Mearns quail need management change

[Flynarrow]

Mearns quail, mostly restricted to SE AZ in the US, are in trouble due to recent AZGF Commissioners failure to take AZGFD recommended actions. Highly sought by upland bird hunters across the US, their limited home range makes coveys vulnerable to overhunting. Increased hunting pressure, aided with GPS locations, trailers full of bird dogs, and guiding is a factor that is manageable by AZGFD. In addition, Coronado NF Grazing impacts reduce cover needed for survival of broods but heavy grazing impacts continue. Monsoons, increasingly more sporatic, are necessary for Mearns reproduction. While we can't control monsoons, we can control hunting mortality and grazing impacts. Changes are needed.

Letter: Mearns quail need better management

Mearns quail are in serious trouble, no thanks to the recent vote by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

www.nogalesinternational.com

 

[jejack26]

I thought that area had decent monsoons this summer.

 

[Oak]

I thought that area had decent monsoons this summer.

Almost nonexistent.

 

[Oak]

 

[jejack26]

View attachment 386569

Doesn't look good.

 

[jejack26]

View attachment 386569

Thanks also, i was sitting trying get am accurate report when you posted

 

[jeff_gibbons]

You could be right. I’m also interested in hunting mearns and would like to learn any population data over the years

 

[Kaitum]

View attachment 386569

SW NM was sitting at 43% of our 12-month long term average for moisture about a week ago.

 

[Oak]

Quail outlook: A challenging season ahead - Arizona Game & Fish Department

A lack of winter moisture in 2024-2025 has contributed to low numbers of quail this season.

www.azgfd.com

 

[mrcowboy]

I saw three groups during the Sept archery hunt. Water was very scarce. I was surprised to see that many during extremely dry 18 month period.