Arizona wildlife officials report significant declines in quail populations due to persistent drought, leading to recommendations for shorter hunting seasons and reduced bag limits. Despite these warnings, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted 3-2 to maintain existing regulations, citing insufficient data just weeks before the desert quail opener on October 17.
The commission directed the department to formulate a drought response strategy after observing poor breeding conditions, particularly affecting Gambel’s and Mearns quail, both dependent on specific rainfall patterns. The debate highlighted concerns over future quail populations, as state small game manager Larisa Harding noted widespread reports of fewer chicks on the ground this year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
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