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.
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