Wow! - Over 50 years of upland bird hunting! That adds up to countless days and miles spent walking nearly every mountain range that holds quail in the State of Arizona - Gambel's, Scaled, or Mearns' quail. What great enjoyment and pleasure it has been to hunt and be in Arizona's great outdoors. Beginning in 1957, as a 7 year old boy, I primarily hunted with my Dad, Elvis, brother, Dean, and other friends and relatives in the foothills of central Arizona. Over 30 of those years were spent guiding bird hunts as well as over 25 years guiding Desert Bighorn sheep and other big game hunts. The guiding days have passed but I am still in pursuit of quail for several reasons. One is to acquire information for this website, second to promote the youth camps provided by Arizona Outdoor Adventures, third to promote quail hunting in the State of Arizona, and fourth to hunt with family and friends.

Thinking back over those 50 years brings to mind many memory-making situations that can be a part of hunting - such as teaching bird dogs to hunt the desert and pulling out more cactus spines than I can count; wading in to break-up javelina attacks on dogs; as well as experiencing an occasional mountain lion attack, but numerous rattlesnake encounters. Wild bulls, wild horses, bears, skunks, porcupines, coati mundis, broken arms, broken and twisted ankles, flash floods, high winds, flat tires in the rain and mud, rescuing other vehicles from mud, snow, or ditches, and more blisters than can be counted make for good stories to be told - and they will be - here on the website at some future time. It seems like everyday on the hunt, something different happens, but unpredictable circumstances only add to the adventure, even the weather. At times, it can be so hot outside, the dogs can only hunt the early morning hours, or moving to the other extreme, there have been times we've bird hunted in knee-deep snow.

Arizona - what a great state! It has been a blessing to have experienced the thrills and adventures of roaming its mountains, deserts and foothills - not only after quail, but many other types of game and fish as well. The whole experience has been and continues to be a great privilege - even to just be in the outdoors and enjoy the scenery, quiet, animals, and fun experiences that await anyone when they venture into Arizona's back country. Our hope is that you will enjoy and gain valuable information from this website as well as be able to help children experience the peace and quiet of nature.

Dan Priest Inducted Into Arizona’s Outdoor Hall of Fame

In the summer of 2015, Dan Priest was inducted into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame at the 18th annual Hall of Fame Banquet by Wildlife for Tomorrow. Inducted along side him, Senator John McCain, Audubon Arizona, Jim O’Haco, and John W. Harris. This award is highly esteemed and signifies outstanding contributions to Arizona’s wildlife resources. Watch the short video below highlighting Dan and his contributions over the years!

Video by Carol Lynde of the Arizona Game and Fish Department highlighting AOA



- Visit the Wildlife for Tomorrow website -