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Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Alabama

Alabama Quail Populations Remain Steady, Though Historically Low

By Oliver Hartner

Alabama quail hunters can expect average covey counts this fall on public lands and private properties intensely managed for bobwhite. A mild winter along with optimal spring and summer weather conditions favored quail this year according to anecdotal evidence, and while there was a dip in the data trends, well managed properties have reported about the same or higher numbers of covey counts.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Brandon Earls, Upland Bird Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, says, “Winter conditions were relatively mild across most of Alabama this past winter and should not have adversely affected quail populations. Without extreme or prolonged rain events or drought conditions, weather has been favorable for bobwhite nesting and brood-rearing for most of Alabama in 2024.”

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Earls admits, “Alabama’s landscape, like most of the southeast, is lacking quality upland habitat.” However, on properties scattered across the state that contain moderate to good upland quail habitat, the outlook is positive. “Given the rainfall and growing conditions over the summer, properties that focus their management activity on increasing or maintaining quality habitat should be in good shape this fall,” Earls believes.

Anecdotal evidence regarding the 2024 hatch seems to have had another year of average production, according to Earls. “Many private property managers that implement intensive year-round quail habitat management have reported seeing around the same number of broods as they saw the prior summer,” he says.

The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries in Alabama conducts fall covey call and spring male whistling surveys on several of their Wildlife Management Area (WMA) properties throughout the state. Results from these surveys have varied across the board. Earls says, “Some WMAs (mainly waterfowl areas) report no quail heard, and others report stable-but-low numbers on most WMAs.

TOP SPOTS

Earls advises that the best quail hunting is found on properties that are intensively managed for quail, but if these properties are inaccessible, he believes quail can be found on several Alabama WMAs. “Hunters seeking bobwhite quail should check out Freedom Hills WMA in the northwest corner of the state, Choccolocco WMA in the east, Perdido River WMA in the southwest, and Geneva State Forest WMA in the southeastern corner,” he says.

INSIDER TIP

When hunting public land for wild bobwhite quail in Alabama, Earls says, “Timber thinning coupled with prescribed fire is a common management technique used on most WMAs. Search for areas such as younger pine stands, open areas with scattered thickets, recently thinned timber stands, and areas with food sources. Though not always available on every property, look for areas of partridge pea and lespedeza, and don’t overlook fallow fields and old fence or hedge rows.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Arizona

A Promising Year for Arizona Quail Hunters

By Brad Trumbo

Arizona offers some of the finest desert quail hunting in the southwest. Gambel’s quail scurry beneath desert scrub and saguaro cacti. Montezuma quail hold tight in the sparsely-timbered high country. Scaled quail filter through the grassy foothills.

If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, consider that 2024 will likely be a banner year for Gambel’s and scaled quail in the Grand Canyon State.

Weather and Conditions

Precipitation was average or just slightly below across much of the state this year, which bodes well for quail.

“The early spring of 2024 blessed Arizona with persistently cooler and wetter conditions than average across most of the state,” said Nickolas Schobinger, an Arizona Quail Forever Farm Bill biologist.

“We had strong winter rains and enough monsoon rains to provide cover that we didn’t have last year, and the monsoon in the southeast has been near normal this year,” reported Patrick Moore with the Quail Forever Valley of the Sun Chapter.

“We had decent rain over the last year, and everything is really green right now,” said Zack May of the Quail Forever Southern Arizona Chapter.

Habitat, Broods, and Counts

Conditions are ripe for a banner desert quail year in Arizona, based on strong populations coming into 2024, good precipitation and habitat conditions, and above-average quail call survey data.

Conditions in 2023 resulted in good hatch and brood success. Strong residual scaled and Gambel’s quail numbers in 2024 mean more adult birds to capitalize on the lush habitat for reproduction.

“These well-timed conditions produced abundant green vegetation and subsequent nutrition needed to propel Gambel’s quail into exceptional breeding condition,” Schobinger said.

“Mearns quail are hard to predict until you have a dog on the ground, but all indications suggest that it should be an acceptable year for them,” May said.

Top Spots

Gambel’s quail are widespread in the open desert country, semidesert grassland and chaparral, and the edges of pinyon-juniper and oak woodlands. Look for brushy areas with mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, and cactus. They can be found in approximately two-thirds of the state – west of Highway 89 and south of Interstate 40.

Scaled quail are found mainly in the desert scrub, semiarid grasslands, and open plains and foothills of the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion.

Mearns quail are traditionally found in southern Pima and Cochise Counties and rely heavily on oak-grassland or pine-grassland savannahs in mountainous areas. Focus on areas with good grass cover and vertical terrain.

Insider Tips

Cactus and rattlesnakes can be problematic for hunting dogs. Keep pliers and a comb handy to pull needles from their skin and fur. Additionally, rocky soil can wear on a dog’s pads. Hunting after the New Year can help avoid snakes, and boots can save their feet and extend the hunt.

Endangered Species Act-protected masked bobwhite quail occupy southern Arizona Game Management Units 36A-C. If hunting these units, know your quail species to avoid potentially shooting a critically endangered species.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Arkansas

Habitat Improvements Have Yielded the Best Quail Numbers in a Generation

By Oliver Hartner

Though successional habitat continues to challenge quail populations across much of Arkansas and across the southeast, areas in “The Natural State” with best land management practices have covey counts comparable or better than 20 years ago. Quail numbers are still the best they’ve been in Arkansas for at least a generation, and the successes experienced here emphasize the importance of maintaining viable quail habitat while finding more properties with potential.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Winter weather conditions in Arkansas did not seem to present a problem according to Clint Johnson, Quail Program Coordinator for the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission. “We are experiencing favorable weather conditions during nesting season and preliminary reports suggest another high reproductive year for ground nesting birds. Many WMAs are anecdotally reporting high numbers of whistling males this spring, suggesting good survival over the winter,” says Johnson.

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

According to Johnson, efforts to cultivate and improve habitat continue to pay dividends for bobwhite populations in Arkansas. “The last five years have been the highest reproductive output we have seen in the last 20 years, and we hope that trend to continue in 2024,” he says. Upticks in the data gathered from whistle counts and pointing counts seems to corroborate this claim. “Data collected from Arkansas quail hunters last year fell in line with bird-per-hour results from other states managing for quail,” he says.

TOP SPOTS

Johnson says, “Our best opportunities exist on large federal ownerships like National Forests and Fort Chaffee.”

He adds that this year, hunters will enjoy increased opportunities at several WMAs benefiting from focused habitat work the last several years, including the Ed Gordon Point Remove and Scott Henderson Gulf Mountain WMAs. “We are thrilled to open hunting seasons at several Quail Focal Areas that have been closed to hunting since 2017.

Jack Mountain WMA is one of our leased lands and requires a $40 permit to access over 18,000 acres of high-quality habitat. Harold E Alexander Spring River WMA has seen extensive glade restoration on the southern third of the property that quail have benefited from, and Stone Prairie and Little Bayou WMAs have excellent bird numbers and will be open to permit hunts in December and January.

The application period begins mid-November and December, respectively, for each of these hunts. This is a very limited access opportunity that should be a high-quality hunt for the lucky permit holders. For more information on regulations, maps and an interactive statewide mapping platform, visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website” he says.

INSIDER TIPS

Johnson says, “The best advice I have for hunters is to invest some time on a computer looking at aerial maps to see what areas need to be investigated on the ground. After that, be sure to invest in some briar chaps and good boots, as quail tend to occupy some of the rougher areas.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: California

Strong Populations Despite Drought Challenges

By Brad Trumbo

If you are looking for a place to hunt mountain, valley, and Gambel’s quail, California is the only state that is home to all three. The scenic landscape offers habitats ranging from brushy mountainsides and desert coulees to valley farmland. Nearly every square mile of California is quail country with at least one species inhabiting every county.

California received near-average precipitation across the state, meaning 2024 will be another good year for mountain and valley quail.

Weather and Conditions

As of August, California had generally experienced average precipitation for the year. The northern, northeastern, and southeastern portions experienced mild to moderate drought. Although not great for quail, drought conditions were much less severe than in recent years.

Winter temperatures were warmer overall, and February brought additional rain. Both point to good nesting and brood-rearing conditions.

“Rain drives insect populations, which are important for both adults and young,” said Dr. Katherine Miller, Upland Game Bird Biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

“Critical rains prompted vegetative growth and insect populations, so overall we anticipate a good year for quail hunters,” Miller said. “Additionally, the fire season was not as severe as in recent years.”

Habitat, Broods, and Counts

“The favorable breeding season in 2023, followed by a mild winter, led to a good breeding season for 2024. CDFW anticipates that quail experienced an above-average nesting season overall,” Miller said.

Miller reports that mountain and valley quail populations have been trending up over the past few years, and 2024 appears to be another good year for both species. Conversely, Gambel’s quail populations continue to decline.

Drought conditions in southeastern California and severe wildfires throughout the state in 2020 continue to stress quail in some areas. “While western quail have evolved in a dry climate and can lower productivity until more favorable nesting conditions return, long-term drought, severe fires, and urban development impose additional strain on these populations,” Miller said.

Top Spots

Valley quail are widespread across California. Valley quail populations are robust in the chaparral shrublands along the coast, brushy lowlands, and newly disturbed habitats such as those recovering from fire. Fresno, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Tehama, and eastern Kern Counties are prime areas. Check out the Mendocino, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests. Valley quail can be found just about anywhere in the state below about 5,000 feet in elevation, save for the southeastern desert region.

Mountain quail earn their name by inhabiting steep terrain and a mix of pinon-juniper, oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal forest. They can be found in high-elevation brushy mountain cover along the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges where dense brush covers about half of the area. Mariposa, Tuolumne, and the edge of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties are prime locations. You’re likely in the right place if the cover looks too thick or the terrain too steep.

The eastern portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial Counties, and the Mojave Desert encompass much of California’s Gambel’s quail range. Look for shrubby areas with mesquite, salt-bush, tamarisk, and prickly pear, particularly near water.

Insider Tips

The mountain quail season is the first to open, running from September 14th through October 18th in Zone 1, encompassing northern and eastern California. Mountain quail are often found in extremely thick cover. A dog with good retrieving capability is recommended for bird recovery in such challenging habitat. Look for berry-producing shrubs like poison oak and manzanita.

Mountain quail living above 5,000 feet are likely to drop in elevation with snowfall. Once you’ve found mountain quail habitat, focus on the snowline after winter sets in.

