The arrival of winter sees many bird hunters migrating to the Arizona desert, where this season’s quail population is reportedly the healthiest in nearly a decade. Thanks to timely rains that nourished the habitat, hunters are experiencing an abundance of Mearns, Gambel’s, and scaled quail, compelling them to traverse the picturesque terrain in pursuit of these elusive birds.
Notably, Mark Nissen, a seasoned guide with over 30 years of experience, leads clients across the scenic landscapes, where the thrill of chasing quail can rival that of big-game hunting. As Nissen notes, successful hunts require significant hiking—often six to eight hours a day at elevations of 4,000 to 5,000 feet—making each encounter with a covey of birds a cherished and adrenaline-filled moment for both hunters and their skilled dogs.
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