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.
Hybrid Mode