We had fantastic hunting in 06/07. I can only hope that things will be this good in the future.
Due to a shift in careers I will not be booking any clients in advance for the 07/08 season. Check this site in Nov./Dec. time frame for possible openings.
Hello and welcome to Desert Dancer Hunting,
My name is Kit Critchlow and I am the owner and guide. This is a part time business for me. I have a full time job as a software engineer but have a serious hunting habit that I can't seem to break. I've been hunting since I was a small child following my father through the hills of Utah. I've owned a hunting dog since I was about 10 years old and have been hunting in Arizona for about 10 years.
Due to my regular job, my services are only offered on weekends. In the future this may change but for now it is the best I can do.
I am fairly flexible in terms of arrangements. Depending on your particular situation I can offer transportation to/from the Phoenix or Tucson airport. I can also provide accommodations in my small but warm camp trailer.
I feel it is extremely important for expectations to be known up front. I have paid for guide service and know that you don't always get what you expect. I encourage you to ask as many detailed questions as you can to determine if my services are what you are looking for. If I'm not a good match for what you are looking for I will be the first to let you know. The last thing I want is an unhappy client.
My services are geared more toward the hard hunter who is willing to put a significant amount of time and energy into a hunt and is not afraid of a good workout. I will get up as early as you want and stay out as late as you want. I think you will find my hunting dogs to be extremely well trained and talented. While quail hunting you will experience good dog work and hopefully some good shooting as well. You may find my services heavy on hunting on light on pampering.
For an average quail year you can probably expect to move 5 coveys per day. We will be hunting 100% wild birds so things vary significantly from day to day. In the 05/06 season I moved anywhere from 2 coveys to 10 coveys per day. It is dependant on the weather and luck for the most part. To move more than 6 coveys you must be prepared to walk all day in some reasonably tough terrain.
My Specialty
If I were to have a specialty it would probably be hunting Mearns quail. I have invested a significant amount of time over the last 10 years hunting Mearns. I know their habits, habitat and many locations to find them. If one part of the state has a low population there is a good chance I know where some are. On the other hand, the other quail species are typically more abundant so I can provide a great quality hunt on them also.
Arizona Slam
I can provide an excellent opportunity for the Arizona Slam of Gambles, Scaled and Mearns quail. This type of hunt will likely not be as relaxing and enjoyable. Some travel from place to place will be required to find all three species.
Hunting Areas
Each species can be found in different areas of the state and different habitat types. There is some overlap between species but not a significant amount. Gambles are found throughout the state in a variety of habitat from juniper to cholla patches. Gambles like medium to heavy cover and are often found near creek beds or mesquite washes. Scaled quail are found in the high desert areas that are fairly open and grassy. The walking is typically a little easier but sometime you have to do a lot of it. Mears are found in the Oak grasslands of southern Arizona. They have a very specific habitat type and their populations fluctuate greatly from year to year.
Guns and Chokes
No need to get in the timeless gun debate. For the most part you can shoot any gauge you want. If you are proficient with it, it will do the job. I love to hunt Mearns with a 28 ga. and skeet tube, gambles or scalies I typically use my 12 ga.
Here is list of recommendations to guide you:
Mearns - lots of close quick shooting, open chokes, light guns and 8 shot are best. Cylinder and Skeet are probably best.
Scalies - can be medium to long range in fairly open cover, Skeet, IC and M are the best choices. 7 1/2 or 8 shot.
Gambles - can be medium to long range and medium to open cover, Skeet, IC and maybe M can be used. 7 1/2 or 8 shot.
Bonus Birds
As an added bonus you may enjoy shooting some doves or ducks while on a quail hunt. Both Dove and Duck seasons are open during a good portion of the regular quail season. Doves are fairly plentiful and occasionally you see swarms. Ducks are limited to jump shooting on desert ponds. Don't forget about additional stamps required for dove and duck hunting.