The overall outlook for small game this year is ‘good’ — not great and not bad – but good. And, that’s good, because in Arizona we are blessed with an incredible array of wildlife species to hunt in the fall. Even if one species isn’t flourishing, there are others that offer challenging pursuit.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting offer the brightest lights in the forecast, with Gambel’s quail coming up a little short this year. With that said, dedicated and resourceful quail hunters will still find some areas where populations are doing well by keying in on seasonal rainfall information and be able to have productive hunts. Scaled quail should be fair to average, which is enough to make the trip south worthwhile.

Mearns’ quail this year won’t measure up to the back-to-back “very good” seasons we had. However, the rolling grasslands and drainages in southern Arizona should still offer some decent hunting for one of the most unique quail species. One thing for certain, a trip down south offers a mixed bag of opportunities for dove, rabbit, and possibly another species of quail – maybe all three.

Another potentially bright light is waterfowl season, which starts Oct. 9 (mountain zone). Duck numbers are up in the Pacific Flyway, and Utah has reported a strong local population. If an early cold winter hits the northern states, Arizona could see plenty of migrating ducks in our waters.

As the season progresses, late season dove opens on Nov. 20 and it should not disappoint. As the desert begins to green up from the fall moisture, desert water tanks should become productive hunting spots.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/huntingand choose “small game outlook.”

Happy hunting, and be safe.

Cooler temperatures signals that fall is finally here, and Friday, Oct. 2 marks the opening day for quail (Gambel’s and scaled) and tree squirrel hunting.

To add to the fun, rabbit season for cottontails and jackrabbits is open all year round.

All of these species offer affordable, healthy outdoor recreation, exciting hunting pursuits, and dandy table-fare.

Equipment needed to hunt this quarry is minimal, requiring a general hunting license, a shotgun (.410- to 12-gauge), plenty of No. 7 ½ or 6’s upland shot shells, and a good pair of boots. Young hunters 13 and under (when accompanied by a licensed adult) do not need a hunting license.

Each species is a challenging quarry and hunting them will take you to just about anywhere you would like to go in Arizona – a great excuse for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Quail and rabbit can be hunted in the open spaces of the lower desert up to the rolling hills of scrub oaks and manzanita bush of the mid-level desert. Squirrel hunting is your passport to the towering ponderosa pine forests of the mountain region, during a time when leaves are changing and the air is crisp.

For hunting tips, seasonal outlooks, hunting dates and more, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/huntingand choose “small game outlook.”

Oil up those squirrel rifles and make sure you have enough shotgun shells for quail – the Oct. 2 opening of tree squirrel and general quail seasons is rapidly approaching, advise Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists.

“It’s shaping up to be a decent year for tree squirrels, especially in the spruce and mixed-conifer areas for both tassel-eared and red squirrels,” Ron Day, the department’s small game biologist. “Also try hunting the transition zone between the ponderosa pine forest and the mixed conifer one.”

Don’t forget that the squirrel season remains open until the Dec. 31, providing more opportunities to take the youngsters out during the holidays.

But on the quail side, the outlook is not as promising. “We had pretty good Gambel’s quail reproduction last spring, but the dry hot summer may have taken its toll,” Day said. “Hunters should still be able to find some pockets of decent quail hunting.”

Day added that there is also a good population of cottontail rabbits in the low and mid elevation habitats again this year. “It’s always a good idea to mix in a little rabbit hunting with your quail outing, but you might even want to grab the trusty .22 and discover the joys of rabbit hunting.”

“I am seeing lots of fat white-winged dove this year, but there is no guarantee they will still be here on opening day,” says Mike Rabe, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s migratory bird biologist.

Overall, Rabe says the state has good dove numbers carrying over from last season and above-average winter and spring precipitation this year. “We should see another very good dove season in September. However, the recent drying trend and sputtering monsoons could have birds focused more around agricultural areas and dependable water sources.”

The Tuesday dove opener this year should reduce some of the opening-day demand, so it may be worth taking a day off for some wing shooting opportunities. Nevertheless, look for that to push over to Saturday and Sunday going into the Labor Day weekend. Dove hunting is an Arizona tradition with more than 35,000 hunters participating each year.

Be sure to get your shotgun shells now. The ammunition demand is outpacing supply.

Also, even more than in past years, scouting is essential. Your dove hunting location last year could be a subdivision this year, or more realistically, fields that were sitting fallow last year might have crops this year. Check it out in advance.

The early dove season runs from Sept. 1-15 with half-day hunts in the south zone and full-day hunts in the north zone and statewide for youth hunters 17 and under. The late season offers all-day hunting statewide from Nov. 20, 2009 through Jan. 3, 2010.

“Those who go scouting a few days before their hunt will have the best success. Mourning doves are very mobile, strong flyers, and even if they were recently using a sorghum field, it doesn’t mean they will be there a week later,” says Rabe. “Of course a windy and rainy monsoon storm the week before the opener, like we had last year, could disperse birds throughout the desert range and have flight numbers dispersed and sporadic.”

