PHOENIX — This is the time of year that Arizona’s small game and waterfowl hunters have been waiting for.
In addition to the start of tree squirrel and band-tailed pigeon seasons Friday, Oct. 1, hunters can pursue dusky (blue) grouse through Nov. 7 and chukar until Feb. 6, 2022. The season for cottontail rabbit runs through June 30, 2022, and the start of the season for Gambel’s and scaled quail is just around the corner (Oct. 15).
For more information, hunters should check out the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) small game forecast at www.azgfd.gov/hunting/species/smallgame/forecast/. Also visit www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Species/.
Meanwhile, the general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the “Mountain Zone” (Game Management Units 1-5, 7, 9, 11M, 12A, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Coconino County) begin Friday, Oct. 1, and run through Jan. 9, 2022.
The department’s regional office in Flagstaff recently completed its fall waterfowl survey in Units 5B, 6A and 8, which are part of the Mountain Zone. While the Flagstaff area received poor precipitation in the winter and spring months, the monsoon provided above-average to near-record amounts of rainfall. Still, traditional wetlands like Mormon, Marshall, Prime and Vail lakes that depend on winter moisture are dry and without ducks.
Many dirt tanks throughout Units 5B, 6A/B and 7 are filled from summer storms, however. These tanks are where hunters should concentrate their efforts. In addition to tanks in Unit 8, Sunflower Flat caught summer rains and has good waterfowl numbers.
The majority of waterfowl observed during the recent survey were mallards, teal, wigeons and Canada geese.
The general waterfowl and snipe seasons in the “Desert Zone” (Game Management Units 10 and 12B through 46B, and those portions of Units 6 and 8 within Yavapai County) begin Saturday, Oct. 23, and
