HUNTING -More About Quail

“THAT’S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE SOUTH”
by Jim Foster

Those were the words of an old acquaintance, Phil Harris, sang in his hit recording of many years ago. However for the better part of my life the South meant Texas, and to be more specific, quail hunting that lasts well into February. Now That’s what I like about the South.

Following the dogs through the bird fields is what I enjoy and rubbing elbows with gentleman of the upland hunt has been as rewarding as any experience outdoors.

Texas has fulfilled the hunters wish again this year with healthy populations of Mr. Bob White Quail.

The statewide quail season runs October 27 through February 24. The daily bag limit is 15, with 45 in possession.
Most know that quality quail hunting is tied directly to production. The good news is - this year’s crop of birds looks to be above the average and hunter’s are proving that daily.

Ideal quail production occurs in years that remain wet and cool during the spring and early summer months because it extends the window of opportunity for reproduction.

This year, most of the state experienced an unseasonably wet spring and summer with below-normal summer temperatures. For these reasons quail production was expanded in some areas of the state.

Even if your quail hunting and success was bad last year you likely will have a great season this year. The coastal areas of South Texas are no exception. Ranches are experiencing a bountiful covey of quail.

The Rolling Plains Region of the state had an unusually cool and wet spring and summer resulted in an extended breeding season for bobwhites. This is evidenced by field reports of differing size classes of chicks observed throughout the summer. Although they were impacted by dry conditions last year, much of the region seemed to carry over enough birds to make a decent rebound.

The South Texas Plains region also experienced an extended breeding season but seems to have had even fewer breeders available in the spring than the Rolling Plains. Flooding was also an issue in some counties. Pairs will re-nest if chicks or eggs are lost to exposure or flooding, but it’s just one more hurdle for the birds to overcome. Good production confirmed certain areas, especially in the eastern half- coastal areas - were holding fair to good numbers of birds.

These areas will offer good hunter opportunity. The Chaparral and the Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas provide public quail hunting opportunities.

The Valley has several public hunting areas where I have found good quail hunting for the past several years. Hunting access to on managed public land is available with the purchase of a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit, which can be bought wherever hunting licenses are sold, online or by calling toll free (800) 895-4248.

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