Forecast: In 2014, the statewide breeding population of bobwhite quail unexpectedly improved by 32 percent. Estimates from the summer brood survey in 2013 showed little production for quail, so the breeding population was expected to remain fairly static. However, the tenacious re-nesting behavior of this species allowed them to take advantage of the improved conditions resulting from late summer rains in 2013. Production from these late nests was after the completion of the 2013 brood survey, so they were not detected. With the later nesting chronology of quail compared to pheasant, summer precipitation in 2014 created excellent conditions for production this year.
Roadside surveys showed a statewide increase of 50 percent compared to 2013. However, statewide populations are still below historic averages and Kansas will likely have a below average quail harvest this fall. Populations in much of the central and western portions of the state have not fully recovered from the drought. While opportunities will be better throughout most of the state this year, the best opportunities will likely remain in the eastern third of the state, particularly in the Flint Hills region.
Season Dates: November 8, 2014 through January 31, 2015
Daily Bag Limit: 8
Possession Limit: 32
Field Notes: The Flint Hills Region recently added a 484-acre addition to the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area. Known as the Blue Valley Wildlife Area, this acquisition opens up an additional 550-acre tract of Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area that had been previously inaccessible to the public as it was surrounded by private land.
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