Quail Hunting
The gentleman's bird of field and covey
About Quail Hunting
Quail hunting is one of North America's most cherished upland traditions, combining the partnership with pointing dogs, challenging wing shooting, and the camaraderie of hunting coveys across beautiful terrain.
The northern bobwhite remains the most economically important game bird in North America, though populations have declined significantly since the 1960s. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration to support healthy quail populations.
Six distinct quail species are hunted across North America, each with unique habitat preferences and behaviors that make pursuing them a lifelong passion for dedicated upland hunters.
Why Hunt Quail
Dog Work
Watching a well-trained pointer lock up on a covey is the pinnacle of bird dog work
Challenging Shooting
Explosive flushes and small targets test your wing shooting skills
Beautiful Country
From southern pine forests to desert grasslands - stunning landscapes
Social Hunt
Walking up coveys with friends and dogs creates lasting memories
Quail Species
Six quail species are hunted across North America, each adapted to different habitats.
- Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) - Eastern/Midwest, most popular species
- California Quail (Callipepla californica) - West Coast, distinctive topknot
- Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii) - Desert Southwest, forward-curving plume
- Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) - "Blue quail" of arid grasslands
- Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) - Largest species, western mountains
- Mearns Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) - "Harlequin quail" of Arizona/New Mexico
Covey Behavior
Understanding how quail live in coveys is key to successful hunting.
- Covey Size: 12-25 birds (average 12-15 for bobwhites)
- Roosting: Birds arrange tail-to-tail in tight circles at night
- Flush Pattern: Crouch tight, then explode in all directions
- Singles: After covey breaks, scattered birds hold tighter
- Home Range: Coveys occupy relatively small territories
General Season Information
Quail seasons vary by state and species, typically running from fall through winter. Many states have closed or restricted seasons due to population concerns, particularly for bobwhite quail.
Seasons typically open in November and run through January or February, though western desert species may have longer seasons due to healthier populations.
Always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency. Some species like Mearns quail have limited seasons or are closed entirely in certain states.
Best Hunting Times
Early Morning
Birds feeding actively after leaving roost - easiest to locate
Late Afternoon
Feeding before returning to roost - second-best window
Midday
Less productive - birds loafing in cover, harder to find
Example Regulations
Typical Bag Limits
- Bobwhite: 6-15 birds/day depending on state
- California/Gambel's: 10 birds/day combined in many states
- Scaled Quail: 15 birds/day in some western states
- Mearns Quail: Often 5 or fewer due to population concerns
Conservation Note
- Bobwhite populations declined 85% from 1966-2014
- Habitat loss is the primary driver of decline
- Many states have closed or restricted seasons
- Support habitat conservation organizations
Hunting Over Pointing Dogs
The classic quail hunting experience involves following well-trained pointers or setters. When the dog freezes on point with tail skyward, you know birds are ahead.
Dog Work Keys
- Walk behind the pointed dog, muzzle skyward, safety on
- Walk parallel with hunting partners to avoid accidents
- Let the dog maintain proper distance to prevent premature flush
- Hunt wild birds to teach dogs not to crowd coveys
- Trust your dog - they know when birds are there
Flushing Dogs
Labs and spaniels work differently than pointers, pushing birds into flight rather than holding point. They're excellent for thick cover where pointing dogs struggle.
Flushing Dog Tips
- Recall dog at ~15 yards to maintain close working pattern
- Train "sit-to-flush" to keep dog from leaping into shot pattern
- Excellent for pinning running birds in heavy cover
- Some hunters use flushers as "strike dogs" with pointers
Walking Up Birds
Without dogs, hunters walk in zigzag patterns through likely habitat to push quail from hiding. Cover more ground to find more birds.
Walking Tips
- Walk zigzag pattern to cover more ground
- Be ready for sudden, explosive flushes
- Running birds need to be pushed into heavy cover
- More ground covered = more birds found
Covey vs. Singles
After flushing a covey, scattered singles often hold tighter and provide excellent shooting opportunities.
Singles Strategy
- Mark where individual birds land after covey flush
- Singles often hold tight - dogs get close before pointing
- Work the area thoroughly - birds rarely fly far
- Some hunters prefer singles over covey shooting
Shotguns for Quail
Quail hunting favors light, fast-handling shotguns. The 20 gauge is most popular, with the elegant 28 gauge a favorite for all-day hunts.
Recommended Gauges
- 20 Gauge: Most popular - light recoil, effective, fast handling
- 28 Gauge: Excellent choice - lighter gun, minimal recoil, ideal for long walks
- 16 Gauge: Viable option, split difference between 20 and 12
- 12 Gauge: Generally considered overkill for quail
"Like hitting a walnut with a sledgehammer" - experienced hunters on 12 gauge for quail
Shot & Chokes
Small shot and open chokes are the rule for quail. Tight patterns destroy birds at close range and make hitting difficult.
Recommendations
- Shot Size: #7½, #8, or #9 (most versatile: #8)
- Bobwhite Chokes: Never tighter than Modified
- Double Guns: Improved Cylinder & Modified, or Skeet & Light Modified
- Single Barrel: Light Modified is ideal compromise
- Scaled Quail (longer shots): Modified & Full acceptable
Upland Clothing
- Upland Vest: Multiple pockets, game pouch, blaze orange for visibility
- Boots: Rugged, breathable, waterproof - comfortable for all-day walking
- Brush Pants: Double-lined fronts, water-resistant, protect from thorns
- Chaps/Gaiters: Block burs and debris, keep pants dry
- Colors: Earthy tones (tan, green, brown) plus blaze orange for safety
Essential Gear
- Quality Boots: Most important gear - you'll walk many miles
- Water: For you and your dog
- Dog Supplies: Water bowl, first aid, extra collar/lead
- GPS/Map: Easy to get disoriented following dogs
- Snacks: Energy for long walks
- Compass: Basic navigation backup
Handling Quail
Quail are small birds that require minimal field processing. Keep them cool and clean for best meat quality.
Field Care
- Cool birds quickly - don't pile in vest
- Use game pouch with ventilation
- In hot weather, field dress or ice immediately
- Keep birds separated for air circulation
- Process same day or refrigerate promptly
Processing Quail
Most hunters breast out quail for the quickest processing, though plucking allows roasting whole birds.
Methods
- Breasting: Pull skin back, pop out breast - fastest method
- Plucking: More work but allows roasting whole
- Dry Pluck: Works best immediately after harvest
- Legs: Small but worth keeping for some recipes
Cooking Quail
Quail are delicate birds that cook quickly. Don't overcook - they dry out fast.
Popular Preparations
- Grilled: Butterflied, marinated, quick high-heat grill
- Roasted: Whole birds, bacon-wrapped to add moisture
- Pan-Fried: Breasts in cast iron with butter
- Deep Fried: Southern classic - battered or buttermilk-soaked
- Smoked: Low and slow, brine first
Storage
Quail freeze well but don't store as long as larger game birds due to small size and high surface-to-volume ratio.
- Refrigerator: 2-3 days
- Freezer (wrapped): 4-6 months
- Freezer (vacuum sealed): 9-12 months
- Packaging: Vacuum seal or wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
Hunting Tips
Pick One Bird
Never shoot into the middle of a covey - focus on ONE bird at a time
Hunt the Edges
Quail love edge habitat where cover types meet open areas
Work Singles Thoroughly
After a covey flush, scattered birds hold tight - don't leave too soon
Trust Your Dog
A good bird dog knows where quail are - follow their lead
Shooting Tips
Stay Calm on the Flush
Explosive flushes startle everyone - take a breath before mounting
Effective Range
Most quail are taken within 30 yards - don't skyblast
Swing Through
Keep the gun moving - stopping your swing causes misses
Mark Downed Birds
Small birds disappear in cover - watch where they fall
Safety Reminders
Shooting Zones
- Each hunter has a 90-degree safe zone from imaginary line ahead
- Hunter on right swings right; hunter on left swings left
- NO low shots - only shoot birds above brush line
- NO turning to shoot birds flushing behind you
- Know your lane and stay in it
Dog Safety
- Always know where your dog is before shooting
- Approach pointed dog from behind with muzzle up
- Walk parallel with partners, never staggered
- Double-barrel shotguns preferred for group safety
- Keep gun open/broken when not actively hunting
Ready to Hunt Quail?
Find hunting locations near you that offer quail hunting opportunities.