October Newsletter 2020
Overview
Our monsoon rainfall which drives Mearns’ numbers has continued very poor – it is being reported in the Tucson area as the 2nd worse on record. All is not lost – we are seeing good sized Gambel’s coveys. Their numbers are up after a couple of consecutive good winter rain years. Our loose rock dams help during below average rainfall years by slowing runoff to keep water in the soil longer.
COVID cases in AZ are down but until there is a proven vaccine we need to keep our guard up.H
Habitat:
We have already completed several Water for Wildlife well modification projects at BANWR to support quail and other wildlife. This has been particularly important in light of our poor monsoon.
We are on contract with Borderlands Restoration Network (BRN) for significantly more habitat work including seeding in the Coronado National Forest along the border with Mexico. This is prime Mearns’ quail country. The work will involve volunteer labor, contract labor and provide high school age youth with a part time summer job and training on conservation. We have received a $35,000 matching fund grant from National Forest Foundation which means any donation the chapter receives will be matched. The will be multiple opportunities for volunteer to get out and help.
BRN just won a $100,000 prize from Salazar Center for North American Conservation at Colorado State University. With this funding, Borderlands Restoration Network will create and implement a sustainability certification for producers of bacanora, a regional mescal distillate made in Sonora, Mexico.W
Why we hunt:
“Stars in the Sky, a hunter’s story” is on Netflix and a good documentary by Steve Rinella about why hunters hunt, and why we hunt those things we say we love. Mostly about big game but would pertain to upland as well.
Another good story.
Chapter Finances
Chapter Finances
Without a banquet this year we are working other sources of funding to support out habitat, public land and R3/Youth events. Every cent the chapter collects remains with the chapter for local work. We have applied for several grants. Here are ways chapter members can help:
-Many of you renew your QF membership at our banquet. You can keep your membership current by by renewing athttps://quailforever.org/getdoc/91f8dfad-47ad-46d6-af54-5649db42671f/Membership.aspx.
-Did you know you can give a portion of your IRA distribution directly to the chapter and that distribution remains tax free? Check with your advisor on how to do this.
-Our banquet profit from merchandise, raffles and auctions averages about $100 per person. If you are able, consider a donation directly to the chapter. You can use a credit card at https://ch3163-southern-arizona-quail-forever.square.site.
Access to Public Lands:
Access to Public Lands:
-Meadow Valley road bypass is still moving forward slowly. The pacing factor is the environmental study required by NEPA. CNF road manager is working to have a road in place for the 21/22 season. We expect to see a letter requesting comment from the ranger district in October or November.
The conservation easement and public access easement on ranch land near Tombstone has been completed. This project is primarily funded by NRCS, AZ G&F and AZ Land and Water Trust It will open 2,100-acres of prime wildlife habitat to public recreation via a permanent conservation easement and public access easement. Both AZ QF Chapters provided funding plus we received a grant from AZSFWC.
Masked Bobwhite Quail (MBW) at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR):
From Rebecca Chester: By the end of next week, we will have released about 700 chicks in 50 broods, with more to come in a few weeks. A big thanks to SAQF members, who continue to assist with projects like pen repairs and installing lines at wells to provide water for quail and other wildlife. Based on the results we saw last season any wild born chicks would be hatching now.
Brittany Pups:
Brittany Pups:
Brittany pups born 08-08-2020. Champion bloodlines, parents are both OFA certified to be hip dysplasia free. Asking $1500 dog, call Patrick at 520.576.2372.C
Cabin and Land For Sale in Mearns Country:
Cabin with incredible views on 4 acres located close to Parker Canyon Lake. The cabin was built in 1993 and has one bedroom, one bath, and a dormer/loft upstairs. There is a screened in front porch and a front deck. The cabin also has a full basement for storage and can accommodate some types of quads. Water is provided by Parker Springs Water Company and the cabin is off the grid. Electrical service is provided by propane generator. There are existing solar panels and they have never been used. The original cabin lot is supplemented by the addition of 4 acres that cements the fantastic views forever. Asking price is $249,900, terms are cash. Contact Dave Gallaher at 520-907-4983. This is Dave’s personal property.
Hunting dog to rehome?:
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One of our members recently had to put down his 14 year old hunting buddy. He is willing to take on an experienced dog that someone else may not be able to care for during the COVID shutdown and take good care of it for the remainder of its life. If you have or know of a candidate let me know and I will connect you.AZ Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) and Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF):
AZ Sportsman for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) and Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF):
SAQF is part of AZSFWC. You can sign up for their enews at http://azsfwc.org. This allows us to better coordinate with other wildlife groups and better communicate with AZ G&F leadership. We are part of over 10,000 AZ sportsman represented by this organization. We are also an affiliate of AWF which allows us to pool volunteer help and communicate with other wildlife and conservation organizations.
Please consider purchasing a AZSFWC license plate to support wildlife when you renew your current AZ plate through Service Arizona. The fee for this license supports the conservation grants provided by AZSFWC. Our Family Day/Youth Hunt has received AZSFWC grant support the last two years.
AZSFWC is raffling a new Ford Raptor truck to help pay overhead in place of raffles and auctions at their summit. Info on the raffle and tickets are available at http://azsfwc.org.C
Chapter Website and Facebook:
If you see an error or have a recommendation for improvement, please let us know. We are always looking for pictures, stories or articles to add. We are working to add instagram to our social media offerings. If you see something that would be worthwhile to cross post, please send it to Dave Brown (browndave27@gmail.com) or Kerry Newberry (newberry.kerry@gmail.com). F
Future dates:
- 3-4 Oct Scaled Quail and Box Turtle count – cancelled by AZGFD
- 16 Oct Desert Quail Opens
- 20 Nov 2020 2nd Dove Season Opens
- 1 Dec Road Cleanup
- 4 Dec 2020 Mearns Opens
- 3 Jan Dove Closes
- 7 Feb 2021 Quail Closes
- 9 Feb Road Cleanup
- 27/28 Feb 2021 Family Day Empire Ranch
Attachments areaPreview YouTube video California Quail Hunting – This Exists
California Quail Hunting – This Exists
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