Region 6 contact iInformation:
(480) 981-9400
7200 E. University
Mesa 85207

By Randy Babb, Information & Education Program Manager

Last winter’s rains ended early over much of Arizona. Only a few places received precipitation after January. Typically our winter rainy season extends into late February or early March. This early end to our winter rains has negatively affected much of our central Arizona quail populations. Additionally unusual late May rains may have adversely impacted survival of Gambel’s quail chicks. All observations at this time indicate that Gambel’s quail were marginally successful this nesting season and this bodes poorly for quail hunters over much of central Arizona. However there may be a few moderately bright spots in an otherwise dark quail hunting forecast.

The Globe area received rains after January, creating much more typical conditions for Gambel’s quail reproduction but reports from the area are indicating below average reproduction. Hunters in the Roosevelt Lake area, one of central Arizona’s most reliable quail producing areas, can expect to encounter coveys numbering 12-15 birds early in the season. These numbers will likely drop as the season progresses.

As is typical of poor years, Gambel’s quail nested late into the summer. Recruitment from these late nesting efforts is typically poor and this year appears to be no exception. However hunters may encounter some very young birds during the opening weeks of the quail season and may want to let these little birds grow a bit before hunting them. Regardless, most of the birds hunters will be encountering in central Arizona this season will likely be adult birds and provide challenging hunting.

Some areas understandably have fared better than others and hunters should spend time scouting before committing much time to hunting an area. Hunters will likely find quail populations to be spotty with some areas holding more birds than others. The interface between burned and unburned lands could be some of our most productive hunting areas and are worth checking out. Hunters can expect quail coveys to average 6 - 12 birds over much of the Region this year. Beginning hunts near water sources such as ponds, rivers, streams, and guzzlers is always a good idea when hunting desert quail.

Mearns’ quail should have experienced a moderate to poor nesting season over much of their range. Summer rains have been spotty and poor over much of their habitat this year and summer moisture makes all the difference in this species’ numbers. Last year hunters encountered above average numbers of this sporty bird and this year they will most likely find Mearn’s quail harder to come by. If you intend to hunt this species concentrate your efforts on areas that received good summer rains. High carry-over of adult birds from last year and several years of generous summer rains in southern Arizona prior to this year should make for average to below average Mearn’s quail hunting.

Dove hunting should be good for both the early and late seasons due to the good nesting success these birds have experienced. The lack of summer rains have resulted in virtually no desert summer seed crop which means doves will concentrate around agricultural and other food sources. Regardless doves should concentrate in croplands and at other man-made food and water sources and provide excellent shooting. Desert waterholes will likely prove to be poor shooting in the early season unless they are near a food source. Hunters should take the time to scout as many places that have traditionally provided good shooting such as water holes will likely harbor low number of birds. Hunters may also want to take advantage of Eurasian collared doves. These birds provide good sport and are excellent eating.

Eurasian collared doves are most abundant in urban areas that are inaccessible to hunters. But they do stray into adjacent fields and wild lands where hunters can enjoy them. They most resemble white-winged doves or pigeons in size and flight characteristics but are very light colored which will help hunters distinguish them from other species. Care should be taken by sportsmen to not take white-wing or mourning doves in excess of bag limits or out of season when pursuing Eurasian collared doves.

UNIT 22

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE

• Look for birds in areas that provide adequate cover for roosting and hiding. It’s always a good idea to concentrate efforts around sources of permanent water, especially in dry years. Try some of the higher elevations like the areas south of Payson, Sunflower, foothills of the Mazatzal Mountains and south of Roosevelt Lake. Many of these spots received good rains during the summer and winter rainy seasons and should offer good hunting, especially for those who are willing to walk. Try hunting the edge of the old Willow Fire burn or the pockets of vegetation within the burn, these may hold birds. Also check out the Three Bar area above Roosevelt Lake. Some of the brush is heavy but it usually holds quail.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Desert ponds and other water sources should produce good hunting in the mornings and evenings. Agricultural areas with cut grain crops and or feedlots should also provide good shooting but these opportunities are scarce in GMU 22.