California experienced nearly 5,200 fires this year. Remember to check fire maps for the region you plan to hunt and contact the public land managing agency about access closures resulting from wildfires or severe weather events.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Colorado

Cautious Optimism for Colorado Quail

By Andy Fondrick

All things considered; the past year was nondescript for Colorado’s quail population. The past 18-months have allowed upland birds to rebound a bit from the drought conditions of 2022. Upland hunters should be cautiously optimistic about the opportunities for the hunting season ahead.

Weather and Conditions

After extreme conditions in 2022 and early 2023, Colorado’s 2024 weather has been less severe, which should be good for coveys across the region.

“Winter conditions were not problematic for quail in Colorado in 2023/24, in terms of winter mortality,” says Ed Gorman, Small Game Manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). “However, we did not receive much in the way of winter moisture to set up early nesting cover and brood habitats. Everything considered, these are about normal conditions in Colorado.”

While the dry conditions may have proven challenging for broods during the summer months, this summer shouldn’t be nearly as difficult on quail coveys as the conditions were just two years ago.

“We experienced mostly dry conditions through the nesting season, which is probably a benefit to the actual nesting process,” says Gorman. “But, those conditions also serve to hamper brood habitat development to some degree. Again, probably normal for Colorado.”

Habitat, Broods and Counts

After a dry start to the year, some timely summer rain may have been enough to provide some solid habitat for brood rearing.

“Habitat looks pretty good right now,” says Gorman. “Parts of the quail range has received lots of precipitation over the last month, which really brought the warm season grasses along nicely. Unfortunately, Colorado has less habitat on the landscape today than five or 10 years ago due to a number of factors.”

Having the existing habitat in good condition is a big win for upland species across Colorado, and while it may be a bit early to tell, some signs are pointing towards that critical habitat doing its job and harboring some additional coveys this fall.

“Colorado does whistle counts for bobwhites across numerous routes in northeast and southeast Colorado,” Gorman explains. “We do not officially do brood routes for quail here, as we are generally too dry to force birds to the roads. Results from 2024 are not compiled yet, but offhand, it looks like counts are improved over 2023.”

Anecdotal evidence paints a positive picture for quail hunters in Colorado this season.

Top Spots & Tips

There will be opportunities to successfully chase birds if hunters do their research heading into the season.

“If you’re hunting bobwhites, a hunter should consider two general areas in the state, extreme southeast Colorado (south and east of the town of Vilas in Baca County) and the South Platte River in northeast Colorado,” Gorman says.

“Hunters should recognize that South Platte River populations were really hammered by the severe winter of 2022/23. It is likely that the quail have not completely recovered along the river corridor. In Baca County, populations appear to be fair to good in 2024. Scaled quail are a bit more uncertain at this time, although we expect improvement on average and some localized areas where populations are good.”

Gorman went on to add that scouting to find birds prior to the season is invaluable. Once you find some quail, take a deep dive into the habitats they are using, and then look to replicate your findings in other areas.

With a bit of preseason work, hunters should be able to have some success again this season.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Florida

Sunshine State Quail Populations Remain Stable

By Oliver Hartner

Florida quail hunters should continue to see healthy bobwhite populations in places where best land management practices are being implemented. Though Hurricane Debby likely created troublesome conditions in northeastern parts of the “Sunshine State,” the overall quail population remains stable and on-trend with recent years.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Greg Hagan, Quail Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, says, “Most areas of the state (especially central & south Florida) experienced strong over-winter survival, setting the stage for a productive nesting season.” Hagen adds that a wet-cool spring and early summer resulted in a slow start to the breeding season, but weather conditions improved significantly in mid-June which had a positive impact on nesting and brood rearing success.

However, Hurricane Debby likely had a negative impact on the bobwhite population in storm-impacted areas. Hagan says, “Debby impacted portions of northeast Florida with significant rainfall (12 – 19 inches) in early August. This significant amount of rainfall likely had a negative effect on brood production, and unfortunately, any late-season nesting.” He adds that while hurricane season can become problematic for this region, responsible land management practices on both private and public lands should allow quail to weather these storms in a literal sense.

HABITAT, BROODS, AND POPULATION COUNTS

Hagan says, “On areas implementing favorable bobwhite management, the habitat is in excellent condition. If those conditions hold, populations should be well positioned heading into fall.” He again emphasized the likelihood of Hurricane Debby’s negative impacts on recruitment saying, “Unfortunately, fall populations in the northeast region of the state will most likely be impacted by the storm.”

TOP SPOTS

For those interested in public land quail hunting in Florida, Hagan says, “Many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) located in the panhandle, central, and southwest regions support quality bobwhite populations.”

For those hunting on WMAs, Hagan advises, “If you’re planning to hunt on one of Florida’s many public WMAs, please consult the WMA brochure specific to the area you plan to hunt before heading afield as many areas have differing season dates, rules, and regulations. Identifying and concentrating efforts on recently burned areas (< 24 months) or other management activities (timber harvest or roller chopping) usually provides the highest chance of success.”

For more information check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s WMA Brochures.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Georgia

Varied Conditions Mean Mixed Results for Georgia’s Quail Population

By Oliver Hartner

Georgia experienced a milder winter this year, and these conditions appear to have been favorable for bobwhite populations in the Peach State. However, volatile swings in precipitation levels throughout the nesting and brood-rearing season could have had some detrimental effects. Nevertheless, Georgia quail hunters should see average survival rates for the 2024 fall season on well-managed habitat.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

According to Dallas Ingram, State Quail Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “This nesting season’s weather has been extremely variable. Most of the state started with a very wet spring followed by a few weeks of drought. Early to mid-summer rains became scattered, and most areas received enough rainfall to support good brood habitat. However, August turned dry, and parts of the state are still in drought conditions with others receiving relief in the form of heavy rainstorms.”

HABITAT, BROODS, AND COUNTS

In parts of Georgia where habitat management projects and initiatives are taking place, the outlook remains positive going into the 2024 fall season. Ingram says, “Reports on the early hatches were poor due to the heavy spring rains, but mid-season hatches were good and areas receiving rainfall in late August and September should have good late hatches. Overall, we have been seeing slight increases over the last few years and expect most areas to be steady or have increases again this year. So, if we can receive decent rainfall during early September most of the state should be in good condition going into fall.”

Fall covey counts will begin in mid-October and the data will be available on the Georgia DNR website.

TOP SPOTS

According to Ingram, “Any area along the fall line and south of it should provide decent hunting opportunities if they received adequate rainfall this summer. The Thomasville area and east central Georgia are generally very productive. Our southwest Georgia public lands are experiencing decreased populations this year, and I advise looking at non-traditional areas and applying for quota hunts.”

INSIDER TIPS

Ingram says, “Public land is fairly limited in Georgia, and most of the best quail areas are quota permit only.” You can apply for the drawing for this season’s quota hunts here.

“Do your homework and be flexible,” Ingram says. “Many of the wildlife management areas in Georgia are relatively small and can get a lot of pressure. Many non-quota areas are only open on select days. So, be sure to check the regulations for the area you are hunting before arriving and complete a harvest record even if you don’t find any quail.”

Ingram also adds one final, but important reminder. “I want to note that commercial guiding on public land in Georgia is not allowed. So, beware of anyone offering to take you out on a management area for a fee. No one wants their hunt ruined by a citation.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Idaho

Another Good Year for Idaho Quail

By Jack Hutson

Referred to as Area 1, from Canada in the north to Utah in the south, Idaho’s western portion offers good quail hunting opportunities, particularly for valley quail. Beginning in September, quail are an explosive addition for upland hunters that continue into the new year.

Statewide, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game’s (IDFG) upland bird expert, Jeff Knetter, says “upland birds are enjoying a couple years of very good conditions.” Specifically, regarding quail he thinks, “things look very good for this fall.”

Northern Idaho

“This year’s over-winter conditions were fairly mild,” reports IDFG regional biologist, Kenneth Randall. Stationed at the Region 2 office in Lewiston, Randall is centrally located in prime quail country. Known as the Palouse, these rolling steppes shared with eastern Washington were once the premiere upland hunting destination of the Northwest.

Randall concluded his winter observations, “Snow fell early but total snow accumulation was lower than average and aside from a cold snap in early January that dropped temperatures into the negatives, winter conditions seemed favorable for upland game birds across the region.”

Spring also offered favorable brood-rearing conditions. “Despite a warmer and drier than average spring and summer, key rain events prolonged forage growth and insect resources around the region,” says Randall.

According to recent reports, broods have done well. “There have been noticeable variations in the age of broods which is generally a sign that multiple hatches have taken place,” says Randall. “Quail appear to have done particularly well,” he adds. “I have seen several large broods throughout the region.”

Southwest Idaho

“Normal to slightly above normal snowpack with moderate spring temperatures seemed to have resulted in good nesting and early brood rearing conditions for upland gamebirds,” reports Brandon Tycz, an IDFG biologist in south-central Idaho. Based on the number of brood sightings, Tycz thinks quail hunting should be particularly good this year.

What to Look For

The opportunity to hunt multiple upland bird species is what draws many hunters to Idaho. It is not unusual to find quail while hunting chukar and Hungarian partridge, not to mention pheasants, all within a reasonable day’s hike.

Though Idaho is home to valley, bobwhite, Gambel’s, and mountain quail species, valley and bobwhites are the only species open to hunting. Bobwhite quail can be found in small pockets within the southwest portions of the state. By far the most populous and widespread, valley quail can be found along the state’s western border from the panhandle to its southwest and south-central regions.

In the north, valley quail can be found along grain fields bordered by pine trees or cut by draws filled with elderberries or blackberries. To the south, quail are found in thick tangles of tall brush, especially near stream beds and irrigated valley bottoms. Look for draws filled with tall sage or green vegetation along irrigated fields of agriculture. For more information consult the Idaho Upland Game Guide.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Illinois

Data Shows Significant Increase in Quail Numbers this Year

By Casey Sill, Public Relations Specialist – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Though Illinois doesn’t often jump to front of mind when uplanders discuss quail hunting, the state’s southern third does provide some quality habitat and legitimate hunting opportunities. This year, after an unusually mild winter and decent spring, survey data shows populations in the “Land of Lincoln” should be in great shape heading into the fall.

Weather and Conditions

Illinois winters can provide challenging conditions for birds, but issues with overwinter survival are typically reserved for the state’s more northern pheasant population. Quail seldom see much snowfall in southern Illinois, and 2023-24 was particularly mild.

“I think we only had one snowfall down here,” said Caleb Crawford, a Quail Forever Farm Bill biologist. “It was pretty mild. And of course, down here we don’t typically get as much snow in general.”

Spring and early summer was a mixed bag in Illinois. Some parts of the state were slightly dry with variable rainfall, while other areas were unseasonably wet. Much of quail country came down on the wet side of things, and flooding may have impacted nesting in places.

“In early July, parts of southern Illinois got six and a half inches of rain in one afternoon. It caused some major flooding,” Crawford said. “Around here, a lot of birds will nest in waterways, so if we get flood events, those nests are getting flooded out. Also if the chicks just can’t stay dry and it cools off with a big rain event, that can cause some issues.”

Rains stayed consistent throughout the rest of summer. Hot weather moved in briefly, but overall the conditions have been excellent.

Habitat and Brood Rearing

Even with the July flood, habitat was in great shape across southern Illinois during peak nesting and brood rearing season, according to Don Kahl, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Field Operations Section Chief.

“Conditions were good, and we had a lot of bugs out on the landscape to help raise broods,” he said. “We were getting a lot of reports throughout July that there were freshly hatched broods out and about.”

Crawford has been seeing birds this summer as well and said the quality of habitat can vary by county.

“It depends if they’re predominately putting in cool season grass or warm season grass,” he said. “That makes a big difference. Clay county has most of their CRP in warm season grass, and I’m consistently seeing and hearing birds there.”

Cool season grasses are mostly nonnative, and include species you might plant in your yard like fescue. These grasses grow incredibly thick, and don’t give broods the chance to move, or provide for the biodiversity necessary to raise healthy chicks.

“When the chicks hatch and they’re the size of ping pong balls or smaller, they’re running into a wall of grass with cool season grasses,” Crawford said. “The warm season grasses grow more in clumps, creating travel lanes in-between and allowing for forbs to grow.”

Survey Data

Anecdotal reports from across Illinois point to a good year for quail hunters, and recently compiled data from the state’s upland route survey back those reports up. Data shows a 34% increase in birds-per-stop along the survey route when compared with 2023.

“That’s a five-year high as far as our surveys are concerned,” said Kahl. “A lot of the people we’re talking to have said they’re hearing quail in areas where they hadn’t heard them in a number of years.”

Top Spots

Crawford is hearing good reports from across his coverage area, which includes a large swath of southeast Illinois.

“The southeast is typically a good place to start, but not too far southeast,” he said. “Once you get too far south, you get into Shawnee National Forest and there’s really not as much quail habitat down there since it’s predominantly forested.”

Kahl said regardless of your specific location, 2024 should be a good year for quail in Illinois, as long as you can find the habitat.

“Overall I think we’re looking at a good year for quail wherever you can find good habitat,” he said. “Folks that can dial in on those areas should have a pretty decent year as compared to the last few.”

Season details

The Illinois quail season opens on November 2, 2024, in the northern zone and runs through January 8, 2025. The southern zone also opens on November 2, and runs through January 15, 2024.

The daily limit is 8 quail, with a possession limit of 20.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Indiana

Anecdotal Reports are Positive for Indiana Quail

By Andy Fondrick

While it’s a bit early for any concrete data in the Hoosier State heading into the 2024 season, there are anecdotal signs that quail numbers are holding steady compared to recent years.

John Kinney, Indiana State Coordinator with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever provided a few pieces of information for this year’s forecasts.

“Rain was good until recently in the southwest part of the state,” said Kinney. “I am guessing the broods managed through the relatively mild weather conditions. We do however have a few areas that fell in drought categories.”

Kinney also added that anecdotally, landowners across the quail range have reported seeing more quail on their property than they have in the past few years.

The biggest thing hunters in the state will need to be on the lookout for is quality habitat as this fall rolls along. Last season, reports were that habitat in the western part of Indiana was the strongest in the state. The southwest portion of the state and moving north might be a great place to start scouting for the year ahead.

Kinney went on to say that if a person can secure access to private lands, has a good dog, and is persistent, they should be able to find success hunting quail this season.

If You Go

Quail hunting in Indiana is divided into two zones — north and south. Interstate 74 is the dividing line.

The north zone season is from November 1 to December 15, with a bag limit of four birds. The south zone season is from November 1 to January 10, with a bag limit of eight birds.

Be sure to check the Indiana DNR website for more information on regulations and season requirements.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Iowa

A Season of Hope

By Phil Bourjaily

What looks at first like a grim 2024 roadside quail survey is more a mix of ups and downs. Some parts of the state showed losses in numbers, others made impressive gains. Overall, birds counted per 30-mile route in the August survey fell from .7 birds per route to .5. While the math says that’s an alarming 33% decline, in fact, a difference of .2 birds per route is statistically insignificant.

These numbers come from the Iowa DNR’s annual August small game roadside survey, which counts pheasants, quail, partridge, and cottontails along 224 30-mile routes across the state. Since the survey began in 1962, quail populations have shown a long decline in Iowa. This year’s count falls 49% below the 10-year average and 62% below the long-term mean.

Despite the underwhelming survey numbers, there are still some bright spots for Iowa quail hunters looking ahead to the season.

According to Todd Bogenschutz, Upland Wildlife Research Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, severe winter weather was confined to a two-week period in January when much of the state was under heavy snow. Quail aren’t made to survive long periods of snow, extreme cold and ice, and with Iowa at the northern edge of their range, there’s always a danger of severe winter weather knocking populations back.

Bogenschutz says severe winter ice and snow hurt quail in some places, primarily south-central Iowa. “Two weeks is just about the amount of time it takes quail to start to starve to death, so we were right on that line.”

Winter weather seemed to have the most impact in south-central Iowa. “We had anecdotal reports of people picking up quail in road ditches. That’s never a good sign,” says Bogenschutz. In other areas, primarily southwest and west-central Iowa, quail survived the cold better, and had a good spring despite heavy rains. “Quail are a native bird, and better able to handle wet weather, they live in Florida and Georgia and other wet places so rain doesn’t bother them as much,” he says.

The survey definitely showed the effect of the cold snap on birds in south-central Iowa, normally a bobwhite stronghold. “We had been at two birds per route in south-central Iowa and this year we’re at .7,” says Bogenschutz. Farther west, quail seemed to fare much better in the surveys. The southwestern counties showed just a small, 5% decrease, from 2.17 birds per route in 2023 to 2.06 this year. Western Iowa was the surprise bright spot, showing a 70% jump from .9 birds per route to 1.5.

Where to Hunt

The southwestern counties showed the highest overall numbers, with especially good counts in Cass and Adams counties. Lake Icaria in Adams County is the largest chunk of public hunting, and there are ten or so IHAP (Iowa Habitat and Access Program) areas in Adams and Cass counties as well. IHAP areas are smaller, but, according to Nick Baumgarten, Private Lands coordinator, they present a good option for quail hunters. Iowa has about 32,000 acres of IHAPs statewide and Baumgarten points out that the way Iowa structures the program, assures that the areas are worth hunting, unlike some land in much larger programs in other states.“We don’t lease lands outright, we pay incentives for habitat improvement. We’re choosy about which properties we’ll accept. Many of our IHAPs in quail country have brushy draws and native grasses and some food plots and specific quail-management practices. If you pull into one of our IHAPs, chances are it will look good enough that you’ll get out of the truck,” he says.

The surprise in the forecast is western Iowa, where counts increased 70%. Doug Chafa, Iowa DNR management biologist, says the high counts have been a pleasant surprise in this region at the northern edge of Iowa’s bobwhite range. “The winter was mild here, and we didn’t have the widespread flooding that occurred farther north. We had high counts, and I am seeing quail colonize areas I haven’t seen them for ten years, especially in the river bottoms.”

Chafa says two larger river bottom areas especially, Tieville Bend and Upper Decatur, are worth a look. There are also thousands of acres of IHAPs scattered around the region, many in river bottoms where landowners tired of fighting floodwaters put their fields in CRP and IHAP.

Chafa also points hunters to the Loess Hills, which have traditionally held quail. Between the Loess Hills State Forest and Wildlife Areas there are over 12,000 acres of public hunting, much of which holds quail. “There is a lot of vertical gain in a short space in the hills,” says Chafa, “and those hillside quail get savvy. They will run to the top of one hill and fly across the draw to the next hillside.” He also says there are agricultural fields lower down that offer classic brushy field-edge hunting without so much up and down. The DNR leaves 20% of those crops standing where they offer food and some cover. Other fields are left fallow, and those can be quail magnets according to Chafa.

In southwest Iowa, management biologist Matt Dollison said hunters should be able to find quail. “The road survey numbers are so low, they aren’t always the best predictor,” he says, and he believes southwest Iowa still has the best hunting in the state. Dollison and his techs heard plenty of whistling during surveys. He names Lake Shawtee and Riverton as two good-sized public areas to try and says hunters shouldn’t overlook the numerous areas along the Missouri River. “The floods in 2019 killed grasses in those areas, and now they are coming back in early successional habitat that’s good for quail,” he says.

While the traditional south-central quail range showed the biggest decrease in counts due to the winter storm, Todd Bogenschutz says hunters shouldn’t count that area out. “I’d still send people there,” he says, “We have the habitat there even if we did see a decrease. Staff are telling me they are hearing quail everywhere they would expect to hear them.”

Season Dates

Quail season is Oct. 26-Jan. 31, 2024
Youth pheasant season is Oct. 21-22
Pheasant season is Oct. 26-Jan. 10, 2024
Partridge season is Oct. 12-Jan. 31, 2024

Daily Bag & Possession Limits

Bobwhite Quail - 8 / 16
Pheasant (Youth) 1 / 2
Pheasant 3 / 12
Gray Partridge - 8 / 16

Resources

» Iowa Pheasant and Small Game Hunting
» Iowa Public Hunting Atlas
» Iowa Habitat and Access Program

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Kansas

All Signs Point to a Quality Season this Fall

By Casey Sill, Public Relations Specialist – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

The Pheasant report in Kansas this year was a mixed bag, with some areas of the state still suffering through dry conditions. Quail, on the other hand, seem to have had a banner year in the Great Plains.

“From what I’ve heard and seen, bobwhite quail are doing significantly better than they have been compared to last year and a couple years prior,” said Quail Forever Kansas State Coordinator, Tyler Rafter. “All signs point to bobwhites trending up this fall. Although they are still nowhere near where they used to be.”

Weather and Conditions

While many states north of Kansas struggled with flooding this spring, the Jayhawks saw very little of that historic rainfall.

The state came out of winter dry, hampered by lingering conditions from 2023. This led to a tough spring for much of Kansas. However, as late spring turned to summer, conditions did turn around in places.

“We started picking up some rainfall across the western third of the state,” said Jeff Prendergast, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) small game specialist. “The north-central part of Kansas, which has been a little better than other regions the last few years, did not catch as much of that rainfall.”

Late summer saw another turn in the weather, as stereotypical hot and dry conditions enveloped much of the state. But by that time most birds were on the ground, and this hot spell likely did not have a significant effect on broods, according to Prendergast.

Habitat and Brood Rearing

With slightly improved moisture conditions and warm summer weather, both habitat and chicks were likely in good shape during the peak nesting and brood rearing timeframe.

“We maintained decent conditions through the primary nesting season,” Prendergast said. “By the time hot weather showed up in July and August, most of our birds were pretty well made.”

Chicks were buoyed by excellent food sources this summer. High numbers of insects were reported across the state, including a borderline historic grasshopper boom.

“There was an extreme abundance of grasshoppers this year,” Prendergast said. “To the point where our extension service even wrote an article recognizing the record numbers and talking about the control issues they were going to have. But on our side of things, that created very good brooding conditions for the birds that remained. Even into the hot, dry periods, there would’ve been abundant food resources.”

Rafter has been traveling throughout the state this summer and said he’s both seeing and hearing plenty of bobwhites.

“I’ve had a few chances to get out in the field and see different parts of Kansas,” Rafter said. “And I’ve consistently heard whistles and kicked up coveys.”

Top Spots

Central Kansas has been the stronghold for quail recently, according to Prendergast. Numbers have remained above average there for several years, though they have slowly declined since their peak in 2018. This year, drought conditions have persisted across much of central Kansas, which could result in another slight decrease.

“Drought recovery in the central regions was not as pronounced, with precipitation still being limited across much of central Kansas,” Prendergast said. “Which likely limited production in both north-central and south-central [Kansas] this year.”

That said, there should still be high quality hunting opportunities in central Kansas this year. Rafter is based in Salina and said he’s been getting positive reports from across the Flint Hills during his summer travels.

“From Salinas down to McPherson, and I also went north and west for district meetings recently, I was running into quail and seeing them sitting on fence posts along the way,” he said. “I’d be really comfortable saying central to north-central, and then the eastern portions of the state are in good shape this year.”

Further west, the high plains region is likely to see improvement this year due to ample summer rains. However, overall habitat in this region is generally more limited for quail.

Regional reports

Northwest

I’ve talked with KDWP on our upland bird populations this year, and they forecast “fair to good” for quail numbers. Due to drought in our area the last two years, pheasant populations declined while bobwhite quail seemed to slightly improve. Overall, based on this year’s precipitation, we expect our numbers to bounce back to a near-normal level. However, near Colby we have lost habitat as CRP acres expire and are put into row crops. Maintaining current grass/CRP acres and enrolling new acres into the program will be key in maintaining our populations here in northwest Kansas.

- Jessica Butter, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist

Southwest

It seems like things are stable, despite the drought. There has been an increase in quail, especially along riparian areas. I would say Morton, Stevens and Grey Counties would probably be my top three for quail. I haven’t seen any broods myself, but of course that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Overall, it seems fairly similar to last year, with the way the drought is continuing. The birds are still utilizing CRP ground.

- Elizabeth Eney, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist

Northeast

We had a really wet spring in our area this winter, then it got dry. We had several weeks throughout the summer that have been super hot. Habitat-wise, I’ve been working with a lot of great landowners who are putting in habitat. Just this week I was talking to a CRP owner who is going above and beyond on his property. Jackson County in particular has a lot of great habitat projects going on. Last summer we were in severe drought, and I’m not seeing that this year.

- Amanda Long, Pheasants Forever Coordinating Wildlife Biologist

Central

From some of the CRP I’ve been walking; things do seem dry and there’s not a super high amount of growth. But, it feels like almost every piece of property I’m on, I’m seeing and hearing bobwhites. The amount of birds I’m seeing and hearing is a good sign to me.

- Elija Cairo, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist

South Central

I cover eight counties in south-central Kansas, and I believe all eight of them are still under drought. We are starting to come out of it, we’ve had some recent rainfall, but we’re still in those drought limitations. I’ve been out in the field quite a bit doing CRP status reviews, and I’ve been seeing a lot of quail in our properties that are well-managed. I’m out looking for woody encroachment and things like that. The properties that don’t have those issues, I’m hearing and seeing quail — Which is a really cool correlation. Also, at our local Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapter meetings in the area, everyone I’m talking to has been seeing a lot of quail.

- Krista Ward, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist

Season details

The Kansas quail season runs November 9, 2024 to January 31, 2025, with the youth season falling on November 2 – 3.

For current drought conditions consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Kentucky

Bluegrass Quail Hold Steady

By Oliver Hartner

Mild winter weather conditions and marginal precipitation in the spring means well-managed properties in the “Bluegrass State” should have quail populations similar to last year. Even in areas that saw major weather events, areas with early successional habitat should see stable quail populations thanks to a growing number of Quail Forever biologists and volunteers lending their hands to the effort.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

According to James Woods, Small Game Program Biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, “The winter of 2023/24 was again mild overall, and these conditions mean quail were likely in good shape coming out of the winter and into the spring.”

Woods reports that the 2024 spring and summer weather patterns remained tolerable for quail despite higher temperatures. However, hay cutting across parts of the state suited for quail denies cover to fledglings still learning to survive. Places that left these grasses intact for wild bobwhites should see stable coveys.

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Consecutive tracts of land with optimal habitat remain in short supply across the state, but well-managed areas should see stable populations. Woods says, “Good quail habitat is certainly not common across the state, but where active quail management is taking place, quail numbers remain at moderate levels in those areas.”

Habitat on public and private lands with wild bobwhites is being sustained and improved by conservation-minded landowners and Quail Forever. Samantha Ricks, Kentucky State Coordinator for Quail Forever says, “We currently have a team of six Quail Forever biologists, including myself, working toward improving habitat across the state, especially in western parts where there are more quail.”

Funding for these biologists was supplied through Farm Bill funding, and in less than five years, they have over 5,000 acres of habitat in different phases of sustainment or improvement.

Anecdotal evidence and field reports indicate a stable population. “Kentucky conducts a rural mail carrier survey, but this data is currently being analyzed, and we do not have any preliminary results at this point. We will publish these results as soon as possible,” Woods says.

TOP SPOTS

Woods favors Peabody Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in west-central Kentucky, Clay WMA in northeast Kentucky, and Boone Forestlands WMA in southeast Kentucky near Harlan.

“I would also consider strip mine ground in eastern Kentucky because it is often overlooked. Many of these abandoned strip mines provide excellent quail hunting,” he says. INSIDER TIP

Woods says, “My best tip for quail hunting in Kentucky would be to focus your efforts on fallow field areas on public lands. These areas are very attractive to coveys and provide an excellent jumping-off point when heading out on a hunt.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Louisiana

Louisiana Quail Hold On

By Oliver Hartner

While persistent habitat loss continues to have a negative impact on bobwhite coveys in Louisiana, average weather conditions have not compounded the problem for the 2024 season. Winter temperatures and precipitation levels in “The Pelican State” held steady, and public and private areas where successional quail habitat has been cultivated should still see coveys. However, without habitat cultivation across the state, bobwhite quail populations will continue to struggle and decline.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Jackson Martini, Louisiana State Coordinator for Quail Forever says, “I just started in my new role last summer, but with my limited knowledge of Louisiana weather patterns and its long-term effects, I think this winter was more or less easy on quail. It wasn’t overly wet, and temperatures remained above freezing for the most part across the state.”

Additionally, normal spring and summer conditions across all areas of the state have not presented a problem.

Code Cedotal, Small Game Research and Management Office for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, adds, “Conditions appear to have been good. Thus far, we have had below average rainfall throughout the spring and summer pretty much across the entire state which could have positive impacts on reproduction in areas where there is quality habitat.”

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Viable habitat continues to present problems for bobwhite populations in Louisiana, and it shows no signs of abating. “Much of the state is not managed for quail, and the necessary habitat components for quail isn’t there,” Martini says.

Martini’s office has not received any anecdotal insights or evidence into the hatch or brood numbers going into the fall season. However, he adds, “In areas where habitat work is being done, the habitat ranges between fair and excellent.

Quail can be found throughout Louisiana in areas where habitat work is done. Landowners across the state that manage their land with prescribed fire and by removing invasive and non-native species like Chinese tallow, Chinese privet, Bermuda grass, and other non-desirables may have healthy quail numbers.”

TOP SPOTS

Bobwhite coveys still rise on public and private properties with well-managed habitat for those willing to put in the work. Martini says, “Louisiana has two quail management areas accessible to the public in the southeast part of the state and one in the western part of the state. Though management work is done on these areas, it is not a guarantee that birds will be found. It will likely require much walking behind a seasoned dog to find quail.”

Cedotal adds, “Western Louisiana still has viable populations of bobwhite around parts of the Kisatchie National Forest and Fort Johnson WMA. You will need to scout these areas heavily for good habitat and check the regulations for each area.”

INSIDER TIP

For anyone hunting bobwhite quail in Louisiana, Martini says, “The main ingredient in the recipe of success for a Louisiana quail hunter is pre-season scouting. The value of putting in the time to find areas that have all the required components of quail habitat before the season opens cannot be understated or overlooked. Find the habitat, find the birds.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Mississippi

“About like Usual” for Mississippi Quail

By Oliver Hartner

Relatively mild winter temperatures this past year seem to have favored quail population for “Magnolia State” hunters, and despite a hot dry summer, nominal spring rains seem to have mitigated any problems encountered during brood hatching and rearing. Like much of the southeast, Mississippi has an uphill battle to sustain and increase its wild bobwhite populations. However, areas where best habitat management practices are being implemented should see stable bobwhite populations.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

“The winter was generally mild this past year except we had a very hard freeze for several days around Christmas. Overall, I expect birds came out of winter about like usual,” says Rick Hamrick, Wildlife Biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. He adds that temperatures rose quickly in the spring, and early summer temps created dry conditions that seemed perilously close to drought.