Where to go
If you are a novice hunter, or just new to the state, there are a number of organized hunts offering mentoring to help you get started. To get the latest details on dove events visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting . Here are a few to get you started:

• Sept. 1-3: Habitat fundraiser dove hunt (fee required), Texas Hill Farms, Roll (east of Yuma)
• Sept. 5-6: Juniors-only dove hunt, Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, near Buckeye (pancake and sausage breakfast provided by Chandler Rod and Gun Club)
• Sept. 5: Juniors-only dove hunt, Texas Hill Farms, Roll (east of Yuma)
• Sept. 12: New hunters only dove hunt, East Valley location to be determined

Furthermore, the department is teaming up with local sportsmen’s organizations with a grant program to host mentored hunting camps throughout the 2009-10 season to teach new hunters how to hunt dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and other game animals, to learn more visit www.azgfd.gov/hhwg.

Want to do your part for wildlife conservation? Then try using non-lead ammunition on your next varmint or small game hunt to help reduce lead exposure in condors and other scavengers.

Varmint and small game hunters have had the most difficult time finding loaded non-lead ammunition because it just didn’t exist, until recently. Manufacturers have now answered the demand for a more environmentally friendly varmint bullet.

Starting in the spring of 2009, hunters will be able to purchase loaded non-lead .22 caliber rimfire rounds. Several ammunition manufacturers will also offer non-lead centerfire rifle ammunition for varmint hunters in .204, .222, .223, and .22-250 calibers. These non-lead cartridges will be loaded with either non-fragmenting solid copper bullets or frangible tin-copper composite bullets.

Arizona hunters have continued their proud heritage of wildlife conservation by embracing the use of non-lead ammunition. In the fall of 2008, 90 percent of big game hunters took lead reduction actions during their hunt by using non-lead or by removing gut piles of harvested animals from the field when in core bondaries of the condor range. Thanks to these efforts by hunters, no condors have died of lead poisoning in the last two years. And all this has been accomplished through voluntary measures.

Condors were added to the federal endangered species list in 1967. The condor is the largest flying land bird in North America. The birds can weigh up to 26 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 9 1/2 feet. Condors were first reintroduced into Arizona in 1996, and there are now 67 in the state. Visitors to the Grand Canyon area are often able to observe the birds during the spring and summer, and they can be seen at the Vermilion Cliffs during the winter.

Lead poisoning is the leading cause of death in condors and the main obstacle to a self-sustaining population in Arizona. Studies show that lead shot and bullet fragments found in game carcasses and gut piles are the main source of lead in condors.

Non-lead ammunition is also available for muzzleloaders, handguns, and shotguns.

For more information on non-lead ammunition and a detailed list of manufacturers and retailers, visit the department’s condor web page at:
www.azgfd.gov/condor.

I never thought I would have so much fun and instantly get hooked on dove hunting. I was fortunate enough to get out four times during the early dove season. For me, it wasn’t how many doves I was able to harvest, it was the outdoor experience.

We saw tarantulas, bats, nighthawks, a Cooper’s hawk (which tried to steal one of our doves), dragonflies and a beautiful buck.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous on the first day, wanting to make sure that I knew what to do, when to do it and how to do it safely. I asked a lot of questions, and fortunately I had a seasoned hunting mentor to guide me through the process. The only experience I had to compare it to was clay target shooting, and this was totally different.

My first hunt was in the afternoon on a tank in the north zone. We didn’t have a lot of doves coming in, but the experience was still extremely memorable. I was a bit hesitant to take my first shot, but once I felt more comfortable it was a blast! I was so proud of my first harvest, not only a great feeling of accomplishment, but a sense of pride that I could take the meat home and prepare it for dinner.

If I wasn’t invited to go on my first hunt, I would have never known how exciting and enjoyable it could be. I have always wanted to learn to hunt but was a little apprehensive to jump in and go on my own without a bit of mentoring. This experience has opened the door to an array of outdoor experiences that I never knew I would be so excited about. For my next step, I am putting in for my first javelina hunt!

So here is my challenge to you: Ask your friend or your neighbor or niece if they might be interested in joining you for the late season dove hunt. You never know who might be waiting to learn and just needs someone to guide them through their first hunt.

Kellie oversees the department’s Environmental Education Program. She continually works to incorporate the message of wildlife conservation into classroom curriculum and education programs. As a wildlife biologist by trade, Kellie spent many years in the field, served as a wildland firefighter, and was a high school science teacher. She grew up in northern California.

Hunters want the bottom line when it comes to hunting forecasts. Here are the statewide outlooks for small game hunting:

• Gambel’s quail: “Most of the quail that hunters will be encountering in central Arizona will be this year’s birds, and that should provide some excellent hunting, compared to last year.”

• Scaled quail: “They are doing much better than last year, it should be a fair to good year, and there is typically little hunting pressure in the region of the state that they occupy.”

• Mearns’ quail: “High carry-over of adult birds from last year and several years of generous summer rains in southern Arizona should make for superb Mearns’ quail hunting.”