SPECIES: BAND-TAILED PIGEONS | FORECAST: POOR – FAIR

• Acorn production was pretty good this year, so the pigeons will likely be around for the entire season. They will be most easily found feeding and watering in those areas where acorns are abundant. Hunters should look for water holes in pine and oak woodland habitats adjacent to oaks with acorns. Band tails typically come to water in mid-morning. Canyon edges are often used as flight paths by these birds and can offer some challenging pass shooting opportunities.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Snipe are a highly under used sporting opportunity. Hunt flooded areas with low
  cover along rivers and agricultural pump backs. Duck hunters may wish to finish off their mornings with a walk through marshy areas for these birds. Try the Verde River and marshy coves at Bartlett Lake. Flooded agricultural areas often provide excellent hunting. Horseshoe Lake often has excellent marshy areas to search for this bird.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• Provided weather is severe enough to move migrating ducks down from the north.
  Desert ponds provide good jump shooting and often decoying for ducks and occasionally geese. Many of these water holes will have water this year for the first time in quite a while. The Tonto arm of Roosevelt Lake provides some of the best goose and duck hunting opportunities in 22 though the upper Verde River also holds wintering geese and ducks. Make sure and check current regulations for changes this year.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Unlike other game species, rabbits have a protracted breeding season and were able to take advantage of the excellent summer rains. Rabbits can be found predictably in most traditional places. Most desert foothills areas, like the Four Peaks area and near Sunflower should hold cottontails. Hunt along desert washes with a shotgun to flush hiding rabbits or hunt early mornings and late afternoons with a 22 around cover and near clearings. Try glassing with binoculars early and late from ridge tops to locate rabbits in wash bottoms. Brushy areas around water sources are good bets when looking for these animals.

SPECIES: TREE SQUIRRELS | FORECAST: AVERAGE

• Hunt the ponderosa pine forest near Payson (beneath the Mogollon Rim) for Abert’s squirrels. A few Arizona gray squirrels may be found in higher elevation riparian areas. Red squirrels will be found in association with spruce and fir trees in cooler, wetter canyons under and on top of the Mogollon Rim.

UNIT 23

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE

• The foothills of the Sierra Anchas adjacent areas will hold likely hold a few birds and is a good place to start looking. Walking in some areas is tough but the effort could pay off with some decent shooting. Greenback Valley offers easier walking but will probably not be as good this season due to poor rains. The Three bar area and the Lone Fire Burn should also have some birds and worth checking out. Make sure you select hunt areas with adequate ground cover so birds will be more likely to hold and not run. Hunters should expect Gambel’s quail hunting to be better than it has in many years.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Desert water holes should provide good hunting in mornings and evenings. Otherwise this unit provides little else in the way of dove hunting opportunities. The trick will be finding waterholes that a number of birds are using.

SPECIES: BAND-TAILED PIGEONS |FORECAST: FAIR

• Higher elevations along the Mogollon Rim should hold some pigeons. The Naeglin Rim area is always a good place to check for birds. Watering birds will visit ponds in pine country. Band-tailed pigeons feed mainly on acorns so watch the oaks and select hunting areas with good acorn production. Early indications are that the acorn crop is pretty good so pigeons should be around throughout the season.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Marshy areas in the back of coves around Roosevelt Lake and along lower Tonto Creek will be good areas to look for snipe. Keep your eyes open around any body of water; they turn up in all sorts of places.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• Jump desert water holes for migrating ducks. The Tonto arm of Roosevelt Lake and Roosevelt Lake itself offer some of the better goose hunting in this unit. The Upper Salt River and the Salt River arm of Roosevelt may also holds wintering geese. Duck hunting should also be good in these areas. Ducks and geese often begin to show up in numbers around Thanksgiving time.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Most of the Management Unit should be good for rabbits. Concentrate efforts below the pine belt, along desert washes and draws and brushy areas near water. Start early in the morning when rabbits are more active or watch for them during your quail hunts. They make an excellent addition to the dinner table.

SPECIES: TREE SQUIRRELS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt the pines in the Sierra Ancha Mts. and north of Young up to the Mogollon Rim for Abert’s squirrels. Some of the Riparian areas in and around the Sierra Ancha Mts., in Greenback Valley and below the Mogollon Rim hold Arizona Gray Squirrels but this species is less commonly encountered than aberts tree squirrels. Start your hunt at daylight.