“It warmed up pretty fast in spring,” Hamrick says. “Then summer temperatures started to really heat up by late June. Fortunately, late summer rains seem to have mitigated the damage. Since we had decent rain in the spring and late summer, these conditions should have been mostly decent for our first peaks of nesting and hatching, and perhaps favorable for any late nesting attempts.”

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Hamrick says, “It is hard to say exactly how good or bad quail production has been. Recent rainfall has increased throughout Mississippi and temperatures are starting to moderate back to normal. As such, vegetation quality has improved. However, unevenly distributed quail habitat, which has been a problem for decades, continues to present a problem. Overall, cover should not be too bad where it is actually suitable for quail. Vegetation growth was good to start the spring, and I believe conditions were mostly good for hatching and brood-rearing.”

Observational and anecdotal reports from the field have offered encouraging data for how well or poor the quail are doing compared to last season. John Mark Curtis, Mississippi and Alabama State Coordinator for Quail Forever says, “Several landowners who have been conducting habitat work have reported seeing large groups of young birds in late August and September. Hopefully this indicates a successful breeding season.”

Additionally, Mississippi conducts breeding season quail call counts from selected Wildlife Management Areas, and the results look encouraging.

“Looking at some of our typically better quail habitat Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), the numbers from call count surveys are generally better this year than last year. From these WMAs, we saw an average increase of about 24% in the 2024 call count index compared to 2023. The 2024 range in these counts is about 0.2 – 2.3 male bobwhites heard calling per listening station. For all WMAs surveyed, we saw about a 15% increase in the 2024 call count index compared to 2023,” Hamrick says.

TOP SPOTS

Hamrick directs quail hunters to the Mississippi WMAs and national forests in the southwest and southeast regions for potential public land hunting opportunities. “Prescribed burning and other forest management activities in these piney woods areas produce some favorable quail habitat. However, keep expectations modest for public land hunting.”

He also adds that Charles Ray Nix WMA in Northwest Mississippi has been opened to quail hunting opportunities for going on three seasons. More information can be found at the National Forest website as well as the Mississippi WMA website.

INSIDER TIP

For those ready to explore the piney woods of Mississippi, Hamrick advises, “As always, quail hunters in Mississippi should be prepared to cover a lot of ground to find birds. Quail will often use hardwood edges and very thick cover, particularly as winter progresses. Work these areas within the vicinity of grass fields and more open woods with grassy ground cover. Places that have been burned within the last year may be most productive. Woodcock (December 18 – January 31 season) are often found on many of the same areas as quail and can at times provide some additional bird contacts. Just be sure to have the Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification for migratory birds on license before pursuing woodcock.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Missouri

Promising Conditions for a Rewarding Season

By Andrew White, Missouri State Coordinator for PF & QF

With the growing restoration of native vegetation across the landscape, hunters in the “Show-Me State” have much to anticipate this season. New partnerships within the conservation community have made significant strides for quail, pheasants, and other wildlife, improving the prospects for a rewarding hunting experience.

Weather & Habitat

Similar to last year’s report, the winter of 2023/2024 was relatively mild. The early spring rains, coupled with intermittent precipitation throughout the summer, have created optimal conditions for both insects and chick development.

The state’s continued commitment to conservation, through both traditional and innovative programs, has been instrumental in fostering this favorable outlook. Efforts such as the establishment of native grasses, wildflowers, and woody cover are yielding positive results.

Furthermore, I have received reports and photos from landowners in northern Missouri indicating successful hatches and broods as early as April this year. These observations underscore the effectiveness of our state’s ongoing conservation initiatives.

At the time of this writing, the 2024 roadside survey results have not been posted, but when they are posted they will be available here.

Key Takeaways

Public Land is Buzzing with Quail Activity – This June, we conducted a team training session at a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conservation area where quail were abundant throughout the large property. If you have a new pup and this is their first season, it’s the perfect time to get them out. Both you and your dog will have plenty of opportunities to refine your skills throughout the season.

Focus on Diversity – Consider a quail’s essential survival needs: food and cover. Seek out areas with native and diverse vegetation. Look for open grasslands with sparse grass, abundant forbs, and some nearby woody cover. These conditions are ideal for holding birds. If the winter comes in swinging, venture over to public land food plots, especially if a small grain was planted. During harsh winter weather, quail won’t venture too far from a food source, especially if it is near woody cover.

Hit the Trap Range – Trust me, it’s worth the effort to brush up on your shooting skills before the season starts. Spend some time at the range and shoot a few rounds. It’s a great way to refine your aim and build muscle memory which will pay off in the field. The extra practice will not only enhance your performance but also ensure a more enjoyable and successful hunting experience for both you and your four-legged companion.

For a summary of Missouri’s hunting regulations view the 2024 Missouri Hunting Regulation Guidebook.

To find public hunting areas in Missouri visit MDC’s “Find Places to Go” tool.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Nebraska

A Season of Hope

By Ryan Sparks, Quail Forever Journal editor

The 2024 Nebraska quail season presents a mixed but generally positive outlook. Following a favorable spring and summer, with decent rainfall and moderate temperatures, quail numbers are expected to be stable or slightly improved compared to previous years. Habitat conditions have been relatively good, thanks in part to favorable weather patterns.

HABITAT CONDITIONS

Drought has plagued Nebraska quail hunters the last few years. Since 2021, a lack of rainfall has led to declining habitat conditions, especially in the central and western parts of the state.

In 2023, moderate rainfall somewhat relieved drought conditions, although the rains came too late in the spring to make much of a difference for nesting and brooding. Although habitat conditions were better compared to previous years, emergency haying and grazing was authorized in many counties due to dry conditions early in the year.

The winter of 2023/2024 was relatively mild except for one frigid spell in January, and so far, 2024 has been a return to normal in terms of rainfall for much of the state.

“Things are looking better coming out of the last few years of drought,” says Brian O’Connor, Nebraska Game and Parks’ Upland Game Program Manager. “We’ve had decent overwintering and decent production, so we should expect to see a decent quail season.”

While O’Connor is carefully optimistic, Nebraska quail hunters are crossing their fingers that quail are on the rebound.

For current drought conditions, hunter should consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

QUAIL NUMBERS

Nebraska’s quail population is analyzed based on annual rural mail carrier surveys conducted each July. Looking at the entire state, this year’s quail survey increased by 7% compared to 2023 and 16% compared to the five-year average. However, quail counts are down 26% from the 20-year average.

The takeaway? Quail number should be better than the last few years, but are still nowhere near their historical numbers.

According to the Nebraska Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook: “Increases were recorded for all management units except the east central area. Fall populations will depend largely on production during the nesting and brooding seasons, and with the quality of moisture received this year the habitat conditions look good for nesting and brooding. Brood reports are limited, as usual, but coming in of increased brood size. Observations of adult pairs and continued male calling throughout the summer are being reported. These are indications of additional and renesting attempts, which are often good signs. According to surveys, the Southeast, East Central, and Republican management regions should support the state’s highest quail densities.”

Kelsi Wehrman, the Senior State Coordinator for Quail Forever located in Nelson, Nebraska says she is hearing quail everywhere. “The numbers should be good this year,” she says. “We’ve had decent moisture, there are a lot of insects, and the cover is looking good compared to the last few years. I’m excited for quail season.”

Hunters looking for the highest concentrations of quail should look to Gage, Jefferson, and Johnson County in the southeast; Franklin, Furnas, and Harlan County in the Republican management zone; and Butler, Seward, and Thayer County in the east central part of the state.

ACCESS

Nebraska is more than 97% privately owned, but still offers fantastic public hunting opportunities through its Open Fields and Waters Program which provides public access to private lands. Nebraska currently has over 350,000 acres enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program.

Additionally, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever recently launched the Nebraska Community Access Partnership (NCAP). The primary focus of this initiative is within 60 miles of Ogallala in Keith, Garden, Deuel, and Arthur Counties. The program also has a secondary focus in Lincoln, Cheyenne, Morrill, and Kimball Counties. The focal area has lodging and food resources already in place for a successful hunting trip. This in turn benefits the community by creating a new hunting “hub” to benefit both hunters seeking a quality hunting area and the community during the “off season” of summer tourism. There are currently 17,000 acres enrolled in the NCAP program.

The most up to date information regarding public hunting access in Nebraska can be found in the Nebraska Public Access Atlas. Be sure to check the guide before heading into the field. Properties are added and removed each year so there is no guarantee that a hunting location from last year will be available in 2024.

Nebraska also publishes a Stubble Guide, which shows fields of wheat stubble available for public access.

Nebraska’s Open Fields and Waters Program is funded through the purchase of a habitat stamp, federally matched funds, as well as by conservation groups like Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

OVERALL HUNTING PROSECTS

Hunters in Nebraska can expect a generally good quail season for 2024. The anticipated stability and localized increases in quail populations suggest improved quail numbers in many parts of the state. However, success rates will vary depending on specific local conditions and habitat quality. Hunters are encouraged to check with local wildlife management offices for detailed information on specific hunting areas.

Check the Nebraska Game and Parks website for more information.

IF YOU GO

Season Dates:
Pheasant, quail and partridge: Oct. 26, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
Youth pheasant, quail and partridge: Oct. 19 – 20, 2024

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Nevada

Nevada Hunters Have Much to Look Forward to

By Lauren Stamm, Southwest Regional Representative for Quail Forever

Nevada is an upland hunting destination for those willing to walk on the steep side and venture into the remote mountains of central and northern Nevada. With 48 million acres of public land there are plenty of opportunities to find solace and birds. The state provides opportunities to hunt California quail, Gambel’s quail, mountain quail, dusky, sooty, and ruffed grouse, sage grouse, chukar, Hungarian partridge, Himalayan snowcock, and a small population of pheasants.

Chukar are found throughout the state but are generally in higher numbers in central and northern Nevada.

California quail are found in the northwest corner of the state, while Gambel’s quail are found in the southern portion of the state (Nye, Lincoln, and Clark County).

This is predicted to be a good chukar and quail season in Nevada. While chick recruitment is down, the overall number of birds appears to be higher than 2023.

Weather Conditions:

Nevada continues to recover from severe drought conditions in 2020 and 2021, but with 2023 having above average rainfall statewide, and continued above average rainfall into the spring of 2024, chukar and quail are faring well in these conditions. Late-summer large scale wildfires in the northern part of the state will impact habitat and access, especially for early season hunters.

