Ariz. sportsmen work to safeguard wildlife amid drought

I’m glad to share the following report, in part, “Climate Action Heroes” by Trica Oshant Hawkins of the Arizona Wildlife Federation (changes in wording were done because of limited space).

Trica wrote, “While over 83.98 percent of the state was classified as being in a severe drought, and while temperatures in Arizona were the fourth hottest on record (with only the three previous years being hotter), sportsmen across the state took action to safeguard wildlife during these environmentally challenging times.

“Although the causes of climate change continue to be controversial, the drought with increasing temperatures were scientifically documented facts. Most sportsmen agree that they witnessed changes in wildlife habitat and in the movements and occurrence of wildlife. Rather then debate the why’s of these notable environmental changes, the Arizona Wildlife Federation is lauding those that took action on behalf of our state’s abundant wildlife. During these environmentally challenging times, there are many who were on the ground working hard to safeguard wildlife and improve wildlife habitat.

“Here in Arizona, sportsmen and women, working in volunteer capacities, take on-the-ground action to safeguard wildlife and improve resiliency. At the Arizona Wildlife Federation, we are tracking and recognizing these heroic efforts with ‘Climate Action Hero’ awards. This past summer, two organizations across the state were recognized for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of wildlife. The Friends of Northern Arizona Forests (FoNAF), based out of Flagstaff and the Southwest Wildlife Foundation (SWF), based out of Yuma, were both recognized for their heroic efforts to safeguard wildlife and wildlife habitat.”

The organization we know well in Yuma, and one I am proud to be a part of, is the Southwest Wildlife Foundation. In her report, Trica wrote, “Yuma-based SWF volunteers were busy delivering water to heat-stressed wildlife. The group received the Climate Action Hero award for delivering over 392,000 gallons of water to remote water catchments in the region. SWF is an allvolunteer arm of the Yuma Valley Rod & Gun Club, an affiliate group of the AWF. In addition to all they do for wildlife, they actively educate youth about conservation, hunting and fishing. This award was presented to club president Chris Mitchell for the club, at this year’s annual dove hunter’s barbecue on behalf of the club membership.

“The Arizona Wildlife Federation congratulates both organizations and thanks them for their heroic efforts. (If you know of an individual or organization taking heroic measures to safeguard wildlife and wildlife habitat, nominate them for a Climate Action Hero award. Contact trica@azwildlife.org for more information.)”

Hunt happenings

• Arizona quail predictions low: The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports the lack of winter moisture so far this year can be blamed for low bird numbers for the season just beginning. The record-setting rains that soaked most of the state over the first two weeks of October have left us high and dry. If you’re an Arizona bird hunter, keep your fingers crossed there’s even more on the way over the next few months to help give quail populations a desperately needed boost in 2019-20. As for the 2018-19 season, which has begun, well below average might be the best way to describe statewide quailhunting prospects. As Game and Fish put it, “On second thought, it might be too kind.”

“The winter precipitation patterns (last year) were not good for Arizona’s desert quail (Gambel’s and scaled),” said Wade Zarlingo, small game program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Gambel’s quail spring call counts were 50 percent below our 10-year averages, meaning breeding activity was poor.”

“We had good monsoon moisture throughout Arizona and habitat conditions to support chick development and survival. With poor winter rains and good monsoon moisture, we usually see very spread-out hatches with low brood survival for Gambel’s and scaled quail.”

So, where are the quail? “Overall, desert quail numbers seem to be much lower than we typically see,” Zarlingo said. “Gambel’s quail are very widespread south of the Mogollon Rim, and there will be pockets where it will be possible to harvest a fair number of birds.

“Keep in mind that Gambel’s and scaled quail populations have been very depressed for a number of years, and it will take consecutive years of timely winter precipitation to bring back those populations to where they were in the late 1980s.” Very disappointing for any of us who enjoy hunting for quail this time of year.

Habitat along the Colorado (or Gila) River near Yuma are well worth watching for Gambel’s with the birds hanging at dusty arroyos and dried out washes. They are likely to check out creosote bush, mesquite, cholla cactus and prickly pear to feed on the fruit and often have purple faces and crops from prickly pear juice. Drive along drainages and other potential quail habitat in the early mornings, stopping every quarter mile to use a quail call. Gambel’s will normally return the call. They are very vocal, even very noisy at times, so do a lot of listening to locate the birds. During the early mornings (as I reported last week), Gambel’s can be found at bottom lands, working their way up along slopes as the morning progresses but will seek shaded areas as the day warms up.

For scaled quail, search out desert grassland habitat dotted with yucca plants. The best way to hunt “scalies” is to break up a covey fast, then go after singles before they run for cover. Busted coveys of both Gambel’s and scaled can often be heard calling other birds. Scalies give a two-note sound, resembling “chipchew, chip-chew,” while Gambel’s emit three notes that sound like “chi-ca-go, chi-ca-go.”

A good idea to check with the Yuma office of Game and Fish to get an idea of where to start your hunt. If your travels take you to Kingman areas, check with Game and Fish there to locate best results.

• 2018 mule deer predictions: Species: The overall outlook for mule deer and Coues whitetail deer are not too good for fall hunts this year. “Arizona is currently in a severe drought through the majority of the state,” said Dustin Darveau, terrestri- al wildlife specialist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Thus, fawn recruitment and general overall nutrition have decreased within the past several years. However, on average, most deer populations are remaining stable.”

Potential fall 2018 hot spots: Darveau said deer numbers in the northern and eastern portions of the state remain fairly stable, but many areas in central and western Arizona have been significantly influenced by drought.

Quick tip: “With low densities of deer throughout much of the state, one of the most important skills to hunt deer in Arizona is to develop solid glassing skills with the best optics one can afford,” Darveau said. “Understanding the habitat needs for the species of interest is also highly beneficial.”

Fishing clubs

• Desert Bass Anglers” — The Fun Way to Fish: Be sure to practice to be ready for the Nov. 3 tournament on the Colorado River launching out of Fisher’s Landing. Early sign-up will be at Sportsman’s Hideaway from 5 to 6 pm. Friday with sign-up at Fisher’s from 6 to 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Weigh-in will be 2:30 p.m. Water elevations are dropping so watch for bars and debris in the river. This tournament will be the final points tournament for 2018 with leading anglers: The team of Lynn Domby and Tim Price with 417 points, Curtis Cernik with 396. It’s been a great race in 2018.

Following the November competition on Dec. 1 will be our annual President’s Choice tournament: A 4-fish tournament to end the year that plans to be better than ever with entry fee for options only. A wonderful tri-tip lunch will be served at 1:30-ish. You must be a member of Desert Bass Anglers to fish this one with Saturday being the last date to become a 2018 member. Questions? Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

• Desert Draw Series Pro/Am Bass Fishing Club: Important note: Michael Obney is encouraging nonboaters to sign up for tournaments as well as boaters. In essence, that is what the idea behind the draw is: Pair non-boaters with boaters to exchange ideas — a win, win situation. On Nov. 10, they’ll still launch out of Fisher’s Landing for some mighty good fishing for you to get in on. Check for Oct 27 results in next week’s column or call Michael Obney at (928) 750-7081 with questions and suggestions.

Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@ gmail.com or call 247-4450.