Arizona Quail Hunting – My Opening Day

Arizona Quail Country
Arizona Quail Country

There is nothing quite like the start of quail season in Arizona. All through the summer months, excitement and hope has been building in anticipation of hills to climb, canyons to sneak, and birds to flush. For me, quail season brings with it the first true marker that the desert heat is on its way out and the cooler weather is shortly to follow.

Barbed wire
Barbed wire

The morning brightened the canyon, and we located several coveys right off. It took a little while to get back in the groove, but pretty soon we started connecting on flying birds. Everyone ended up with quail in the game bag, but it was obvious that things were very slow in comparison to earlier years.

Gambel's Quail
Gambel's Quail

I was fortunate enough to shoot a nice double off the flush, which is always a nice way to start the season. Even though I brought what I thought was enough water (2L), it ended up being extremely hot and a long hike back to the truck. Tough way to end the day, exhausted and dehydrated.

Cactus
Cactus

If you are lucky enough to make it out this season, head on over to the Quail Hunting Forum and join in the conversation. Everyone there would love to hear how things are in your neck of the woods…or desert.

The Quail Hunting Forum
The Quail Hunting Forum

6 Responses to “Arizona Quail Hunting – My Opening Day”

    • azwanderings

      Thanks Nance. It should be an exciting year. I am looking forward to getting out and doing a little bit of exploring this year. I’m ready for the cooler weather…

      Ben

      Reply
  1. Rohan

    Hi Ben, firstly well done mate!

    Also I’d love to read about how you cook them. Did you end up wrapping them in prosciutto and baking them? If you like I could share a recipe or two with you

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Rohan. I would love some recipes!! Your site is always making me drool. I’m not much of a cook so you have to keep it simple for me. i usually wrap them in bacon and tuck some jalepenos in the center. Sure is tasty on the grill…

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Marc Nielsen

    Nice birds Ben, glad to see someone had some good luck. Most people I’ve spoke with said it was a slow opener, might be a little to hot still. Good luck to you over the next couple weeks.

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Marc. It was a burner out there for sure and much of the usual water sources were dry. Looking forward to this cooler weather to hunt in. Keep in touch in let me know how things go for you.

      Ben

      Reply

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