Broods and Counts

“Southern and northern Nevada have an increased number of birds in general with the mild winter and continued rainfall to allow for more carryover birds,” says Dr. Justin Small, the Small Game Biologist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

Small also notes the average chick or juvenile to adult ratio for observed statewide chukar is about 4.8. This number is lower than what was seen in 2023.

The Southern Nevada Quail Forever Chapter observed Gambel’s quail and/or chukar on 26 sites, and there were two sites where birds were not observed in 2024. This is their third year conducting surveys to measure population changes and recruitment, which is a small sample size. However, it appears that recruitment among both Gambel’s quail and chukar across the entire survey area was generally slightly lower than in 2023.

In the northwest part of the state California quail have been reported to have good numbers as observed by NDOW biologists.

Insider Tips

According to Small the northern part of the state (100 miles north or south of I80) will get you into ideal chukar habitat. Small stated that spots that may not have been as productive in years past may be holding chukar again. Venturing out to new areas and getting off the beaten path may pay off this year.

Some areas of Nevada are very remote and may have no cell phone service so plan accordingly. In the southern portion of the state, especially in Gambel’s country, prepare for cholla and prickly pear cactus even in chukar country. A sturdy pair of boots and heat acclimated dogs will be very beneficial even in the winter months, especially in the southern portion of the state.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: New Mexico

Average Year Expected Amid Drought Conditions

By Brad Trumbo

If pursuing a wide variety of quail species through picturesque landscapes with vibrant sunsets is on your bucket list, New Mexico, “the land of enchantment,” is the place to be. Bobwhite, scaled, Montezuma, and Gambel’s quail all reside in New Mexico, each offering a unique experience. Additionally, the landscape has a rich cultural history and a feeling of the “old west” as you traverse the terrain.

New Mexico is likely to see an average quail year for much of the state, but severe drought continues to affect scaled quail in the state’s southeast portion.

Weather and Conditions

New Mexico received more precipitation this year than last, with the northern two-thirds experiencing normal rainfall to moderate drought. Conversely, southern New Mexico, particularly the southeast, experienced significant drought.

“Though there was some winter moisture, it wasn’t enough for a big boost in Gambel’s quail, which respond positively to winter moisture,” said Casey Cardinal, Resident Game Bird Biologist with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

“Scaled quail can capitalize on rains across spring and summer. Although monsoons were decent in June and July, these rains weren't enough to eliminate drought in many areas,” Cardinal said.

For current drought conditions consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Habitat, Broods, and Counts

Hatch and brood-rearing conditions are contingent upon precipitation and were acceptable in the northern portion of the state. Montezuma and Gambel’s quail experienced better nesting and brood-rearing conditions, but continued drought in southeastern New Mexico resulted in poor conditions for scaled and bobwhite quail.

“The number of quail pairs observed without chicks throughout the summer suggested that breeding success would be low this year. Gambel’s quail production was average to slightly below average across much of the state,” Cardinal said.

The monsoon season provided much-needed precipitation for scaled quail, prompting a successful late-season hatch, but below-average production overall is expected.

“There was more rain in east-central New Mexico, and reports of reproduction have been slightly better in this area. Montezuma quail numbers were up last year, and with the decent July monsoon, they could have another successful breeding year,” Cardinal said.

Top Spots

Based on drought conditions, bobwhite and scaled quail likely experienced the best conditions and hatch success in Roosevelt and northern Chaves Counties this year. You’ll find bobwhites in bunchgrasses and sand sagebrush. Scaled quail rely on a composition of shrubs, forbs, and grasses with a good amount of bare dirt and rocks. “Avoid habitats with dense creosote bushes as scaled quail are not likely to be found there,” Cardinal said.

Gambel’s quail are generally found in the state’s southwestern portion and have been doing well in Hidalgo, Grant, and Luna counties. Considering drought conditions this year, Sierra and Socorro Counties may provide a better opportunity. Water and shrub cover are essential for Gambel’s quail.

Montezuma quail occupy the mountainous areas in Catron, Sierra, Grant, and Hidalgo counties in the southwest, which is a good focal region this year considering New Mexico’s drought conditions. Pinion-juniper tree cover between 30-70% with good grasses and rolling terrain is optimal for Montezuma quail.

Insider Tips

A good bird dog is paramount to hunting Montezuma quail. They tend to hold tight to the ground where they stand rather than fly or run for cover. Without a dog to point them out, you will likely walk right by them.

Gambel’s quail will run on you. Keep after them, keep watch for singles and doubles that peel off and hold tight, and trust your dog on every point, even if the quail are consistently keeping ahead of you.

Cactus and rattlesnakes can be problematic for hunting dogs, and mesquite can also be thorny. Additionally, rocky soil can wear on a dog’s paw pads. Hunting after the New Year can help avoid snakes. Be sure to run your dog with boots to save their feet and carry a comb to remove cactus from your dog while saving your fingers.

For more information visit the New Mexico Game & Fish website.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: North Carolina

Declining Habitat Means Declining Quail Populations in North Carolina

By Oliver Hartner

Bobwhite quail populations in North Carolina continued to decline this year, mostly due to an inadequate amount of viable habitat under intense management. Populations remain low, especially in western parts of the state. However, there are some hopeful pockets located in corners of the state where land management practices and continued work by Quail Forever volunteers have stabilized populations.

WEATHER AND HABITAT

As in the past, weather patterns have had less effect on North Carolina’s quail population than the lack of suitable habitat. Hannah Plumpton, Upland Game Bird Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission says, “It was a mild winter this year which should benefit quail survival although we have no surveys to confirm this. Summer conditions here have been relatively dry through late spring and early summer. That usually translates to modest levels of nesting and brood-rearing. High levels of rain in the second half of the summer will have perhaps been detrimental to young broods.”

Nevertheless, areas implementing best management practices for habitat should not have seen a drastic change in the number of coveys they hold. “While we do not conduct any formal brood surveys or whistle counts for quail, anecdotal reports have pointed to modest-to-average reproduction rate on intensely managed properties, but overall, we really don’t receive a lot of reports for quail,” Plumpton says.

TOP SPOTS

In places where habitat is being managed in southeastern parts of the state, there are still opportunities for quail hunters in North Carolina. Plumpton says, “Permit hunting opportunities for quail on Voice of America Game Land and Murphy Brown Corporate Cure area are pretty good.” They can be found here under the “Small Game” link.

The deadline to apply for permits is October 1, 2024. Jacob Comer, Senior Farm Bill Biologist for Quail Forever in North Carolina says, “Holly Shelter Game Lands and Suggs Mill Pond also have some habitat that might be worth pushing.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Ohio

Good Reason for Optimism in “The Buckeye State”

By Andy Fondrick

There should be some great opportunities to test the healthy cover and chase upland birds in “The Buckeye State” this fall after several years of favorable weather conditions. While it’s no guarantee, early indications are that quail numbers look to be heading in the right direction.

Weather and Conditions

Mother Nature has been fairly kind to Ohio’s upland birds when it comes to winter survival, nesting and brood rearing conditions over the past few years. The last 12 months have been no different.

“Most of the quail and pheasant range in Ohio experienced a relatively mild winter during the winter of 2023-24,” says Joseph Lautenbach, Wildlife Biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “As a result, both the quail and pheasant populations likely experienced above average over-winter survival.”

Following the mild winter, conditions in the spring and summer have made for a nice set of circumstances that should help quail populations successfully navigate the year ahead.

“Because much of the available upland habitat in Ohio is adjacent to floodplains, drier than average weather can yield conditions conducive for good nest and brood-rearing,” Lautenbach explains.

Habitat, Broods and Counts

According to Lautenbach, the amount of upland habitat available to pheasants has remained relatively stable from 2023 to 2024. “Most of the CRP looks to be in excellent condition,” he says. “Staff have done an excellent job maintaining upland habitat on Ohio’s public wildlife areas.”

Lautenbach goes on to say that there have been some anecdotal reports from staff reporting signs of a decent hatch.

“Ohio completes whistle counts for quail and crow counts for pheasants each spring,” he says. “Results from the 2024 survey indicate that Ohio’s quail population is stable compared to 2023.” He added that pheasant population remained stable, and maybe slightly increased from 2023.

All of this should be welcome news to Ohio hunters as they look to chase quail, and maybe bag a bonus pheasant or two in the process.

Top Spots & Tips

Lautenbach offered a few key areas to target if you’re looking to chase quail in Ohio this fall.

“Relatively speaking, quail numbers are greatest in south-central and southwestern Ohio,” he said. “All public land is closed to quail hunting, except for Tri-Valley Wildlife Area and a very limited controlled hunt opportunity at Crown City Wildlife Area.”

Lautenbach goes on to say, “While quail populations are not what they used to be in Ohio, there are still opportunities in the state. Hunters should make sure to secure written permission for hunting private land. Make sure to check the regulations to see if a county is open for quail hunting, because quail exist in pockets outside of the counties open for hunting.”

Visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website to find public land hunting opportunities and check out walk-in access opportunities through ODNR's OLHAP program.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Oklahoma

This Could Be a Banner Year for Oklahoma Quail

By Brad Trumbo

If chasing wild bobwhites across challenging, divergent habitats tickles your fancy, look no further than Oklahoma. Hunting conditions range from gator-filled swamps to the mountainous home of desert bighorn sheep, with bobwhites sprinkled throughout every Oklahoma county.

Bobwhite quail hunting has a long history in Oklahoma, with hunting seasons set to conserve populations as early as 1895. If you’ve been waiting for a banner year to make this legendary hunt, this is it.

Weather and Conditions

Oklahoma weather patterns have generally been favorable for nesting and brood-rearing this year. Severe drought has been problematic in recent years, but conditions were near normal across the panhandle and eastern half of the state. Moderate drought persists in Oklahoma’s western half, yet conditions were still better for quail than the past few years.

“We had a great spring. El Nino weather patterns bring rain and favorable conditions for quail throughout Oklahoma. There was a little hail, but it was localized, so there were no real weather-related impacts to quail. The state’s southwest corner looks better than in the past 4-5 years, anecdotally,” said Tell Judkins, Upland Game Biologist at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Mike Ford with the Homesteaders Quail Forever Chapter reported the same for northwestern Oklahoma.

For current drought conditions consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Habitat, Broods, and Counts

The 2023 bobwhite quail counts were again below the 10-year average but were up 45% over 2022 and were the best since 2017. Fortunately, 2024 is shaping up to top that by a long shot.

