HUNTING - A SPECIAL BIRD

THE BOB WHITE QUAIL
By Jim Foster

(Published 10/5/2007 in the Port Isabel/ South Padre Island Press - The San Benito News)

I can remember fondly, when the hunting was good, getting out early with my dog to hunt one of the areas near home, and be back in time for lunch. Now, as I travel other areas and other states it’s always those mornings with now departed friends that come to mind.

These hunts are still special.

Among the several species of quail the bob white quail has been number one because – in most cases- it will hold for a pointing dog allowing the human part of the team to get off at least one shot. Of course many times the covey erupts in a flurry of wings only to land some distance away with all their members in tact.

A lesson needing to be learned early on is a quail hunter must pick one bird and not shoot at the covey. These little guys can fly and mostly not in a straight line.

For years South Texas has been one of the leading areas for Texas quail hunting. In recent years there has been a noticeable decline in quail numbers in some areas due to either the drought or predication or causes unknown. The latter is mostly the reason. This year seems to have been wetter and holds better prospects of good hunting.

Quail experts will tell you hunting has no effect on quail populations because 80 plus percent will die anyway. In a way I would like to believe this is true. The question I ask is what if the quail I killed during a late season hunt were part of the 20 percent to have survived, nest, and produce young?

After observing a ranch recover its quail population through a hunting closure over the last three years it seems that the closure is working. Quail have increased each year and now with the excellent range conditions going into winter will keep improving. On this ranch all of the 20 percent of the surviving birds will go into the nesting season. It may be just me but it seems to be working.

On those areas not closed by landowners and the state the expectations are high for a good quail season.
Quail season opens statewide October 27 and runs through February 24. The daily bag limit for quail is 15, with 45 in possession. The bag limit is the maximum number that may be killed during the shooting hours in one day.

Good hunting - Enjoy your four-legged hunting partner.

If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com