Forecast: Overall, quail populations in California appear relatively stable. Breeding Bird Survey data indicates populations of mountain quail and California quail were higher in 2015 than 2014, and winter precipitation should have benefited most populations, according to quail biologist Katherine Miller with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“Reports of mountain and California quail populations indicate a good nesting season throughout most of the state,” Miller said. “Gambel’s quail populations continue to experience dry weather conditions.”
October 2015 through March 2016 brought rains to the north and central portions of the state, though parts of southern California remained dry. During the summer, rains benefitted quail populations over the northern and central portions of the state, though southern California continues to experience drought conditions. Wildfires, both contained and currently burning, may have affected quail populations in local southern regions and could hamper or prevent hunting access to some areas, Miller advised.
Hunters should find successful hunting opportunities over the northern and central portions of the state, according to Miller. Hunters pursuing quail in southern California should consider locations closer to the Colorado River and other riparian areas where quail populations may have done well despite the drought. “Throughout most of California, quail hunting conditions should be good,” Miller said.
Season Dates: Zone 1 (Mountain Quail Only): September 10 through October 14, 2016; Zone 1 (All Quail): October 15, 2016 through January 29, 2017; Zone 2 (All Quail): September 24, 2016 through January 29, 2017; Zone 3 (All Quail): October 15, 2016 through January 29, 2017
Daily Bag Limit: 10
Possession Limit: 30
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