We trace a season defined by a record-wet fall and a record-warm January, and how that mix changed quail behavior, calling, and our tactics in the field. From flow-state shooting to pairing biology and clutch sizes, we share wins, setbacks, and a practical plan for the offseason.

• wet fall boosting seed and cover across desert habitats
• warm January compressing movement windows and scenting conditions
• gambel’s calling shifts from “Chicago” to courtship notes
• pairing, clutch size ranges, re-pairing and polygyny dynamics
• hunt highlights in classic Gambel’s country and a snowy desert morning
• sparse birds, older age class, and heat-driven adjustments
• simple quail cooking and honoring the harvest
• outlook for rains, juvenile recruitment, and possible regulation shifts
• offseason dog training and community meetups

please consider making a tax deductible gift visit us online at azquiltoday.com and be sure to follow us on social media for the latest information and updates

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We walk through a late-season Arizona quail hunt that starts rough in open creosote and ends with a hard-earned double, with honest lessons on heat, dogs, gear, and calling. Warm, dry winter patterns, small coveys, and rattlesnake risk reshaped how we moved, rested, and recovered birds.

• choosing terrain that holds birds and supports dogs
• mistakes that cost birds, including an empty chamber
• managing heat stress and reading dog warning signs
• calling strategy to locate coveys without burning energy
• GPS interference issues and fast recalibration fixes
• safe retrieves around glass, cactus and washes
• covey size trends and warm, dry winter impacts
• late-season tactics for wild-flushing Gambel’s
• rattlesnake awareness and risk management
• quick note on a recent Mearns hunt and plans ahead

Share it with a friend. Check us out at azquailtoday.com for recipes, podcasts, blogs and insights. How further our work, please consider making a tax-deductible gift. Visit us online at azquailtoday.com and be sure to follow us on social media for the latest information and updates.

Connect with us: Email us at r[email protected] —we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

In this episode, Ryan unpacks one of his recent hunts and shares a number of surprising things he’s seeing out in the field. He talks through moments that went right, moments that went wrong, and the lessons learned along the way. Don’t miss this episode—and be sure to stick around for a special announcement at the end. For more information, visit www.aztodayquail.com, and if you like what you hear, share it with a friend. As always, get outside.

#AZTodayQuail
#QuailHunting
#UplandHunting
#ArizonaOutdoors
#HuntingStories
#GetOutside
#FieldNotes

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In Part 2, we finish the list with five more mistakes that cost birds after the covey rises: rushing the shot, failing to come in low‑ready, forgetting to reload, moving too fast through birdy cover, and letting dogs bump birds out of range. 

This episode digs into timing, posture, and gun handling, then shifts to dog range, working the wind, and reading subtle cues like a wagging tail. 

You will hear about late risers, missed opportunities, and how staying ready beats getting ready—whether you are shouldering a shotgun or leading people. 

We close with a rapid recap of all ten mistakes and a fun story! 

Connect with us: Email us at r[email protected] —we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

This two‑part series breaks down the top 10 mistakes quail hunters make in the field and how to fix them with practical, real‑world tactics. 

Drawing from Arizona desert experience, dog work, and faith‑shaped stewardship, each episode blends field stories, technical tips, and life applications so you can hunt smarter, shoot cleaner, and lead better on and off the mountain. 

Whether you are new to quail hunting or have chased birds for years, these conversations will help you tighten up your hunt, care well for your dogs and the land, and turn missed opportunities into learned lessons.

Connect with us: Email us at r[email protected] —we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

This episode dives into the rugged borderlands of New Mexico with upland hunter, educator, and conservation advocate Ray Trejo of Branded Horse Shoe LLC. We talk Montezuma (Mearn’s) quail and what makes them so unique, running big country behind Miller‑line English pointers, and the stories that shaped Ray in the desert around Deming. From quail hunting and dog work to public‑land access, BLM vs. state trust land, and the reality of hunting in border country, Ray helps connect birds, culture, and conservation in a way that will resonate with serious upland hunters and everyday sportsmen alike. We also lean into representation in the outdoor world, the role of Latino voices in conservation, and what it looks like to pass on a legacy of stewardship, faith, and family through time afield.