An abundance of forbs and insects brought favorable nesting and brood-rearing conditions.

“We have had some timely rains that produced lots of cover. There is an abundance of ragweed and sunflower. I’ve seen several coveys and one new hatch a few days ago [in late August]. It could be a decent season if the birds don’t play the November disappearing act,” Ford said.

“Food availability is great with multiple age-class broods. It’s a little early for specifics, but we are currently looking at three times the number of birds compared to August 2023,” Judkins said.

With only 72% of the annual survey data in hand, Judkins reported that quail numbers are already above the 10-year and long-term averages, up from 2.23 birds counted per route in 2023 to 6.7 as of late August 2024.

“Birds per route was 9.2 in 2016, the last big boom year. This year could still be higher than that once all the survey data are in,” Judkins said.

Due to the scaled quail’s limited presence in Oklahoma, the state’s quail call surveys are not a good indicator of scaled quail abundance.

Top Spots

Bobwhites can be found nearly anywhere in the state, so targeting good habitat is vital for finding birds. Oklahoma’s northwestern region has seen consistently higher quail call counts than other regions since around 2017.

Judkins notes that northwestern Oklahoma, “is generally where folks want to hunt. If you find public ground there, you’ll probably find birds,” he says.

If scaled quail are on your list, try Cimarron and Texas Counties in the panhandle and the counties in the state’s southwestern corner.

Insider Tips

Oklahoma presents a typically dry and prickly landscape with temperamental weather patterns. If you’re hunting the far west side, prepare for sandburs, prickly pear, and cholla cactus. Bring good boots for yourself and the dogs, plenty of water, and gear for all weather conditions.

If you’re a nonresident hunter, don’t wait until the last minute to hunt Oklahoma. Quail season runs until February 15th, but all western state wildlife management areas close to non-residents on January 31st. Private lands enrolled in the Oklahoma Land Access Program and federal lands are still open to nonresidents in February.

For more information visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Oregon

Birds in Great Shape as Fall Approaches

By Casey Sill, Public Relations Specialist – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Oregon offers some of the most varied upland opportunities in the country — from mountain quail and forest grouse in the west, to valley quail and pheasant in the east. Across the board, these species seem to be in good shape as we inch closer to fall, and quail stand out to have an excellent year in Oregon.

Weather and Conditions

Winter was close to ideal this year, with plentiful rain and negligible cold, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Upland Game Bird Coordinator, Mikal Cline.

“We had a nice winter,” she said. “Plenty of precipitation and not too much bitter cold. So I’m expecting that over-winter survival was quite good.”

Moderate conditions continued into spring, which came early across much of the range and provided plenty of moisture. This led to an excellent situation for quail, as well as Oregon’s other wildlife.

“It’s not just birds either. Mule deer finally had a good year of production as well,” Cline said. “It’s just amazing what adding a little bit of water on that dry old landscape will do, and the animals seem to be taking advantage of it.”

After several years of drought in Oregon, spring moisture was a welcomed sight across much of the state.

“The last two years we’ve kind of come out of that severe drought status,” Cline said. “Things are still recovering, but we’ve had a couple of good years.”

For current drought conditions consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Habitat and Brood Rearing

The wet winter and spring meant habitat was booming as brood rearing began. Continued moisture may have impacted the hatch in certain areas, but overall conditions were very good.

“I didn’t have any concerns about hatching or nesting conditions for quail,” Cline said. “There were certainly some periods where it got wet that might’ve affected hatch, but on the large scale I don’t have any concerns about our quail being able to pull off a good hatch.”

Conditions did shift a bit as summer approached, and as dry weather arrived, so too did the risk of wildfire.

“There’s so much cover out there, but the flip side is we got really hot this summer,” Cline said. “We had a spell of over 100 degrees. All that forage dried up and was very fire susceptible.”

The dry, hot weather led to a number of serious fires across Oregon, from the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the far northeast to the Cascades further west. While the impacts of these fires in the short term are negative, burns can be beneficial in the long run — particularly for mountain quail.

“The truth is that fires on the west side of the state are going to benefit mountain quail in the end,” Cline said. “They take off that tree cover and it comes back brushy, so that’s a good thing for mountain quail.”

Further to the east, valley quail seem to have had an even better year.

“We’ve had a couple of nice, wet years with lots of cover, and we’ve had several really good quail years in a row,” Cline said. “I think those populations just built up and conditions were ripe for a big hatch. We are crawling with valley quail this year. From the brood reports I’m getting and some of the anecdotal information, we’re just filthy with them.”

Alexander Dohman, a rangeland biologist with the Harney County Soil and Water Conservation District in Burns, Oregon, echoed Cline’s remarks.

“Right now we’re definitely seeing bigger broods and more new hatchling birds survive,” he said. “So I would say our California quail are definitely seeing an uptick in population.”

Top Spots

Speaking generally, head west in search of Oregon’s mountain quail and east for California quail. The Columbia Basin is an upland hotspot for both pheasants and quail, but this year Cline recommends a trip further south if you’re in search of California quail.

“If someone called me and wanted a recommendation, I’d probably send them down to the southeast or south central part of the state,” she said. “And then for mountain quail we’re talking about the southwest part of the state, on the other side of the mountains. The foothills of both the Cascade and the coast range have mountain quail.”

If You Go

Quail season in western Oregon runs from Sept. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025, with a daily bag limit of 10. In eastern Oregon, the season begins Oct. 12, 2024 and closes Jan. 31, 2025. The daily bag limit in the east is also 10, but it may not include more than two mountain quail.

Check out the complete 2024-25 Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations for more detailed information.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: South Carolina

South Carolina Quail Weather the Storm

By Oliver Hartner

Recent reports and trends suggest an average to below-average year for quail in the “Palmetto State” given weather and habitat conditions. Nevertheless, efforts from the private, public, and non-profit partnerships fostered through the South Carolina Bobwhite Initiative continue to benefit bobwhite quail on well-managed properties, along with the presence of full-time Quail Forever biologists and personnel in the state.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Dan R. Peoples, III, Assistant Small Game Project Leader for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), says, “Last year’s mild winter weather likely created some heat stress for quail that were hunted on a regular basis. However, summer weather this past year was a major climatic factor. Coinciding with the peak of nesting season this year, we had a slightly higher average max temperature across the state in May and June compared to the summer of 2023. This was also the start of drought conditions across two-thirds of the state.”

This deficit in precipitation was followed by a major weather event with Hurricane Debby, which caused extensive flooding in many areas of the state being managed for quail. Peoples says, “Hurricane Debby is likely going to be a common theme for this year’s quail season success rate. Debby dumped over ten inches of rain across several coastal counties which likely had a significant effect on chick survival in those areas.”

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Despite the variable weather conditions, places where best land management practices have been implemented should still hold healthy coveys.

Peoples says, “The results from our 2023-24 Quail Hunter Survey surveys were similar to the 2022-23 season, and the 2024 Whistling Cock Census was not meaningfully different than the 2023 survey or the 10-year average. The Turkey and Quail Brood Survey will be ending soon, and this report will help to determine how successful the brooding season was for the year. The annual Fall Covey Count that occurs in late October and early November is the best estimate for quail abundance, but simply stated, success is sustained or increased where habitat has been created or improved.”

Jake McClain, South Carolina State Coordinator for Quail Forever adds, “I have heard a fair number of reports about broods this year and have seen three broods myself. Though Hurricane Debby likely did not do us any short-term favors, local numbers where whistle counts are conducted seem to be holding steady.”

SCDNR will publish data from the brood survey for quail and wild turkey on their website as soon as possible.

TOP SPOTS

Peoples sees the greatest levels of success in the Piedmont and Midlands regions of the state and believes these areas will likely continue to hold birds where best management practices are being implemented.

He says: “Though Lee, Edgefield, and Newberry Counties are having the greatest success rates, public lands in these particular counties experience higher than normal pressure from quail hunters, which can be detrimental to their populations. It’s important to remember bobwhite quail can be found in any South Carolina county where you have good habitat like clearcuts, old fields, and fence lines. The national forests, state forests, and wildlife management areas that span across several other counties other than Lee, Edgefield, and Kershaw all have these features and very little, if any, pressure from hunters.”

Wherever you decide to hunt, public participation in hunter surveys is vitally important for estimating quail populations, trends, and harvest percentages. To participate in this survey or any other survey, please visit our small game survey website.”

INSIDER TIP

Peoples suggests, “Put some miles on your tires and your boots and find some good habitat. There are pockets of quail on both named and unnamed wildlife management areas across the state where you can find a covey or two and with little-to-zero pressure from other hunters. The rule of thirds, which is one-third native grasses, one-third herbaceous plants, and one-third woody species with 30% to 50% bare ground underneath is what to look for.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Tennessee

Tennessee Quail Navigate Habitat Challenges and Opportunities

By Oliver Hartner

Habitat in Tennessee has not been favorable for bobwhite quail for quite some time, and a summer with significant flood events in western parts of the state could have a negative impact on the population this season. However, for those places where habitat is being managed, the quail population looks stable, and Quail Forever has greatly expanded their presence in Tennessee to lend their hands to the effort.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

Winter conditions across the state this year did not seem to have affected the bobwhite population. Michael McCord, Certified Wildlife Biologist for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, reports, “Tennessee had a relatively mild winter, and overwinter survival should have been better than average throughout the state.”

However, exceptionally wet conditions during the month of May followed by two months of drought might have had a negative effect in many parts of the state. McCord says, “We experienced a very wet May followed by a drought through June and much of July. The drought persisted in southern middle Tennessee. Portions of west Tennessee experienced flooding midsummer. Field reports indicate that early season nesting was delayed by the weather conditions. Invertebrate resources (insects) for broods seem to have been largely unaffected in native communities.”

For current drought conditions in Tennessee, consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

HABITAT, BROODS, AND COUNTS

As in many areas of the southeast, habitat loss has created problems for Tennessee’s bobwhite quail population, and adverse weather conditions might have compounded this problem. However, areas where intense management practices have taken hold should see an average number of coveys. McCord explains, “Early successional growth is somewhat shorter and thinner than usual due to drought conditions but should be adequate on areas managed for bobwhites.”

With adverse habitat conditions throughout the state and region, drawing any substantive conclusions from the data becomes difficult. However, Tennessee is making inroads into stabilizing and growing their quail population through habitat improvement.