• Dove: “Thanks to good seasonal rains and plenty of agricultural shifts to grain crops, dove numbers in the late season should be very good and provide plenty of late season action.”

• Band-tailed pigeons: “Good acorn and seed reproduction plus full stock tanks should keep migrating birds in the state throughout the season. Look for fair to good hunting this year.”

• Blue (dusky) grouse: “Populations remain stable for this rare bird and should provide fair hunting for those willing to work for them.”

• Chukar partridge: “Populations remain limited, but areas that hold chukar should provide typical results as past years.”

• Rabbits: “Go now! Rabbit populations are abundant throughout the state. The season should be very good to excellent nearly everywhere you go.”

• Squirrels: “Abundant food sources in the high country should provide good to very good hunting for tassel-eared squirrels. The Kaibab squirrel populations have stabilized and offer fair hunting.”

• Ducks and geese: “Water levels are poised to hold good numbers of ducks depending on weather conditions in states north of Arizona. If that happens, we should have a good season this year.”

• Snipe: “The wet conditions from the first half of this year are very favorable for this long-billed migrating bird.”

Even without reading any further, you should be making a note to get your general hunting license and plenty of ammunition, and start planning your trips. Now that everyone is excited, let’s look into the details.

Small game season for quail, squirrel, ducks and more opened Oct. 3. In addition to the season opening earlier, general squirrel season runs nearly a month longer, ending in late December, with some units open year round.

The waterfowl season is liberal, opening in the mountain zone the same day (Oct. 3) and running until the end of January 2009. However, canvasback ducks are not allowed for harvest due to declining numbers, and there is a shorter / restricted season for scaup ducks.

Abundant snow and rainfall has occurred since the end of 2007. Much of the precipitation fell at the right times and in the right areas, resulting in full stock tanks, running streams, and many lakes full or near full. In addition, ground cover is thick and dense in many areas of the state.

In short, plenty of rain, ground cover and food made for good reproduction. The outlook for small game hunting statewide looks very good.

Note: As with all wildlife outlooks, there will be some areas that are better and some that are worse due to natural variables in rainfall, reproduction, habitat, etc. However, overall, this should be a very good small game season.

Quail (Gambel’s, Mearns’ and scaled)
Arizona has enjoyed three average to above-average rainy seasons in a row (two summer rainy seasons and one winter rainy season). Gambel’s quail came into the breeding season in good shape, even though their numbers were low due to very poor rains in preceding years. However, all observations at this time indicate that Gambel’s quail were quite successful this nesting season, and this bodes well for quail hunters in central Arizona.

Monsoon rains have especially benefitted Mearns’ quail. Last year was one of the best seasons in years, and the back-to-back successful nestings should prove to be an incredible season for this polka-dotted bird.

Scaled quail fall somewhere in the middle of the other two species. They are not entirely tied to winter or summer rains for reproduction success. Fortunately, rainfall has been steady and consistent since the beginning of the year, and this should provide a good season for these blue birds.

All this good news means one thing for upland hunters: a chance at a quail grand slam. This could be one of the best years for a hunter to harvest all three quail species in the same day.

Rabbit (cottontail and jackrabbit)
Rabbits are another species that abounds with good seasonal rains; expect to see excellent rabbit hunting statewide this year. While a majority of rabbits are harvested by quail hunters as part of a mixed-bag, they certainly deserve to be a primary pursuit. Rabbits are very challenging to hunt, offer a great hunting introduction to youngsters, and they are excellent table fare.

Squirrel (Abert’s, Kaibab, gray, red and fox)
While cold winters can increase squirrel mortality, the extra moisture from the snow and rains provided abundant food sources for squirrels this year. This healthy food supply provided existing populations the trigger for new recruitment and should make for a good hunting season.

The most common squirrel is the tassel-eared (Abert’s), and it is found in the ponderosa pine forest. There are more different squirrel species in Arizona than any other state. Other species that can be hunted include the Kaibab, gray, red and the small fox squirrel.

Touted as the “New Arizona Grand Slam,” some hunters are taking the challenge to harvest all five species in a season.

Dove (mourning, Eurasian collared-dove and band-tailed pigeons)
Although not open until late November, late season dove hunting should be very good this year. The late season offers all-day hunting hours, and hitting a desert stock tank an hour or two before sunset can be very productive and a great way to experience the incredible desert weather in the fall. It is also a great way to capitalize on a mixed-bag hunt when chasing quail or rabbits. Dove are another great introduction for young hunters.

Band-tailed pigeon season opened in mid-September and closed the first week of October (a separate report was provided before the season opened).

However, Eurasian collared-doves are open all year long and there is no bag limit. They are mostly found in urban areas; however, they can also be found on the edges of agricultural fields and some desert lands. If you are hunting Eurasian collared-doves, be certain of your identification and leave a feathered-wing on for verification.

Mountain upland birds (blue “dusky” grouse and chukar partridge)
Both of these species offer limited hunting from one season to the next. The overall forecast for these birds is fair, but that is relative to the low population densities. Their range and distribution is very limited and make for hunts that are more like quests. However, success does happen and many hunters consider both to be trophies due the effort and uniqueness of the hunt. Each has different season dates and bag limits, so consult the 2008-09 Arizona Hunting and Trapping regulations for more details.

Waterfowl (ducks, geese and snipe)
As part of the Pacific Flyway, migrating waterfowl make their way to Arizona as the winter weather hits the states in the northern continental U.S. With that said, there is plenty of water in Arizona to hold migrating birds throughout the season, when and if they come. Stock tanks in the lower elevations should prove to be productive for waterfowl hunters late in the year. Snipe hunting should also be good around marshy areas, flooded creek areas, as well as stock tanks.

Hunters are reminded to post photos of their outdoor expeiences at www.azgfd.net/photos.

Happy hunting, be safe and introduce someone new to hunting.

For more details about small game hunting, visit:

www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml

Small Game, Big Fun: This is the year!
By Doug Burt, public information officer, AGFD

Temperatures are cooling, gas prices are falling, and small game season is open and in full swing.

For those in the Valley, in a little over an hour you can be in great country for hunting rabbit, quail and late season dove. The desert offers youngsters a platform to learn much about the outdoors, wildlife and themselves. They will learn about exploring waterholes, following drainages, and what constitutes good habitat and how to find animals that dwell there.

Another hour and you’ll be in the tall ponderosa pines near Flagstaff with tassel-eared squirrels in your sights. If the hunting is slow, try skipping rocks at the nearest mountain lake, casting a line for trout, or walking along a stream and discovering all that is exciting along the water’s edge.

There is no better time in Arizona to be outdoors than in October and November. Cool, crisp mornings are followed by warm, sunny days perfect for afternoon naps, and evenings that are perfect for a warm campfire and a sweatshirt.

In this issue you will find a wealth of information about small game, including forecasts, outlooks, tips, new hunter seminars and camps, season dates and calendar information, pictures of successful hunters, and upcoming hunting opportunities.

The season runs well into 2009, so check back often for the latest updates, reports and other activities to help you enjoy the season.

Until next time, happy hunting and be safe.

Doug Burt is the department’s public information officer for hunting and shooting sports. He’s also involved in the Hunter Heritage Workgroup, which is focused on increasing public awareness, acceptance and participation in hunting. He has been an avid small game, upland and waterfowl hunter since moving to Arizona in 1986, from Michigan.

Abundant snow and rainfall has occurred since the end of 2007. Much of the precipitation fell at the right times and in the right areas. In short, plenty of water, ground cover and food made for good reproduction. The outlook for small game hunting statewide looks very good.

• Quail: Although Gambel’s quail populations were low last year, the amount of rain this spring and summer will increase their populations and should offer some fair to very good hunting depending on where you hunt. Scaled quail populations overall should be fair. Rainfall in southeastern Arizona was not as abundant as the central portions of the state. However, there are reports that some areas have favorable populations of scalies. Mearns’ quail season doesn’t open until Nov. 28. Last year proved to be a great year and this year should prove to be just as good for these high country birds.

• Rabbit: Every hunter should be able to put a rabbit in their bag this year as populations are good to excellent throughout the state. Although the season is all year long, many consider opening day the same as quail season. Hunting washes, edge cover and glassing from ridges can be very productive. Bag limits are liberal and the meat is excellent.

• Squirrel: Mark this as the year to be excited about squirrels. The season runs until the end of December now. If you’re finding young birds when quail hunting opening weekend, mark your spot for later and head north for some exciting tree squirrel hunting action. Adults are reminded that this hunt isn’t just for the kids. Try taking one with a .22 handgun for a challenging shot. Hunters should enjoy hunting conditions that rate from fair to good, and some spots will be excellent.

• Waterfowl: The waterfowl season is liberal, opening in the mountain zone the same day (Oct. 3) and running until the end of January 2009. However, canvasback ducks are not allowed for harvest due to declining numbers, and there is a shorter / restricted season for scaup ducks (see regulations for all season dates [link: http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/regulations/07-08/Waterfowl.pdf]). Depending on the timing of the migration, Arizona has plenty of water to hold waterfowl during the season and this year has the potential to be a very good duck season.

While all this news is exciting, the best thing about small game season is – no draw. Hunters can pick up a general hunting license, buy some shotgun shells and hit the road. By the way, don’t forget kids 13 and under can hunt for free with no license (two max) when accompanied by a licensed adult 18 and older. And for hunters ages 14-20, the youth combination hunting and fishing license is only $26.50.
For complete details on the small game outlook, and where to hunt visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Small Game, Big Fun Web page at www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml.

Small game camp orientation - photo AGFD.

Want to learn how to hunt tree squirrels?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will conduct a free small game hunting camp on Oct. 10 and 11 in the White Mountains to provide Arizona youth and others with the basic skills they need to successfully pursue tree squirrels. The program will also provide an overview of hunting opportunities for other small game species in our state. Youth need to be at least 8 years old to participate.

“This intensive camp is designed to provide youth and those new to hunting with an opportunity to enhance their hunting knowledge and skills here in Arizona, while also teaching them the values of stewardship and wildlife conservation,” says Wildlife Manager Supervisor Mike Godwin. “The workshop is all about hands-on learning, asking questions and being with others who are also interested in hunting in our state.”

The camp will be held at the Los Burros Campground, located on Forest Road 224 that runs between Vernon and McNary. The program will cover hunting opportunities, firearm safety and game care. Other activities include archery instruction and 3-D shooting, survival basics, first aid and more. Instructional sessions begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, and participants will hunt in the field with mentors Saturday.

The workshop, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, includes meals, instruction and field time with hunting mentors. The program is aimed at developing responsible and successful hunters who recognize the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation. The White Mountain Rod and Gun Club will also be assisting with the event.

For more information or to sign up, contact or call the department’s Pinetop office at (928) 367-4281. The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required.

By Bruce Sitko, information and education program manager, AGFD Pinetop regional office

White-winged dove on saguaro cactus. Photo Rory Aikens

Did you know that increased gasohol demand and the bountiful dove hunting opportunities in central Arizona this year for the Sept. 1-15 early season have something in common?

They do.

According to an article published by the Arizona Farm Bureau written by George Frisvold, a professor of agriculture at the University of Arizona, for the first time since 1976 the number of acres planted in wheat in Arizona exceeds the number of acres planted in cotton. Cotton has little value for doves and other wildlife. Wheat fields provide high-value wildlife real estate.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists said that these changing agricultural practices bode well for dove populations, and many other wildlife species as well. But grain crops aren’t the only factors for what biologists believe should be a good dove year.

“Superb winter and spring rains, coupled with decent summer rains, have also created favorable dove habitats in central Arizona,” said Migratory Bird Specialist Mike Rabe.

Once again this year, dove hunters can expect the birds, especially white-winged doves, to be concentrated in agricultural areas, just like in the past. But also this year, expect to find mourning doves dispersed into the desert as well.

“Right now, there are plentiful seed crops in the desert areas and abundant water sources. This creates plenty of opportunities for dispersed hunting, rather than hunting the more congested areas,” Rabe said.

Rabe also said scouting takes on added importance this year. “You’ll want to get out and identify those fields with grain that are attracting doves. Plus, increased urban encroachment means the fields you hunted last year might be within a quarter-mile of occupied structures – especially new subdivisions – this year.”

Scout first.

The early dove season from Sept. 1-15 this year is once again half-day hunting for adults in the southern zone (all day for adults in the northern zone), but youth can hunt all day in either zone.

The Game and Fish Department is once again offering a juniors-only dove hunt at the Robbins Butte Wildlife Area on Sept. 6-7 (the first weekend of the dove hunt). The Chandler Rod and Gun Club will also be providing young dove hunters and their mentors a scrumptious pancake and sausage breakfast following the morning hunt.

One young girl who outshot her older brothers during one of the past youth dove hunts had commented, “It was more fun than Disneyland!”

For more information on the Robbins Butte juniors dove hunt, contact Phil Smith at (602) 290-2237.

All hunters should keep in mind that Arizona is experiencing a cottontail rabbit bonanza this year. “A passel of dove breasts can feed a family, but add in some cottontails and you can create a feast for your favorite neighbors as well,” Rabe said.

The late season dove hunt is Nov. 21, 2008 through Jan. 4, 2009. “White-winged doves will have migrated south long before the late season, but especially this year, there are plenty of mourning doves. In fact, each year the late dove season seems to increase in popularity as more and more hunters experience the terrific wing-shooting opportunities in the mild early winter weather,” Rabe said.

Hunters should obtain a copy of the 2008-09 Arizona Dove Regulations prior to going afield. A general hunting license is required for youth 14 years and older, and a migratory bird stamp is required for all hunters 16 years and older. Kids 13 and younger can hunt without a license when accompanied by a properly licensed person 18 years or older.

Regulations are available at more than 300 license dealers statewide or can be downloaded from the department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunt.

Story and photos by Rory Aikens, public information officer, AGFD

There is nothing like the feeling of shooting a dove at first light on a humid Arizona morning, but sometimes, the best part of the hunt is sharing your harvest with close friends and family members. Here is a tried and true recipe, guaranteed to get you excited about that 3 a.m. wakeup.

Using filleted dove meat marinated in Italian dressing, onions, green peppers, red peppers, bacon, and corn. Then build your kabob to your tastes. Grill on the top rack (or indirectly) for 15 minutes to bring all the ingredients to temperature, then cook on the bottom rack over hot fire, quickly, for about 5 minutes. Dove meat should be rare to medium-rare for best taste. Serve with cheese-garlic toast and wild rice. Will feed 6-10 people.

Ingredients:

• 10 dove breasts – filleted off breast bone
• 2 bell peppers
• 2 red peppers
• 1 large red onion
• 4 ears of corn
• 1 pound bacon
• 2 cups Italian dressing

Instructions:

Remove dove breast from bone and quarter. Marinate in Italian dressing for 1-2 hours. Chunk cut peppers and onions. Slice corn into one-inch wide wheels. Slice bacon into 3-4 inch strips. On a skewer, alternate vegetables and dove, using bacon on both sides of meat and an onion slice by the bacon.

But the fun is, you can build them how you like. Slow cook over indirect heat for 15 minutes, then cook on hot grill, basting with Italian dressing often. Dove should be cooked rare to medium-rare.

After you try this recipe, post your comments or other recipe suggestions.

Okay, this issue is not all about doves, but that’s where we’ll start.

The season opener kicks off Sept. 1 and coincides with Labor Day this year. This year should prove to be one to be remembered, for two significant reasons: rain and grain. Don’t miss the dove hunting outlook article by Rory Aikens to find out where the birds are. However, before you get there – check out the recipe for dove kabobs. If you thought the fast pace of shooting doves was the best part of the season, wait until you try this recipe.

You’ll also find a variety of other articles in this newsletter.

We received a great spring turkey success story. Read how this young hunter found his way into the outdoors – by the sounds of the story, he’s hooked. This is a shining example of how important mentors and juniors-only programs are for the future of hunting and wildlife management.

The good news is, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission just made some significant changes to the 2009 spring hunt regulations. Junior hunters can now purchase over-the-counter spring and fall turkey tags. There are many other improvements, too; be sure to check out the “Commission takes steps…” article.

For hunters who use OHVs, you should be aware that new rules and regulatrions will take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. See Jim Harken’s article for the latest OHV developments.

Getting back to the kids, there are some great juniors’ opportunities to take to the field this fall. Right now, there are plenty of juniors-only fall javelina tags left over. The department is going to host a few javelina workshops in mid-September to help these young hunters get started in the right direction. Be sure to read game specialist Jim Heffelfinger’s tips for hunting fall javelina – this guy knows his stuff.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Oct. 10-11 for a trip to the pine trees for a hands-on hunting workshop. The Pinetop regional office is hosting the event to teach youngsters and new hunters how to hunt tree squirrels. This event always proves to be a fun and exciting weekend. Find out all the details and how to register in Bruce Sitko’s article “Workshop teaches introduction to hunting.”

As you can see, there are a ton of options for getting into the outdoors. For more dates and events, check out the Sportsman’s Planning Calendar and the many other sidebar topics.

Until next time, happy hunting and be safe.

By Doug Burt, public information officer, AGFD

There is some good news for dove hunters. Super abundant winter and early spring rains last year resulted in a robust seed crop in the desert. This should result in a nice fat population of dispersed mourning doves.

A tremendous crop of saguaro blossoms that turned into seed pods also provided white-winged doves a good later spring and early summer treat. If storms don’t chase them south, we should see lots of healthy fat whitewings.

As usual, expect doves to be concentrated around agricultural areas. But scout the adjoining desert areas as well; you might find some good dove shooting opportunities and much lower hunter densities. For many of us, that registers higher on the quality-hunt index.

Don’t forget, that although adults are relegated to half day (morning) shooting for doves during the early season, youth get to hunt all day. We have some of the best dove hunting in the nation – get the kids in on it.

In fact, gather up the neighborhood kids, nieces and nephews or whomever and get them out too – dove hunting is light years more exciting than blasting space aliens in a computer game. Do it for the future of these kids, the future of hunting, and by golly, a little self pride in making a contribution for the betterment of mankind.

Okay, on to the subject near and dear to a small game hunter’s heart: quail.

Abundant winter and early spring rainfall in central Arizona had lots of hunters and biologists anticipating superb Gambel’s quail reproduction and recruitment, but then nature threw a knuckle ball on Memorial Day weekend.

Right when lots of newly-hatched quail were full of down, a cold, wet storm drenched most of the state. Downy baby quail can die of hypothermia when wet. But then again, many areas had superb ground cover that could have sheltered some susceptible poults – maybe!

Bottom line: The jury is still out until the fat quail sings, or in this case, until the young quail flush.

The most likely scenario for Gambel’s quail in central Arizona is there will be more young on the ground this year compared to last year, with last year being terrible. We might be near average, possibly not. Some isolated areas might have above-average quail numbers.

The key? Scout your favorite quail area, then your second favorite, and maybe even your third. . . if you look enough, you should be able to locate decent quail populations.

Now southern Arizona is a bird of a different feather.

Spring call counts indicated some areas were experiencing near average reproduction, and other areas well below average. Expect Gambel’s quail to be spotty – so once again, scouting is the key.

However, the jury is out on Mearns’ quail. Last year we had our best Mearns’ quail hunting in decades. It was awesome. The year before was pretty good also. Can it happen three years in a row? Possibly – whether global warming or not, weather patterns have been unpredictable.

If you are reading this after a wet summer in southern Arizona, buy stock in Mearns’ quail futures – which is basically abundant boxes of shotgun shells mixed with liberal doses of Hoppes Gun Oil.

Now for you waterfowl fans. Mormon Lake near Flagstaff was almost full last spring. By summer, the water level was dwindling but the marshy areas turned lush green and full of insects – duck heaven.

