Quail hunting is a popular pastime in Arizona that allows hunters to experience the thrill of the hunt while pursuing game birds renowned for their speed and elusiveness. The state offers excellent habitat for Gambel’s, scaled, and Mearns’ quail, providing hunters with ample opportunity to seek their quarry.
However, quail seasons, bag limits, and regulations vary depending on the species and location being hunted. Knowing the legal hunting periods set by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is crucial for hunters wishing to legally and ethically pursue quail in the state.
Overview of quail species in Arizona
Arizona is home to three major quail species that are commonly hunted:
- Gambel’s quail – The most widespread quail in Arizona. A sociable bird found primarily in desertscrub habitat.
- Scaled quail – Typically found in arid grasslands and desertscrub areas of southeastern Arizona.
- Mearns’ quail – Occupies dense, brushy drainages within oak woodlands of southeastern Arizona.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages quail hunting based on the range and habitat of each species. As a result, seasons and regulations differ depending on the type of quail being hunted and location in the state.
Gambel’s quail hunting seasons
Gambel’s quail are abundant across much of Arizona from early fall through late winter. Season dates for hunting Gambel’s quail are:
- Central and Southern Arizona: October 25, 2022 – February 12, 2023
- Western Arizona: October 1, 2022 – February 12, 2023
These season dates apply to Gambel’s quail in most parts of Game Management Units 1-27, 29-34, 36, 39-45, and 47. Hunters should consult regulations for specific unit boundaries and season details.
Limits
The daily bag limit for Gambel’s quail is 15 birds per day. Possession limit is 45 birds.
Scaled quail hunting seasons
Scaled quail primarily reside in southeastern Arizona. Typical seasons are:
- Most units: October 28, 2022 – February 12, 2023
- Units 34A, 36A, and 36C: November 4, 2022 – February 12, 2023
These seasons apply in select zones of Game Management Units 30A, 30B, 31, 32, 33, 34A, 34B, 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C, 37A, 37B, and 38M. Check regulations for zone-specific dates.
Limits
The daily limit is 15 scaled quail per day with a possession limit of 45 birds.
Mearns’ quail hunting seasons
Mearns’ quail seasons in Arizona are:
- Units 27, 28, 29: November 12, 2022 through February 12, 2023
- Units 30A, 30B, 31, 32: November 4, 2022 – February 12, 2023
- Units 33, 35A, 35B, 36A, 36B, 36C: November 4, 2022 – February 12, 2023
Check regulations for zone-specific season dates and boundaries. A Mearns’ permit is required to hunt this species in Arizona.
Limits
The daily bag limit for Mearns’ quail is 8 birds with a possession limit of 24.
Common season dates for all quail species
While seasons vary, the following dates provide open quail hunting statewide for all species:
- November 4, 2022 – February 12, 2023
Hunters should still verify season dates and bag limits for the specific unit and quail species they plan to pursue.
General Arizona quail hunting regulations
In addition to season dates and bag limits, general statewide regulations for quail hunting in Arizona include:
- No centerfire rifles are permitted for quail hunting.
- Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than 3 shells.
- Only approved non-toxic shot may be used when hunting quail.
- All hunters age 14 and older must carry a valid hunting license.
- Hunter education is required for hunters under age 10.
Hunters should review and follow all other required laws and regulations listed in the Arizona Game and Fish Department hunting regulations.
Where to find detailed season info for quail hunting units
The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides detailed quail hunting info through the following resources:
- Arizona Hunting Regulations – Contains legal seasons and rules for quail hunting units.
- Quail Species Information – Overview of common quail species and management in Arizona.
- Quail Cams – Live viewing of quail and observing hunting behavior.
Printed booklets containing hunting unit regulations are also available from license dealers throughout Arizona.
Key dates for hunting Gambel’s quail in Arizona
For quick reference, here are the key statewide Gambel’s quail hunting season dates for 2022-2023:
- Central/Southern Arizona: October 25, 2022 – February 12, 2023
- Western Arizona: October 1, 2022 – February 12, 2023
Daily bag limit: 15 quail per day
Possession limit: 45 quail
Summary
Arizona provides ample quail hunting opportunities with seasons running from October through February. Exact season dates and regulations depend on the quail species and location being hunted. Hunters must consult Arizona Game and Fish resources to look up specific season info for the unit they plan to hunt. With proper preparation and knowledge of seasons and limits, responsible hunters can enjoy excellent quail hunting throughout Arizona.
