In this episode, we interviewed Josiah Richards, owner of Ross Outdoors. We talk about how he got into hunting, owning a business, and learn more about Ross Outdoors.

Ross Outdoors specializes in high-end hunting and archery equipment, offering a premium selection of gear both in-store and online. Their mission is to share our passion for hunting by providing customers with the best possible equipment, expert technical knowledge, and outstanding customer service.

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

Join us for an exciting episode as we dive into quail hunting in Arizona with Kirby Bristow, a seasoned biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), and Ryan Rice, President of Arizona Quail Today. Kirby Bristow has dedicated years to wildlife management, specializing in small game species like quail. As a key figure at AZGFD, he has contributed to research and conservation initiatives, including co-authoring a pivotal study on Montezuma (Mearns’) quail management, helping balance hunting opportunities with sustainable population management.

In this episode, host Ryan Rice reflects on his 2024-2025 quail hunting season, sharing insights on the challenges and highlights of pursuing Gambel’s, Scaled, and Mearns’ quail across Arizona’s diverse landscapes. Kirby provides an expert outlook for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, discussing how weather patterns, particularly monsoon rains and winter precipitation, may influence quail populations. Expect detailed updates on Gambel’s quail, which thrives in desert habitats, Scaled quail in southeastern grasslands, and the elusive Mearns’ quail, which is found in oak woodlands.

We also explore the 2025-2026 hunting season dates, regulated by AZGFD, which typically run from mid-October to early February for Gambel’s and Scaled quail (October 17, 2025 – February 8, 2026, based on historical patterns) and early December to early February for Mearns’ quail (December 5, 2025 – February 8, 2026). Kirby breaks down the timing and bag limits, emphasizing the importance of ethical hunting practices.

Conservation takes center stage as Kirby and Ryan discuss AZGFD’s efforts to protect quail habitats and the endangered masked bobwhite quail, with successful captive breeding and reintroduction programs at the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Learn how hunters contribute to conservation through wing barrel data collection, aiding AZGFD in monitoring quail reproduction and population trends.

Stick around until the end for an epic story that you won’t want to miss—a tale that captures the heart and adventure of quail hunting in Arizona’s wild landscapes! Whether you’re a seasoned upland hunter or new to the sport, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and passion for Arizona’s quail.

Helpful Links:

• Arizona Game and Fish Department – Quail Hunting Information – Official source for season dates, regulations, and conservation updates.
• Arizona Quail Today – Connect with Ryan Rice’s organization for quail hunting resources and community events.
• Southern Arizona Quail Forever – Learn about local conservation efforts and guided hunting opportunities.
• Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge – Information on masked bobwhite quail recovery efforts.

Note: Season dates for 2025-2026 are projected based on historical AZGFD patterns (e.g., Gambel’s and Scaled quail opening the third Friday of October, Mearns’ the first Friday of December). Always verify exact dates and regulations at azgfd.com closer to the season.

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

On todays episode we sit down with John Smithbaker. In 2005, John launched Fathers in the Field to share God’s love with hurting boys dealing with the same abandonment issues he dealt with for so long. His goal is to help prevent the devastating cycle of earthy father abandonment before these boys become men by sharing their Heavenly Father’s staying power, forgiveness and faithfulness.

Join us as we dive into his journey in cresting this ministry and how God has used him to tackle the biggest epidemic in our country. The lack of fathers

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

Join us on Wade Zarlingo’s Arizona Quail Hunt for a lively chat with Wade Zarlingo, a lifelong Arizona quail hunter and former Arizona Game and Fish employee. Wade calls this hunting season one of his best ever, with plenty of birds and great times in the field. We talk about how rainfall boosts quail numbers, the impact of land development, and Wade’s life chasing birds with his dogs in the backcountry. From his work in land management to pecan farming in Chino Valley, Wade shares stories and insights from a lifetime outdoors. Grab a seat, enjoy the hunting tales, and listen to this episode!

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

In this episode, we unpack some of the things we talked about last episode with Guy Mollicone. We dive into dog training, and what we have learned from that podcast.

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

We talk about off-season training for your dog with expert dog trainer Guy Mollicone. How to keep your dog in shape, dos and don'ts, and how he runs his training.

Mollicone Kennels provides training services for all K9 situations from basic obedience to performance working dogs.

Tune in to learn more about Mollicone Kennels!

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

In this episode, we are joined by legendary Arizona quail hunters Dean Priest and Matt Russell. Matt Russell is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and a professional hunting guide and founder of Double Aero Guides Co.

We talked about the post-season recap, and how they adapted to have success, and also talked about strategies and tips for the next season.

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday

Hey, AZ Quail Today friends check out this special episode with Todd Kehoe. Todd is a mentor father from Fathers in the field. Father's in the Field is a ministry partnership that helps mentor fatherless boys in all areas of life!

Connect with us: Email us at AzQuailToday@gmail.com—we'd love to hear from you!
Follow us on Instagram at @azquailtoday