Arizona Quail Hunting: My Opening Day

gambel's quail
First Gambel’s quail of the season

It is only now that I realize, I’ve worked myself into a real corner. I try to blame my wife, but with what little I know about the birds and the bees, I’m pretty sure I had a hand in it. All three of my children were born on the opening days of Arizona’s bird seasons. My son was born on the first day of September on the dove opener. My youngest was born at the beginning of October which makes it extremely tough to get out to chase Gambels at the beginning of quail season. And my oldest started it all off by entering the world at the beginning of December which means her birthday party is usually on the weekend that Mearns season starts.

All this means that my hunting season openers are postponed this year. This worked out in my favor when I finally grabbed my shotgun and vest to chase Gambel’s quail. It’s been unseasonably warm here in the desert as the normally cooler weather was late in showing up. I found a morning to break away and scratched out a trio of birds.

Arizona
Early morning to beat the heat
Arizona Gambel's quail
A trio of male Gambel’s
Arizona Sunrise
Sunrise
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4 Responses to “Arizona Quail Hunting: My Opening Day”

  1. GARY

    Just recently started receiving your post. Great info and photography. Having spent the last 4 winters in AZ your site is an absolute inspiration. I’m a retired outdoor photographer from WA state and an avid fly fisher and hunter. You show me that I definitely need to expand my seasons and stay in the great desert state of AZ. Thanks! Gary

    Reply
  2. Jeff Tayer

    The parent game is the long game. My sons were born in November and March. Each year since middle school we have gone on a birthday hunting trip in November and a Fishing trip in March. Win-win!

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Right on Jeff. Sounds like we are in the same boat.

      Ben

      Reply

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