Due to abundant snowpack for a change, other high mountain areas also experienced a return of wetlands that have been dry for some time. Plus Roosevelt filled.

We have the habitat to hold the waterfowl, now it really depends on weather to the north pushing them our way. It’s looking good, but who knows. At the very least, early season teal shooting in the high country could be spectacular.

For the low lands – once again, we have water in places we haven’t had in years. If they come down the flyway, they might stick around and visit us a little longer. As always in Arizona, waterfowl is a wait-and-see proposition.

Fishing
Give your spinning rods a twirl and whip up your fly rods for some of the best fishing action of the year – you might even catch some magnificent fall colors as well in the high country.

Sport fish will be feeding aggressively to put on fat before winter conditions arrive. Hungry, active fish will put a satisfied grin on your autumn face.

For the high country, it doesn’t get much better. Changing fall colors creeping down the elevation zones can provide a colorful stage for some of the best trout fishing acts of the year – life and fishing doesn’t get much better.

Big Lake typically wears the high country fall fishing crown each year – if the ‘bows aren’t biting, the cuts probably will. If those ‘bows and cuts are bashful, you might hook into gregarious brookies staging for the spawn.

Another great choice is Willow Springs Lake along the Mogollon Rim where the trout and largemouth bass can both be active. Don’t ignore the sister lakes of Fool Hollow and Show Low Lake where record walleye are waiting for an angler invite to fame and piscatorial glory.

Hey, for all you high country trouters – take along the trusty .22. Bagging a squirrel or two during your fall fishing trip is a way to maximize your recreational dollar and fun at the same time. You might even take along a shotgun for the ducks – it should be pretty good in the high country this year thanks to last year’s superb snow pack.

One fall fishing hole with superb, world-class fishing that is ignored by hordes of anglers is Lees Ferry in northern Arizona.

In the warmwater lakes, expect to find lots of topwater action for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. My top picks are: Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake and Lake Pleasant. But on any given day, you might find spectacular action at Alamo, Mead, Saguaro, Bartlett or Patagonia.

The buzzwords “recruitment and retention” keep making their way into the outdoor community. Much of this driving force is derived from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s reports of declining hunter and angler numbers. Throughout wildlife agencies, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department, it is at the forefront of everything we do. Like most sportsmen and sportswomen, many employees of the department live and breathe hunting and fishing. We recently asked some department employees to share experiences with introducing or passing on our hunting and outdoor heritage to youth and families. Here are some of their stories..

Jim Heffelfinger, Tucson regional game specialist,
with the department for 16 years.

Jim is married and has four boys, ages 4, 11, 13, and 16.

He is well known in the wildlife community, has his masters degree, teaches at University of Arizona, and is the author of “Deer of the Southwest, A Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of Southwestern Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer.”

How Jim finds time to do anything outside of his careers and family life is still a mystery. However, he recently took several young people out on a rabbit hunt. Hunting rabbits and other small game is a great way to introduce youngsters and beginners to hunting.

Jim said everyone had a great time. In fact, he states, “How is this for Hunter Recruitment? We brought my son’s girlfriend and her younger brother out rabbit hunting. She’s a vegetarian – that should count for two!”

Jim is currently putting ideas together to sponsor a “Junior Jack Kamp” sometime between January and March next year. At the camp, Jackrabbit Jim will show you how to “hunt ’em and grill ’em” as well as provide jackrabbit ecology discussions around the campfire. We will keep you posted on the development of this introductory program.

Robert S. Price, Arizona Strip wildlife manager supervisor,
with the department for 18 years.

Robert is married and has two children, a teenage daughter and an adult son who is an Army Ranger currently deployed in Iraq. Both of them are accomplished and enthusiastic hunters and anglers.

Robert is a member of the the department’s Hunter Heritage Working Group, and has introduced many kids, on an informal basis, to hunting and fishing over the years. He submitted the following story:

“Greetings! Yesterday Selena, Ernie and I decided to go rabbit hunting. We were all sporting our .17HMRs, and excited to “go get ‘em”. So, off we went. The rabbit population was pretty healthy, and we did have a most excellent time!

However, Selena abandoned her Camelbak® pack and needed to go back to get it. I suggested she walk parallel to the road and take her gun. I asked, “Do you want to take more bullets?” She said she was okay and took off (with five bullets in her rifle).

She didn’t get 20 yards and two rabbits took off. There were a number of shots, punctuated by humorous “anecdotes” related to her ability to hit anything. I calmly asked her, “Need more bullets?” The response was a 13-year-old’s version of “no kidding.” She came back all fired up, and we loaded her up with more ammo, followed by some fatherly advice to take more time, squeeze the trigger, and to sit or kneel.

This time, her aim was true, and by the time she retrieved her backpack and returned, she had as many rabbits as dad, and she reminded me of this several times!

Ernie commented that we were hitting some of those rabbits further out than you get most deer, and he told Selena, “Hey, deer hunting will be no problem for you!”