“Due to successful efforts, we are offering our inaugural bobwhite quota hunts at Bridgestone-Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA in White County this winter,” McCord says.

Brittney Viers, Tennessee State Coordinator for Quail Forever, along with several other staff from the organization are part of an expansion of the organization’s efforts to help Tennessee landowners manage their holdings for quail. “Our staff is covering the entire state now. Whereas in previous years, we only had three biologists in the western and middle regions of the state, we are now a team of seventeen full-time staff. We work with private landowners and producers on a daily basis to help improve quail and upland wildlife habitat on private lands, and we have improved habitat on over 124,000 acres so far.”

TOP SPOTS

For quail hunters interested in public land hunts in Tennessee, McCord says, “While navigating the registration process can be daunting, Fort Campbell contains some of the best habitat at a landscape scale in the state. Work with the wind and target cover edges where the native grasses give way to forbs or shrubby cover. Don’t be afraid to push into less traditional cover as the season progresses.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Texas

Bobwhites on the Rise in 2024

By Casey Sill, Public Relations Specialist – Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Anyone who was slightly depressed by the 2024 Texas pheasant forecast should find some solace in this year’s quail report. While long term drought does continue in parts of the state, key areas for quail have received above average rainfall, resulting in a turnaround in habitat conditions.

The foundation for this improvement was laid in spring 2023, and conditions have gotten even better this year. All told, Texas should be in for one of their best quail seasons since 2017.

Weather and Conditions

Early spring rainfall last year kicked off habitat improvement across the Texas quail range, and that trend continued in 2024.

“I would say temperature-wise, we have been blessed to have a relatively mild summer — at least prior to the month of August,” said Quail Forever Texas State Coordinator Thomas Janke. “I would also say most parts of the state, minus south Texas, have had timely, beneficial rainfalls leading up to and carrying through the nesting season. Again, south Texas has been below average most of the year, and deep east Texas is way above average right now, with some areas recording in excess of 75 inches to date.”

The August heat Janke mentioned brought extended triple-digit readings to much of the state’s quail range, with one Wildlife Management Area in Cottle County registering 18 consecutive days of 105 degree temperatures. This stunted some of the advance in habitat, but not enough to reverse the overall positive trend.

Habitat and Brood Rearing

Birds increased in number across almost every occupied region of the state in 2023, which gave the population a head start as nesting season began this year. Habitat continues to trend upward, with favorable grass and forb growth in almost all of Texas, with the exception of the west.

“Most habitat improvements benefited bobwhites,” said John McLaughlin, the Upland Game Bird Program Leader for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “With scaled quail in west Texas struggling with drought conditions early on.”

Reports are for good bobwhite hatches across most of the state, including core regions in the Rolling Plains and south Texas.

“Bird numbers increased early, and birds being observed outside their normal areas was common this summer,” McLaughlin said. “This points to an expanding population. Additional gains were made in the Panhandle and South Plains. Scaled quail did not fair as well and there are few reports of a good hatch to date – the only positive for scaled quail are reports of good carryover.”

Top Spots

Overall, the outlook for bobwhites in Texas this year is excellent. The Rolling Plains of north Texas has historically been a stronghold for bobwhites, as has south Texas. This should hold true again this year, with positive reports from both areas.

“The Rolling Plains looks to have outperformed this year’s expectations, with widespread reports of coveys and large broods throughout the year,” McLaughlin said. “Even despite the summer heat, birds appear to have found a way. South Texas benefited from good numbers last year and was helped with rainfall from this summer’s tropical storms and hurricanes. The region boasts large tracts of habitat and, like the Rolling Plains, has reported large coveys and chicks throughout the year. Conditions seem to be better out toward the coast.”

Janke echoed McLaughlin’s outlook and said he’s hearing good reports from central Texas as well.

“I have heard multiple landowner reports of quite a few more sightings or callings from bobwhite quail this year compared to the last couple, especially in the central part of the state,” he said. “I’m not sure how recent rain events have impacted the mid-coast, but I would guess that the Rolling Plains and mid-coast may have some of the stronger population trends this year.”

The outlook for scaled quail is average. Birds can certainly still be found in the Tran-Pecos region that population calls home, but they have not mirrored the boom of the bobwhite.

“The Tran-Pecos remains one of largest stronghold for blues,” McLaughlin said. “Bird numbers appeared to hold steady from last year, but without a good hatch and new fall recruits it's likely conditions will get worse as we move into the winter. That said, the region and the Edwards Plateau should provide decent opportunity for those with access to land with good habitat.”

For a more in-depth report on specific regions of Texas, check out the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation’s (RPQRF) 2024 forecast, which rates each area on a scale. The report is based on mostly landowner, hunter and biologist contacts. At the time of this writing, the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department forecast was not available but is expected by early October. RPQRF’s roadside count data will be released in their October newsletter.

If You Go

Quail season in Texas runs statewide from October 26, 2024, to February 23, 2025. The daily bag limit is 15 total for bobwhite quail, scaled quail (blue quail), and Gambel’s quail. There is no open season for Mearns (Montezuma) quail in Texas.

For current drought condition consult the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Virginia

Mild Winter and Strategic Habitat Management Set the Stage for a Stable Season

By Oliver Hartner

Virginia avoided serious drought and had another mild winter, which should bolster quail coveys in the “Old Dominion” state, especially in the southeast. Anecdotal evidence suggests public and private lands implementing best practices for habitat management should see stable quail activity in their local populations.

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

“We had a mild winter with only one flooding event and very little snow. Our quail population came through the winter in great condition,” says Marc Puckett, Wildlife Biologist and Small Game Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

A two-month long dry spell from early June to late July offered just enough rain to avoid total drought. Rainfall then increased and has been above average ever since, making it difficult to know how well the hatching season went.

Puckett explains, “We did have some major flooding in our southeastern counties which could have impacted some young broods, and I believe the hatching weather has been slightly below average. However, I feel the late season hatch will make up for any early season losses.”

HABITAT, BROODS AND COUNTS

Despite their challenges, Virginia quail populations appear to be poised for another stable season in 2024.

Puckett and other wildlife biologists have seen encouraging results from their efforts over the last decade to increase conservation program recruitment and habitat restoration. “Anecdotally, I am hearing many good reports of brood sightings. I had several very good reports of pair sightings and whistling males early on. Private properties managing for quail have also had good reports of brood sightings. There is also indications of a late hatch happening currently, and with our typically-mild fall weather patterns, these late hatch birds have a good chance at survival,” he explains.

Survey data analyzed from recent years suggests a stable trend and slight increase for Virginia’s quail population overall.

TOP SPOTS

Puckett believes the eastern third of the state in the coastal plain along with the Piedmont areas offer the best opportunity for successful quail hunting.

“Virginia’s best quail hunting lies east of I-95 for the most part. There is also fair to good quail hunting on Fort Barfoot in south central Virginia. It is approximately 41,000 acres with room to roam, but it is hunted intensively, especially during the deer season which overlaps with quail for many weeks,” says Puckett.

The area requires a separate license in addition to the regular state hunting license. If trying to hunt on the fort, be prepared to spend enough time on the base to get to know the area and become familiar with it. To find other upland hunting WMA properties in Virginia visit the Virginia DWR website.

INSIDER TIP

Along with scouting, taking the time to obtain permission on private land is well worth it.

Puckett suggests, “The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula offer good hunting populations, but most land is privately owned there along with most of southeastern Virginia that has good populations. Getting to know local landowners and hunt clubs will take some effort but could pay off.”

Quail Hunting Forecast 2024: Washington

“Everything Seems to be Coming up for Quail”

By Jack Hutson

WEATHER AND CONDITIONS

“Winter conditions were fairly mild,” says Bradly Trumbo, a biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and an active Quail Forever member in southeast Washington. “Though there were a few days of below zero temps, we had very little snow which allowed upland birds, even the smaller quail, opportunities to feed,” he continues.

Sarah Garrison, Small Game Specialist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), gave this synopsis for eastern Washington: “This past winter was mild with temperatures above average and precipitation close to average through most of our quail range. Overwinter survival should have been fairly high.”

Uplanders know that often, spring determines the fall and Garrison reports that spring temperatures were average, but conditions were dry in the central part of the state. “This has its tradeoffs,” says Garrison. “We had limited nesting cover, but low moisture lessened the risk of hypothermia to newly hatched chicks.”

Trumbo agrees; “Spring was spectacular. It remained cool into June with regular precipitation in the southeast, but not the kind that kills a clutch. That rain meant lots of bugs this spring and summer. We had a few super-hot days this summer, but we’ve had worse in the past and I think the birds were able to hunker down along the creeks to ride it out.”

“Everything seems to be coming up quail,” continues Garrison. “Despite the drought, some field reports are showing good-sized valley quail coveys, particularly in central and north-central Washington.”

However, Garrison remains cautious. “I should add that the northeastern part of the state had more moisture in the spring compared to the rest of eastern Washington,” he adds. “So far, they seem to be having a fairly typical year for quail populations.”

Trumbo is more optimistic. “Quail are everywhere,” he declared. “This is our third consecutive year that appears to be spectacular for quail. I’m seeing many big broods of a dozen or more chicks and I am counting on a second clutch as well.”

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

For valley quail, the state’s most prevalent quail species, eastern Washington is the place to go. Look for cropland bordered by brushy to lightly forested areas or riparian zones. Trumbo also suggests looking for blackberry thickets, which are associated with superb valley quail hunting.

In the drier central portion of the state, quail are found in thick tangles of tall brush, especially near stream beds and irrigated valley bottoms. Look for brushy draws that run down to irrigated agricultural fields or agriculture bordered by sage or shrub steppes.

MOUNTAIN QUAIL

For those that seek adventure, the elusive mountain quail can be found in southwest Washington. Seek state or county owned forestland in the Key Peninsula, Pierce County, and southeast portions of Thurston County. Keep in mind that much of this region is privately owned and permission is essential. Look for brushy areas of two- to six-year-old logged forest in mountainous terrain. Due to the secluded nature of mountain quail, the specific outlook for the autumn season is difficult to determine.

IF YOU GO

District biologists are currently finalizing Washington’s annual Hunting Prospects Report, which is a great resource for hunters looking for local information. The WDFW website also contains additional information for hunters looking for quail hunting opportunities.

Additionally, WDFW launched a brood and distribution survey for upland birds in 2023 that is open to the public. Those wishing to report game bird sightings can do so here.