UNIT 21

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR

• Northern sections of 21 should offer the best bird hunting. Most of the unit should have some birds but hunters should not be too optimistic. Drainages that provide cover, roost sites and water will be the best places to look for birds. Hunters may want to check out the edges of the old burns to find birds feeding on new vegetation.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Good dove numbers should be found around stock ponds and other water sources in
  the morning and evenings. Check thickets along the Verde and Agua Fria River for roosting and watering birds.

SPECIES: BAND-TAILED PIGEONS | FORECAST: POOR

• The topography of the unit does not make for good pigeon habitat. The country between Camp Verde and Childs will probably hold most of the unit's pigeons. Hunters may also to try Pine Mountain east of Bloody Basin. On occasion Band-tailed pigeons will move into lower elevations and feed on scrub oak (turbinella) acorns, pinion nuts, and even agave seeds.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Marshy areas along the Verde River should provide good hunting. Low water levels in Horseshoe Lake may provide some opportunities for this close holding flushing bird.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• The Verde River should provide good action for migrating waterfowl as well as desert stock ponds. If Horseshoe Reservoir has any water in it, it can be quite food for ducks as can the river between Horseshoe and Bartlett and below Bartlett.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt along desert washes to flush hiding rabbits. The area south of Cordes Junction and Camp Verde should provide some rabbits and quail hunters in the Bloody Basin area should see plenty of cottontails while hunting birds.

SPECIES: TREE SQUIRRELS | FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD

• Some riparian areas should hold Arizona gray squirrels. Pine Mountain may also be worth a look. But time would be better spent hunting for squirrels in the pine forests to the north.

UNIT 20B

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR

• The foothills of the Bradshaw Mts. offers some of the better quail hunting in this unit though the walking is rough. Check along the Castle Hot springs road and some birds no doubt will be in the Lake Pleasant area near water sources. Bird numbers will likely be poor throughout the unit. Try some of the higher country near Cleator, and Cordes.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: POOR

• Hunt desert water holes in the morning and evenings for watering birds. There is no agriculture to speak of in this unit.

SPECIES: BAND-TAILED PIGEONS | FORECAST: FAIR

• Try the high country of the Bradshaw Mts. around Crown King and the canyons leading off the mountains. High elevation water holes may offer some birds. Watch for oaks with acorns and concentrate your efforts in those areas.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Look for these birds along the marshy backwaters of Lake Pleasant. They are a frequent visitor at desert stock tanks.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• The coves near the back end of Lake Pleasant hold good numbers of waterfowl but check with the ranger station before doing so, there has been some confusion over the hunting in the area and you don’t want to get a ticket. Try hunting the Agua Fria above the Lake if it is running. Birds will fly up and down the river feeding and migrating. Geese are also occasional visitors to the lake. Desert stock tanks also are excellent places to search for migrating ducks.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Try hunting the desert areas near Bumble Bee and around the foothills of the Bradshaw Mts. The thickets bordering the Agua Fria River north of Lake Pleasant should also be good places to try.

SPECIES: TREE SQUIRRELS | FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD

• Hunt the high country of the Bradshaw Mts. for Abert’s squirrels and the canyons running off the mountains for Arizona grays. The burn in the Bradshaw Mountains probably likely hurt the tree squirrel populations there. Hunt the unburned areas for a greater chance of success.

UNIT 39

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR

• Robbin's Butte reports some quail reproduction, this area typically has some of the higher quail populations in the unit. They are often difficult hunt due to the heavy cover along the Gila River. It is recommended that hunters start early in the morning when the birds may be away from cover giving shooters a better chance to push them out into less heavy cover. Other places to try are the Gila River, and the small mountain ranges south of the Sierra Estrella's and along the Gila River.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Robbin's Butte offers excellent early and late season hunting. The Arizona Game and Fish Dept. has planted many fields with crops to attract birds. Hunting in the late season should be good but hunters should also scout agricultural areas south of Gillespie Dam. Look for roosting sites in the thickets along the Gila River. There are plenty of doves in the area and they should provide good action all season long.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Marshy areas along the Gila River provide good snipe hunting every year. Look for areas with a dense covering of low growing vegetation covering mud flats or standing in shallow water.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• The Gila River will be the big waterfowl spot in the northern parts of this unit. Desert stock tanks will also hold birds.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBIT | FORECAST: GOOD

• Thickets boarding agricultural areas on Robbin's Butte and along the Gila River have excellent cottontail populations and should provide good rabbit hunting. Start early in the morning when rabbits are more active. Check the edges of agricultural fields with binoculars for feeding rabbits then stalk or walk them up.