As stated before, we had a most excellent time yesterday. Rabbit hunting is fun, even for us old guys, and especially when you take a kid. Here’s a photo of Selena with some of the day’s harvest.”

Darren Tucker, Prescott-area wildlife manager,
with the department for 15 years.

Darren, a committee member with the department’s Hunting Heritage Work Group, works with the Sportsman’s Roundtable, and Hunter Awareness and Appreciation clinics. Darren shared this story of a very early introduction to hunting big game:

Attached is a photo of my recent pig hunt with my girls (ages 4 and 6).

I haven’t even applied in several years because to be honest with you, I’m not a huge fan of javelina as table-fare. However, my older daughter has been bugging me to take her hunting for something besides ducks and coyotes for several years now.

Anyway, with pig tag and rifle in hand, the three of us headed out last Monday after school. They both made the three-fourths of a mile stalk with me and even used their little Bushnell binoculars to look at him.

It was awesome – they were able to witness the entire hunt firsthand.”

Kathy Boyer, Phoenix headquarters customer service representative, with the department for 8 years.

If you ever visited the old department office on Greenway Road, you probably met or saw Kathy. She is extremely knowledgable in most department policies, licenses, regulations, draw processes, boating registration and more! Kathy has shot firearms and hunted small game, but this year was her first big game hunt. When she shared her story she was beyond excited, especially since her and her son both harvested pigs the same day of the past general javelina season. She recounts her feelings saying:

“We were just about done for the day. We had not seen any sign or any javelina all day and we were about to give up. We went up one more hill when my husband said, ‘there they are’.

It was about a 200-yard shot and was almost the most exciting thing I have dealt with. We all had a great time on the hunt.”

Ah, spring is here – now what?
By Doug Burt, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

For the 26,000 attendees of the 2008 Arizona Game and Fish Outdoor Expo wanting more outdoor activities, here are some ideas.

If the fishing tank at the Expo was your kid’s favorite, then take the next step. There are 21 city park lakes currently participating in the department’s Urban Fishing Program. Waters are stocked with fish every couple of weeks, and right now we are loading them up with hard-fighting, great-tasting catfish. Fishing with a simple rod and reel and some dough bait is all it takes to hook “Mr. Whiskers”. Children 13 years and under do not require a license and can fish for free. A license for those 14 and older is only $18.50 for the year. Visit www.azgfd.gov/fish and click on the “urban fishing” link for more details about the program.

If target shooting piques your interests, a great place to start is with BB guns. BB guns are very affordable and teach the foundations of gun safety, responsibility, aiming, marksmanship, calming breathing techniques, patience, respect and self focus. This is also a great way for experienced sportsmen to introduce a neighbor to target shooting.

Need a bigger bang? The Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association offers a .22-caliber shooting class to beginners. The class will go over gun safety, basic shooting techniques, and then out to the range to shoot .22-caliber rifles in a controlled environment. The introductory course is on Thursdays and it is free. For more information, contact Richard at mersman442@yahoo.com.

Ladies that enjoyed shooting at the Expo can sign up for our free introductory shotgun shooting program called the Desert Roses. This hands-on program is offered the first and third Thursday of every month. Ladies will be taught how to shoot a shotgun and learn three clay target games – trap, skeet and sporting clays. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Fred Jeffers at fjeffers@azgfd.gov. Did we mention it‘s free?

Are you already a shooter and want to get more hunting knowledge? Go online and take the department’s online hunter education class. It’s one of the best in the country and you learn about gun safety, wildlife identification, carrying capacity, survival and more. If you have a youngster between the ages of 10 and 14 who’s interested in hunting big game – this course is mandatory. Right now is a great time before the next draw for the fall hunts takes place. The Web site is www.hunter-ed.com/az.

Speaking of hunting, take a youngster afield for some rabbit hunting. The season runs year-round and the springtime is a great time to be in the field while the weather is still beautiful. Rabbits, cottontail and jacks are abundant statewide, challenging to hunt, and make great table fare. Rabbit hunting teaches many of the same skills needed for pursuing big game, including locating game, stalking, shot placement, harvesting, field dressing and game meat preparation. All that is needed is a modest rimfire rifle (.22s and the new .17s), or for very young beginners a small gauged shotgun is perfect. Youth 13 years and under (2 max.) accompanied by a licensed adult can hunt for free and without a hunting license. A general hunting license is required for those 14 and older. (Hunter Ed is not required for small game – but it is encouraged.)

If you are fortunate to have a spring-turkey tag, congratulations, you won’t want to miss this issue. There are a number of articles to help you be successful on your hunt, including road conditions, laws on using electronic calls, recent transplants, and the spring hunting forecast with tips by Big Game Program Manager and turkey-nut Brian Wakeling.

No turkey tag? Don’t despair, there is plenty of other good stuff to enjoy in this issue of Hunting Highlights. We have a great feature about department employees teaching kids about hunting, the outdoors, and photos of their successes. We also have some super juniors-only hunting success stories and pictures.

In addition, you will find plenty of department news, highlights and activity dates. And it’s never too late to start thinking about the next hunt draw in June.