Mearns

[George "Scott" Davis]

Congratulations on your first Mearns Quail hunt. In my opinion they are the ultimate upland game bird and the country and terrain is spectacular. Hope you and your group also took the time to visit the many wineries in the area and had the opportunity to see some of our Gould Turkey.

[C.O.B.]

This is a hunt that I need to put on my bucket list.

[Drew Hause]

One more pic then a comment, and Bill or Phil might respond. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area with snow on Mt. Wrightson/Santa Rita Mountains/Coronado National Forest



Mearns have been hit hard by the continued drought in AZ, and the success of the hatch is very dependent on summer Monsoon rains producing grasshoppers and weed seeds. Word was out that this might be a better season, and the first week saw hordes of hunters covering the hills, lots from California. Unfortunately, it was quite warm. Hard on the dogs and the snakes were still out.
The snow birds and frozen Midwestern and Wash. state bird hunters came after Christmas, accompanied by some dog trainers towing 8 hole dog trailers and ATVs to haul their paying sports. I met Bill and Chuck H. in the Canelo Hills area, and every forest road turn in had a rig parked, and lots of 5th wheels and trailers were set up. The little parking area at the Gardner Canyon road turn in off 83 north of Sonoita looked like WalMart.

Not sure what my Dirk thought he was doing, but I told Chuck he was backing Sky



My point is come on out, AZ F&G can use the money, but it is tough hunting at altitude and there will be lots of competition. And please leave some seed for next year!! Once you've seen a covey get up, it's not that hard to be selective and just shoot the cocks.

[Marc Retallack]

That country looks awfully nerve-racking to this eastern Grouse hunter. Very few trees to shoot around or jump in the way of one's shot charge.

Hope all is well with you and Beth, Drew.

Marcus