Southern AZ Quail Hunt

[Bob K]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Our group of David DeFernelmont, John Brownell, Keavin Nelson and yours truly had a memorable 4 day desert quail hunt in Southern AZ. High winds and humidity below 20% made us work extra hard. My goal was a Quail Slam, cock of each species, Gambel’s, Mearn’s and scaled. I was blessed to accomplish that feat. Also added hen Gambel’s and scaled to the mix. Birds are at the taxidermist and the “meat birds” were supper last night. Seasoned, wrapped in bacon and grilled. Nix besser!! We’ll go back and hope to have some moisture for better scenting conditions. Dog work was great. Legwork was definitely a workout.

Mike, years ago i took a freshly taken grouse to an old timer taxidermist in Waymart and he asked me. Do you eat these things and I replied absolutely. He said, come back a little later and pick up the meat. I got the mount and the good eating!

[Gary Kephart]

Wow that's very cool - did you have any issues with cactus and dogs paws?

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Gary Kephart

Wow that's very cool - did you have any issues with cactus and dogs paws?

The guides dogs are desert hardened. They hunt all season and are accustomed to the various cactus.

[Phil C]

Mike it was a bad season for Mearns quail. The toughest season most of us have ever experienced. Unfortunately next year is headed in the same direction.
Our desert bird population was very good.
Unfortunately due almost zero rain for the last 3 months it will hurt reproduction in 2025.
Congratulations on your quail slam. Even in a very good year most go home without getting it done.
I wish our paths would have crossed this trip as I would have bought you a Scale Quail ale.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Phillip Carr

Mike it was a bad season for Mearns quail. The toughest season most of us have ever experienced. Unfortunately next year is headed in the same direction.
Our desert bird population was very good.
Unfortunately due almost zero rain for the last 3 months it will hurt reproduction in 2025.
Congratulations on your quail slam. Even in a very good year most go home without getting it done.
I wish our paths would have crossed this trip as I would have bought you a Scale Quail ale.

Our outfitter and guides did say there has been no precipitation since September. There was supposed to be rain two weeks ago but it went north. Guide also said as cold as it’s been overnight they would normally have frost which would also help. However, with under 20% humidity there’s no moisture in the air to make frost. It is what it is.

As for the brew, I’d be happy with a Moxie or Kutztown Birch Beer.

[George "Scott" Davis]

I started hunting quail in 1975 In Southern Arizona while in grad school in Tucson. Mearns Quail hunting is the ultimate challenge for the upland bird hunter and as your feet will really be level ground and must likely on rocks on the side of a remote steep canyon. Our joke used to be we rarely saw a "old" Means Quail Hunter. You are "going" to fall it's just a matter of time and how far. Three years ago on my 70th birthday I took one of those long distance trips down the side of a steep canyon. (Yes dings in the barrels, stock needed to be repaired and 23 stitches, thank goodness for the NP in the Patagonia Clinic.).
I would suggest if you are planning trip go soon. Their are multiple outfitters and about dozen guides working out of Patagonia alone (of course they are not licensed by the State of Arizona but hunting consultants to get around the law). Southeastern Arizona has been in a drought for ~ 10 years and the Mearns Quail population is DOWN!!!!!!
If Arizona Fish and Game had any employees of normal IQ, which they don't they would shorten the season and lower limit. Additional many of us reported the "Hunting Consultants" to the state for years and we get the same answer, no enough manpower to enforce the law.
One of may long time friends will be guiding in Southeastern Arizona this season for 120 days and he's one of many. The population is just getting hammered.

Southern Arizona Quail Hunting is "magical" as the scenery is spectacular for three different quail species and additional if you are lucky you might see Gould Turkey (Arizona & Mexico only) & Coues Deer (AZ, NM and Mexico only).

PS: If you are really hunting Mearns Quail you will shoot more Oak Leaves than Birds in a Day)

PS: If you are really adventurous Mearns Quail Hunting in Mexico is excellent.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Thanks Scott. I’d like to go back next January. We’ll see what the weather does. Our outfitter also does Argentina quail hunts. I really have no desire to leave the country so Mexico and Argentina are out for me. We saw javalina and coyote but no turkeys. I did pick up a good Coues shed on Tuesday. It was a special hunt.

BTW, I shot a lot of trees all week! BWAHAHAHA!

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

BTW, I shot a lot of trees all week! BWAHAHAHA!

Do you use tight chokes for trees, too???

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Do you use tight chokes for trees, too???

Of course. One can’t shoot through those trees and kill a bird with open chokes. Just sayin’.

[Mike of the Mountain]

I forgot to add we saw a boatload of jackrabbits! Some were bigger than our guide’s Britts.