Region I experienced one of the driest winters on record in 2006, with habitat conditions only being slightly rescued with a single, heavy snow event in March. However, Mother Nature provided greatly needed moisture relief with well above-average summer monsoon rainfall.
Although larger lake and reservoir levels weren’t affected much by the summer rains (they get the majority of their annual runoff from winter snow packs), rivers, streams and their tributaries flowed at significantly higher levels. Many small to mid-size stock tanks and low depressions caught monsoon runoff, and habitat conditions generally are as green and lush as they have been in years.

Squirrel – Both tassel-eared and red squirrels can be found in mature ponderosa or mixed conifer habitats throughout the higher elevations of the region.

With improved precipitation, abundant food sources exist this year for squirrels, including acorns, pine mast and mushrooms. Hunting for squirrels this fall is expected to be excellent in Units 4B and the northern portion of Unit 27, and is anticipated to be good in the other units having squirrel populations.

Waterfowl – As noted above, conditions for waterfowl continue to improve in eastern Arizona and there should be above average to excellent hunting this fall. There should be good "tank jumping" at lower elevations, and excellent habitat conditions on wetlands, reservoirs and impoundments at higher elevations.

Rabbit – Cottontail rabbit populations are above average in all Region I units, and rabbit hunting should be good to excellent. Try hunting rabbits while scouting for big game seasons this fall. And don’t forget to take a youngster or two with you. It’s a great way to introduce young hunters to shooting sports, keeping them alert and engaged while teaching stealth and patience as you cover large distances in your scouting endeavors.

Band-tailed pigeon – Band-tail hunting is expected to be fair across the Region. Areas with good acorn production, associated with watering sites, are good places to begin your search. The keys to successful band-tailed pigeon hunting are locating acorns and preseason scouting for birds.

Dove – Poor to fair hunting for mourning doves is being predicted by area wildlife managers, with the exceptions of Unit 3A and the northern portion of Unit 4B, which are expected to be good. Try hunting near stock tanks in all units. The Little Colorado River drainage can provide good shooting, as birds fly along the watercourse. A few white-winged doves are available in the southern portion of Unit 27, but hunting for them is anticipated to be poor.

Blue grouse – Grouse populations have been fairly stable in recent years, but their distribution remains spotty. Grouse hunting this fall is expected to be fair in Units 1 and 27. Look for grouse along ridge tops and steep slopes that have Douglas fir and aspen present. Small forest openings that produce fall grouse foods, such as raspberries, are often good places to start. For added enjoyment, turn your outing into a combination “cast and blast” trout fishing/blue grouse hunting trip in the White Mountains.

Quail – Quail in the region are generally found in isolated pockets, and, outside of Unit 27, do not occur in sufficient numbers to justify multi-day outings and hunts. Unit 27 has two species of quail – Gambel’s and Mearns’. Gambel’s quail can be found in several areas in the southern portion of the unit. Mearns’ quail can be found unit-wide, but they are scattered due to dispersed suitable habitat. Consequently, these birds are very challenging to hunt.