Arizona Desert Rain Means Great Hunting

Arizona Desert Rain Means Great Hunting

The rains are falling at the right time for a Hatch. Its Going To Be a Great Arizona Hunting Season because Arizona desert rain means great hunting for 2017 , view the Tuscon news article.

Mearns Quail Breeding

Much like other quail species, Mearns coveys break up and prepare to find a mate between February and March. Nesting dates are dependent on spring-summer rainfall patterns and thus may vary between regions. Breeding takes place after the summer rains and this years Arizona desert rain looks promising.

Mearns quail prefer to build nests under bunchgrasses or rock outcrops. Similar to bobwhite nests, they also build a grass dome roof. The size of the clutch is usually around 11 eggs per nest, although extremes of 6 to 16 eggs are possible. The eggs are described as white in color and are somewhat glossy. The incubation period is 24 to 26 days, and while the female seems to play the main role in incubation the male has also been reported to assist. Under good conditions, a second clutch may be possible. Juveniles of both sexes more or less resemble the female adult until around 16 weeks of age. It should be noted that Mearns quail have stronger inclinations to survive as a covey during incubation than other species. Harsh winters and a decrease in available foods lead this quail to depend on a group survival mentality. Mearns are prone to “freeze” in place in order to deter predators in an attempt at blending in to their environment. At the last minute they will then flush or run away. – tamu.edu

Gambel’s Quail Season – September 30 – February 12, 2017 – Limits: 15 per day in aggregate with other quail, 45 possession

Mearns Quail Season – December 2 – February 12, 2017 – Limits: 8 per day, 24 possession in aggregate with other quail