days.
Camo: Ducks have excellent eyesight and color vision, keep this in mind when hunting them, camouflage is recommended.
Retrieval tips: To retrieve downed birds from stock tanks try using a fishing rod rigged with a top water plug. Cast over the dead birds and reel them in. The same rig fitted with a diving plug will retrieve decoys in deep water by snagging the anchor line.
Remember only steel shot may be used for ducks and geese.
RABBITS
Cottontails offer an excellent supplement to the hunter's bag and some very tasty meals.
Dove hunters should watch for rabbits along field edges while hunting. Walk thick cover such as tumbleweeds, before you finish your morning hunt.
Quail hunters are likely to encounter cottontails most anytime but especially along desert washes and thickets.
Try a special between seasons rabbit hunt using a .22-caliber rifle. Using a .22 rifle offers an excellent challenge and good practice for upcoming big game hunts.
Walk ridge tops in the early mornings and late afternoon, using binoculars to search for rabbits in the washes below.
Dress bagged rabbits at the first opportunity and throw them on ice. Occasionally rabbits are the host to the large grub of the bot fly. These unpleasant looking grubs do not harm the meat of the rabbit and no rabbit should be discarded because of them.
Jackrabbits are often overlooked and not only provide excellent sport but good eating. Teriyaki marinated and grilled jackrabbit back-strap is excellent fare...no kidding!
SQUIRRELS
Arizona has more different species of tree squirrels than any other state. Unfortunately the dry weather has reduced squirrel numbers in many areas below the Mogollon Rim.
However, you can expect good squirrel hunting again this year in the higher elevations. Good areas to try include around the Flagstaff area, in the Mogollon Rim country, and in the White Mountains (Game and Fish regions I and II). In the higher elevations, there was an excellent mushroom crop this year in the high country. Also, mild winters the last several years have resulted in good carry-over populations of tree squirrels (no winter kills).
Start your hunt early in the morning when squirrels are most active. Quietly walk along logging roads and search for squirrels on the ground and in the trees. Once a squirrel is spotted it may be shot on the ground or rushed and run up the nearest tree. Chasing squirrels up trees at 7,000 or so feet in elevation is more work than it sounds. Add an up hill incline and you have the makings of a cardiac arrest (at least for older hunters). A well-trained dog makes the job easier.
Abert’s squirrels spend a lot of time on the ground foraging for mushrooms and pine cones in the fall and are more likely to be seen there.
Gray squirrels prefer riparian corridors of sycamore, walnut, and ash. The canyons under the Mogollon Rim are a good place to try for gray squirrels and you'll probably pick some Abert's up too. They are a bit harder to come by and can make for a challenging hunt.
Red squirrels are found in spruce/fir habitat and most easily found by listening for their "wurring" call. Try using a .22 rifle for squirrels instead of a shotgun, it’s a lot more fun and you don't have to worry about shot at dinnertime. Bring a pair of binoculars to help you to spot squirrels in treetops on hiding in the shade lines of trees. Consider a hunt for the Arizona big five: Abert’s, Kaibab, gray, Apache fox, and red squirrels.
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