Forecast: Overall, Florida experienced a cold and wet winter that extended into late spring resulting in a lower than average early hatch, reports Greg Hagan, northern bobwhite coordinator for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. However, a protracted nesting season and a good late hatch on managed properties should result in good quail numbers and hunting success.
Plans are now underway for the Florida/Georgia Quail Coalition – a cooperative partnership between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia DNR – Wildlife Resources Division, Quail Forever and Tall Timbers Research Station to enhance, promote and conserve quality habitat for northern bobwhite and to promote and support youth shooting sports programs and education.
Florida has numerous State and Federal Forests along with a few Wildlife Management Areas where bobwhites are featured and management efforts have been increased. Over the past several years, bird numbers on these properties have increased steadily.
Season Dates: Varies, see link below.
Daily Bag Limit: 12
Possession Limit: 24
Field Notes: Specific properties for quail hunters to target include Blackwater River State Forest, Apalachicola National Forest, Apalachee WMA, and the Blue Springs Unit of Twin Rivers State Forest provide good opportunities in the Panhandle. Jennings State Forest in northeast Florida, Three Lakes WMA in central Florida, and Babcock-Webb WMA in southwest Florida are good choices.
Helpful Links: