Autumn : Small Game, Large Memories

By Rory K. Aikens
Arizona Game & Fish

The smoky smell of autumn in the woods while squirrels chatter in the tall pines. The startling whir-r-r of wings as a covey of quail flushes from the vegetation at your feet. A fast-moving flock of cinnamon teal silhouetted against a fiery desert sunrise as they whoosh in to land on a mist-shrouded pond.
  As the days slowly peel off the calendar, anticipation becomes greater and the remembered sights and sounds of autumn become more distinct. October 12 is the red-letter day - that is when the quail, squirrel and waterfowl seasons open in Arizona. The Blue Grouse Season is open until Nov.18. The late dove season opens Nov. 23.
  By all accounts, this is the year to get a field to experience a small game bonanza. Small Game Supervisor Ron Engel-Wilson said the quail season is looking good to very good, depending on the region. There are lots of young Gambel's quail on the ground. Scaled quail are looking pretty good. This may be the best Mearns' quail season in a decade or so (Mearns' season opens Nov. 23).
  The low elevation areas also experienced excellent Mourning dove reproduction this year, making the late dove season outlook favorable again. Engel-Wilson said that the rabbit population exploded this year in much of Arizona. Although plump cottontails are the preferred eating by many, seasoned desert hunters know that the back straps of jackrabbits make excellent fare.
  The tree-squirrel season is also looking great. This year there has been a good mushroom crop in most high country habitats, and the mast (acorns and berries) crop is also favorable. Add in three mild winters in a row, and you have a prescription for fall fun in the pines.
  When it comes to waterfowl, Arizona is at the mercy of weather. Actually, it isn't the weather in this state that matters as much as the weather to the north of us. Arizona waterfowl hunters should keep their fingers crossed for cold, blustery weather in the northern latitudes. Typically, teal are the first to arrive in this state, so targeting stock
tanks for teal, quail and rabbits is a good strategy.

   If you have youngsters, a tremendous legacy you can give them is the sights and sounds of autumn days a field. As our society becomes more urbanized and isolated from the natural world around us, such experiences in the field take on a greater significance for our youth.
  One of the most popular hunts for youngsters is heading to the high country for tree squirrels. Arizona has more different species of tree squirrels than any other state. A veteran squirrel hunter, Randy Babb, the Mesa Regional information and education program manager, advises starting your hunt early in the morning when squirrels are most active. A good pair of binoculars will help you spot squirrels on the ground and in the treetops. Be sure to take along some plastic gloves for cleaning and skinning the game. If you have a youngster along, squirrel hunting provides an opportunity to teach them how to glass an area. Most youngsters are amazed at how many wild animals suddenly appear in the forest once you sit still for a while.
  So grab your shotgun, rifle and fishing pole and go harvest some bountiful memories this autumn.