The Mearns’ quail season opened Nov. 17 and hunters in the southern part of our state are having a great season. Game and Fish biologists predicted that the Mearns’ quail season in 1999-2000 would be better than average thanks to good summer rains in southeastern Arizona. Adequate rainfall is necessary for good reproduction rates. Another key is having good grass cover, as well as an abundance of food and reasonable oak or other tree cover. The best area's for Mearns are the oak-grassland country from Patagonia to Sierra Vista and south to the Mexican border, Hunt Units 34A, 35 A&B, and 36B. The best way to hunt any game bird is with a dog but if you don't have one try walking the canyon bottoms in the morning, slowly working your way up the side slopes as the day wears on.