Forecast: Like other upland game populations in Nevada, California quail have endured four consecutive years of drought conditions. Much of the range of California quail has been dealt severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. However, due to high snowpack percentages and timely precipitation, especially in the Northern Great Basin, which encompasses a substantial portion of Nevada’s California quail range, the outlook for California quail and many other upland game species within this region is positive.
In regard to Gambel’s quail, reports suggest a bleak forecast, per the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Again, years of droughts have diminished populations. Still, data from 2016 remains encouraging. Good amounts of spring rainfall led to enough green plant material to foster adequate production. Nevada Gambel’s quail base populations are still low, and it may take several years of above average production to regain population indexes observed during 2003 to 2005. Still, 2016 has seemingly countered years of poor spring rainfall.
Season Dates: October 8, 2016 through February 5, 2017 (California, Gambel's, and mountain quail)
Daily Bag Limit: 10 (aggregate with maximum of 2 mountain quail)
Possession Limit: 30 (aggregate with a maximum of 6 mountain quail)
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