Forecast: With a large percentage of New Mexico open to public hunting and seasonal rains throughout the fall and winter months, prospects are looking better than 2013 for quail hunters in the Land of Enchantment. Upland bird hunters should set their sights on New Mexico for Gambel’s, scaled and Montezuma quail hunts, reports Kristin Madden, bird program manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF).
“Although we haven’t yet recorded our brood surveys in the state, staff and anecdotal reports throughout New Mexico point to an increase in quail numbers overall,” said Madden, “Quail broods are being reported from numerous locations with covey sizes ranging from ten to fifteen quail. The rainfall in New Mexico has been outstanding from a quail production perspective; we are encouraged about quail forecast in New Mexico.” The state is still recovering from severe drought, but most areas have produced good vegetation from seasonal rains. Bobwhite quail are few and far between in New Mexico, but some localized populations can be found on the eastern side of the state.
Season Dates: November 15, 2014 - February 15, 2015 (Scaled, Gambel’s, Bobwhite, and Mearns’ quail )
Daily Bag Limit: 15 (maximum of 5 Mearns’ quail)
Possession Limit: 30 (maximum of 10 Mearns’ quail)
Field Notes: Positive reports from NMDGF staff have been numerous and widespread. Quail hunters should find average hunting opportunities near Santa Fe, Roswell and Silver City, along with many other areas in the state
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