#RayTrejo #BrandedHorseShoeLLC #UplandHunting #MontezumaQuail #MearnsQuail #NewMexicoHunting #BorderCountry #BirdDogs #EnglishPointers #MillersLine #PublicLands #BLMLand #StateTrustLand #Conservation #LatinoOutdoors #HuntingHeritage #QuailHunting #UplandNation #HuntingPodcast #BirdDogPodcast

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In this Special New Year edition of the AZ Quail Today Podcast, we’re kicking off the season with one of our most practical and timely episodes yet—10 proven tips to help you “Hunt ’Em Up” while chasing Gambel’s quail in Arizona.

Ryan Rice walks through field-tested strategies that cover everything from locating coveys and reading terrain, to applying pressure, marking birds, following up on shots, choosing the right gear, and knowing when to adjust expectations—or even leave the dog in the truck. These are real-world insights shaped by Arizona terrain, bird behavior, and years of experience in the field.

This episode isn’t about social media highlights or tailgate trophies—it’s about covering ground, working smart, respecting the birds, and enjoying the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned Arizona quail hunter or new to Gambel’s country, you’ll walk away better prepared and more confident heading into the field.

Thanks for tuning in, and we hope this episode inspires you to start the New Year outdoors—discovering new coveys, learning the land, and making memories that last well beyond the season.

To learn more, find additional resources, or support the mission of Arizona Quail Today, visit:
👉 azquailtoday.com

Consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us educate and encourage the next generation of Arizona quail hunters. Be sure to share this episode and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more field content.

Get Outside.

Special thanks to Dan Priest of Arizona Outdoor Adventures for valuable feedback and insight.

—
Ryan Rice
President, Arizona Quail Today

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Hunting Is a Family Tradition

Stories, laughs, and lessons passed down in the backcountry

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of the AZ Quail Today Podcast, Ryan sits down with his son, Sam, for a relaxed and meaningful conversation about hunting as a family tradition—and why it matters more than ever.

Together, they reflect on how hunting creates lasting bonds, strengthens relationships, and connects generations—from grandparents to parents to grandkids. You’ll hear stories from the backcountry, memories from growing up in the field, and the way shared hunts have shaped their family’s values, character, and love for the outdoors.

This episode is a mix of funny stories, practical tips, and honest conversation. Some of it is downright educational. Some of it might be complete nonsense. All of it reflects the joy of time spent together outdoors.

From **quail hunting to elk hunting—and everything in between—**this episode captures why families cherish their time in the field and how hunting becomes more than a sport; it becomes a legacy.

Hope you enjoy this episode—and don’t miss it.

Learn more about our mission to educate and encourage the next generation of hunters at Arizona Quail Today:
👉 azquailtoday.com

🔖 Hashtags

#AZQuailToday
#HuntingTradition
#FamilyInTheField
#HuntingLegacy
#BackcountryStories
#QuailHunting
#ElkHunting
#NextGenerationHunters
#OutdoorFamily
#HuntTogether
#FieldStories
#PassingItDown

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Podcast Description

In this episode, we dive into a rough-cut, free-flowing conversation covering everything from dog supplements and dog training, to social media, our partners, and some fun hunts and field experiences—plus a look at what’s coming next with AZ Quail content and beyond.

This is also our first recording from Ryan’s home, so thanks for rolling with us as we test out a new setup.

If you like what you hear, please share the episode and help us get the word out. And if you have ideas for people we should interview or connections within the dog training or hunting world, we’d love to hear from you—especially if it helps educate and encourage hunters here in Arizona.

Thanks for listening and supporting the mission. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit azquailtoday.com to help further the cause.

#AZQuailToday #BirdHunting #UplandHunting #ArizonaHunting #DogTraining #GunDogs #HuntingLife #QuailHunting #HuntingPodcast #FieldToFaith #OutdoorLife #Conservation #SupportTheMission

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Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

Nate and Ryan Discuss transition, updates, quail season, trucks and more.

Connect with us: Email us at r[email protected] —we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday