Arizona Quail Guide: Gambel's, Mearns, Scaled Quail Dove Hunting near Tucson

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Licensed Arizona Guide, Mike Cross, is pleased to offer guided quail hunts in Southeastern Arizona near Tucson. Mike is a Wildlife Biologist by training and works as a Consultant during the off season and between hunts. Quail hunting, or any bird hunting for that matter, is Mike's passion!

The hunting areas are located within diverse habitats throughout Southeastern Arizona. The primary species hunted is the Gambel's quail, characterized by the male's black mask and black tassel on top of its crown. Gambel’s quail are found primarily in the Sonoran Desert, consisting of low grass, prickly pear cactus, brush covered hills, and mesquite-filled washes. Scaled quail, commonly referred to as blue quail or scalies, can be found along with Gambel’s quail in semi-desert grassland habitats. The iconic Mearns' quail are hunted in the oak woodlands within the higher elevation “sky islands”. Due to a longer drive to the hunt areas, the Mearns' package is offered at a slightly higher rate than the other two species. All quail hunted are wild, native birds. In season, hunters have the option of adding an afternoon dove shoot and/or morning puddle- jumping for ducks to their package.

These are typical quail hunts utilizing well-trained pointers. Mike currently has three gun dogs; a Brittany, a German Shorthair pointer, and a German longhaired pointer.

K9’s Sipping Tequila (call name KiKi) is a four-year old female Brittany and is the most experienced dog. A small energetic dog who really burns up the field, KiKi has earned the nickname "pocket rocket" from Mike’s hunting buddies. She points, is steady to wing and shot, and retrieves on both land and water. She was raised on a pheasant shooting preserve and run in field trials before being acquired as a two-year old finished gundog. In addition to being used extensively on all three species of Arizona quail, Kiki fetches the occasional duck, is hunted on doves and blue grouse, and also makes an annual trip to Nebraska for wild pheasants and bobwhites.

Pogi is a young male German shorthair pointer that will be two years old at the beginning of the 2009-2010 hunting season. Bred from field trial lines, Pogi is in the final stages of his training. He is a hard running but biddable dog who will work all day, no matter how hot it gets. He covers a lot of ground and points with intensity and style. Pogi is steady to wing and shot, retrieves on land or water, and will be completing his force fetch training over the summer.

Batamote Vom Caraschatten (call name Betty) is a German longhaired pointer pup who will be 6 months old at the beginning of the 2009 season. Her Mother, Cora Vom Illertal (call name Kaylee) was once called "the best longhair in North America" by a visiting German field trial judge at an American hunting test. Her father is a Danish import who has excelled as both a hunter and show dog in Europe. Judging by her progress so far, Mike fully expects her to ably assist the big dogs this year and she should be able to hunt independently by late season. With very little formal training and lots of exposure, Betty already retrieves to hand on both land and water, locates and points her own birds, and will follow a fresh track line. In addition to working as a quail dog, Betty will be used extensively on ducks and doves and will probably surpass her kennel mates on the former by Thanksgiving.

Hunt Basics: The typical daily quail hunt starts in the morning before the sun rises and ends mid-afternoon (about 2-3pm). Non-resident quail hunters will provide their own lodging at a hotel. The closest or most convenient places to stay can be recommended. Hunters may transport themselves to the edge of town where they will be met by the guide or can be picked up at their hotel and taken to the field. Hunters can choose to hunt for only one day or up to three.

Hunters should bring the following items on their daily hunt: hunting license, migratory bird stamps (if required), shotgun, ammo (#7½ or #6 shot), bird vest, quality hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, a packed lunch, snacks and drinks.

Please note that these hunts may require long hikes in hilly terrain, so be prepared physically.

Licenses: Hunters must buy a license and any required migratory bird stamps before meeting the guide. They can be purchased at most Arizona sporting goods stores or Walmart. Only a valid Arizona Hunting License is needed for quail. In addition to the hunting license, special stamps are required to hunt doves and waterfowl. Non-resident hunting license - $61.25 for 3 days or less, $151.25 for the calendar year, all Youth hunter hunting licenses (Residents or Nonresidents 14 to age 19) are $26.50. Resident adult hunting license - $32.25.

Quail Hunt Package	Duration	Rate
1 hunter per guide	Sunrise till mid-afternoon	$300.00/person/day**
2 or more hunters sharing a guide*	Sunrise till mid-afternoon	$250.00/person/day**

*If choosing 2 on 1, you must bring the other hunter to share the guide with. A junior hunter 17 and under who has completed a hunter safety course may accompany a parent or guardian for $150/day. Additional Junior hunters may hunt for $100/day. The parent or guardian must pay the normal daily rate.

**Mearns' Quail Hunt: Add $50/person/day (there is no additional charge for Juniors)

All-Day Combination Hunt for ducks, doves, and quail: $400/person/day for adults, $150 for Juniors. Mearn’s hunters add $25 (There is no additional Mearn's charge for Junior hunters participating in an all day hunt)

If you are interested in a Southern Arizona Quail Hunt, Email Mike or call 520-240-0050.