Quail East of Phoenix

[robby denning]

Hey guys, my son would really like to try some bird hunting and my mom just so happens to live in Apache Junction. She’s due for a visit and we need some sunshine, so trying to put something together for mid December while he’s on school break.

What’s our odds of a couple of novices hunting quail on the public east of Apache Junction?

Also, all we have are 12 gauges, auto loaders, any suggestions on loads?

we eat everything we shoot and I want to actually have something left if we harvest

Oh and we don’t have a dog.

 

[dmoto]

Lots of places close to AJ. Easy to stumble on coveys on either side of US 60 east of Florence. I hunt out there all the time for quail/dove. Beretta A400 12g with Federal #6 (you could get away with #7.5 no problem). Watch out for the cholla and danger noodles. If you're shooting dove, don't forget a magazine plug.

 

[robby denning]

Lots of places close to AJ. Easy to stumble on coveys on either side of US 60 east of Florence. I hunt out there all the time for quail/dove. Beretta A400 12g with Federal #6 (you could get away with #7.5 no problem). Watch out for the cholla and danger noodles. If you're shooting dove, don't forget a magazine plug.

Well, that was quick. Thanks man. If we’re hunting dove to how many shells are you limited to?

 

[dmoto]

Three

 

[Hnthrdr]

Tons of quails up by my in laws place but it’s 2.5 hours northwest from AJ by Kirkland

 

[sndmn11]

Hey guys, my son would really like to try some bird hunting and my mom just so happens to live in Apache Junction. She’s due for a visit and we need some sunshine, so trying to put something together for mid December while he’s on school break.

What’s our odds of a couple of novices hunting quail on the public east of Apache Junction?

Also, all we have are 12 gauges, auto loaders, any suggestions on loads?

we eat everything we shoot and I want to actually have something left if we harvest

Oh and we don’t have a dog.

Hey, I'll meet you guys down there with the dog(s) in tow...

Got my own tent I can sleep in.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Tons of spots right there by AJ. Some great canyons to check out deer and desert big horns as well if you get time.

 

[robby denning]

Hey, I'll meet you guys down there with the dog(s) in tow...

Got my own tent I can sleep in.

Hey my man, we might take you up on that. I failed to mention that my father-in-law might be taking us but how could we turn down an offer with dogs? Have you hunted down there before?

 

[robby denning]

Three

Oh man, I’m just getting the bead lined up by the third shot. Guess I better practice

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Opening weekend. About 35 min from AJ.

 

[robby denning]

Opening weekend. About 35 min from AJ.

View attachment 797695

That’s what I’m talking about right there. I actually made a trip down there roughly 7 years ago, but my father-in-law didn’t know where to go so we ended up having to drive like 2 hours south. And we did get into some quail (and had a great Dutch oven Super Bowl dinner), but that was why I was asking about closer to AJ.

 

[chemist]

Just look a sat. imagery for water on public land. Even something like a water tank. Preferably with mesquite in the area but not absolutely necessary.

I preferred 1 1/8 oz of #6 when I lived in the area and didn't have a dog.

Buy a gambels quail call to help locate them.

 

[sndmn11]

Hey my man, we might take you up on that. I failed to mention that my father-in-law might be taking us but how could we turn down an offer with dogs? Have you hunted down there before?

Nope have never been there, the puppy just got a year last week. We have a loose plan to do so sometimes this winter with my friend.

 

[dtrkyman]

I hunt Quail in NM. No dog solo, kill quite a few, generally 7.5 lead 1 1/8th oz loads, or number 7 steel where needed. IC or Mod. choke.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Nope have never been there, the puppy just got a year last week. We have a loose plan to do so sometimes this winter with my friend.

PM me if you need a hand with anything or any recommendations.

 

[Fatcamp]

Find water and you'll find quail.

And all manner of wildlife in general. The desert is an amazing place.

 

[ZRob97]

Tonto basin area around Roosevelt Lake has always been know as a good place

 

[Macintosh]

Man, stumbling around there not even looking Ive bumped into several coveys a day. Last I was there was pushing 15 years ago while climbing, but we kept stumbling on quail on public land outside of superior, thats pretty close. I know it’ll vary year to year with water, but have to think the whole general area is similar. From other responses sounds like it is.