UNIT 39M & 42M

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR

• There is little available in Metro units as far as Quail hunting is concerned. Agricultural areas may offer some activity.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: GOOD

• The areas around Co olidge, Casa Grande, Eloy, Chandler Heights, Maricopa and Queen Creek should offer good hunting for both early and late dove season hunters. Look for cut grain fields, feed lots, and potential watering spots; such as canals and ponds. Many traditional hunting areas have been developed recently. Be careful to remain up dated on land newly annexed by cities and be sure to not discharge any firearm with a quarter of a mile of any building. Please remove any litter you encounter to maintain access to hunting areas.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Look for flooded agricultural areas or ponds.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: FAIR-GOOD

• Check ponds that border agricultural areas for migrating waterfowl, agricultural pump-backs and cattle tanks. Geese are usually not found in these areas but do occasionally rest on a variety of ponds and pump backs.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt the edges of agricultural areas bordered by desert. Thickets along fallow fields are also good spots to try.

UNIT 24B

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR

• Some areas to check are in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and in the Superior area. The higher elevations in the unit should also hold birds and worth a look. Most of the unit is good Gambel’s quail habitat and on a year like this hunters should be able to find birds most anywhere they go in the unit.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: POOR

• Desert watering spots along with roost sites will offer the best hunting in 24B. Try the State Trust Lands between Apache Junction and Queen Valley and between Queen Valley and Superior. Remember the dove hunting hours in the early season in 24B is only a half-day. Morning only.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt marshy areas at the back of coves on the Salt River Lakes and back waters of the Lower Salt River.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• The Salt River lakes (Roosevelt, Apache, Saguaro, and Canyon) all hold good numbers of wintering waterfowl. Hunt in quiet, isolated coves for birds that looking for resting and feeding sites. Ducks and geese throughout the season will also frequent desert stock ponds.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt desert washes around the Superstition Mts., Superior, and Salt River Lakes and around stock ponds.

UNIT 24A

SPECIES: GAMBEL'S QUAIL | FORECAST: POOR – BELOW AVERAGE

• The areas around Globe and Superior and south will more than likely offer some good shooting. Also try north of Globe on the edge of the Juniper and Pinion country and down near the Salt River. Some of the larger washes with good brush cover will hold roosting birds. Start your hunts early and search areas adjacent to water. Get out and do some walking, you’ll see more birds and get away from other hunters.

SPECIES: DOVE | FORECAST: FAIR

• Hunt desert water holes in the mornings and evenings. Also try thickets along washes or other rooting sites. Agricultural areas in the southern portion of the unit may offer some hunting.

SPECIES: BAND-TAILED PIGEONS | FORECAST: POOR - FAIR

• The northern pine forest sections of 24A are probably the best bet for finding Band-tailed pigeons. Try the Timber Camp area and look for potential watering sites and food sources. The Pinal Mountains may also hold pigeons.

SPECIES: SNIPE | FORECAST: GOOD

• The upper Salt River should hold plenty of snipe for interested hunters. Access
  is limited so finding the proper habitat may be difficult.

SPECIES: WATERFOWL (DUCKS & GEESE) | FORECAST: GOOD

• For the hunter who is willing to work a little harder than the rest, the Upper Salt River has great potential for all sorts of waterfowl. Rafting sections of the river is an excellent way to access difficult areas. The Gila River should also offer good hunting. Check desert stock ponds for resting birds though out the waterfowl season.

SPECIES: COTTONTAIL RABBITS | FORECAST: GOOD

• Hunt the lower half of the unit near Globe, Hayden, Christmas, and along the Gila River for the highest rabbit densities. But with this years rains the entire unit should be very good for cottontails. In desert areas hunt along desert washes and thickets.

SPECIES: TREE SQUIRREL | FORECAST: FAIR

• As with Band-tailed pigeons, hunt the pines for Abert’s squirrels. The country near Seneca Lake and the higher elevations of the Pinal Mountains. Arizona gray squirrels inhabit riparian corridors running of the mountains.