Have some small game fun this year

By Rory Aikens, public information officer, Arizona Game and Fish Department

If you’re getting ready to head afield, be sure to take advantage of the small game hunting opportunities that Arizona has to offer.

The outlook for tree squirrels and rabbits is promising, the late dove season (opens Nov. 23) ought to be a ball, and you can add Eurasian collared doves (year-round season) to the bag.

Although the overall quail outlook is “less than optimal,” southeastern Arizona is looking good for Mearns’, Gambel’s and scaled quail. You might be able to triple-up this year.

Also consider mixed bag hunts, or cast-n-blast expeditions to maximize your recreational time and dollars. For instance, if you are going after tree squirrels, take along the fishing pole for some high country trout. Or, look for pockets of quail hunting in the foothills when you fish central Arizona lakes such as Roosevelt.

Once seasons are underway, try hunting desert stock tanks for quail, rabbit, dove (opens Nov. 23) and waterfowl (mountain zones opened Oct. 5 and desert zones opened Oct. 19).

Read the full small game forecast report on our Web site:

www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game.shtml

Be sure to check the appropriate hunt regulations for season dates, open areas, methods of lawful take, bag and possession limits and other useful information prior to going afield.