Texas Quail Numbers Look Good Heading Into the Nov. 1 Opener
TPWD's roadside surveys found bobwhites above average in most regions and scaled quail booming out west. The Edwards Plateau count more than doubled.
Texas quail hunters have reason to look forward to opening day. Quail season opens Nov. 1, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's annual roadside survey, released Oct. 14, points to another good season.
TPWD biologists drove more than 3,300 miles of survey routes in early August. Good habitat and timely rain helped both bobwhite and scaled quail.
"Overall, the numbers were once again in good shape in this year's surveys, and we anticipate a good season for hunters especially in the South Texas and Trans Pecos regions where populations have traditionally been the strongest," said Patrick Schutz, TPWD upland game bird program leader.
Bobwhites
Most regions saw more bobwhites per route than their 15-year average. In South Texas, biologists counted an average of 10.17 bobwhites per route, above the 15-year average of 9.92, with multiple successful hatches. Public hunting is available at the Chaparral and James E. Daughtrey wildlife management areas.
The Rolling Plains came in slightly lower than last year but should still offer solid hunting. Public options there include Matador, Gene Howe and the newer 11,091-acre Teacup Mountain WMA, which is being managed in part for bobwhites.
Schutz said biologists expected the hot, dry summer to hurt bobwhites, but they were pleased with the statewide results.
Scaled quail are booming
Scaled quail, often called blue quail, continued their climb, beating the 15-year average in most regions. The biggest jump was on the Edwards Plateau, where biologists counted 29.88 per route, up from 14.00 last year and far above the 15-year average of 8.38.
Late spring rain and strong habitat in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau produced multiple broods. TPWD expects Black Gap and Elephant Mountain WMAs to offer good public hunting for scaled quail.
"Scaled quail have taken full advantage of the quality habitat conditions and rainfall out west," Schutz said. "This should provide ample opportunities this season for those hunters willing to put in a few miles chasing these exceptional birds."
Before you go
TPWD says its surveys show regional trends, and local conditions can vary a lot. For county-level outlooks, call a local TPWD wildlife biologist. Public land hunters need the Annual Public Hunting Permit, should check the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet, and can register on site with the Texas Hunt & Fish app.
Take someone new
Schutz said it best: take a first-time hunter out to feel the thrill of a covey rise. A good bird dog, a cool morning and a young hunter learning to be patient and safe is about as fine a day as Texas offers. Rain made this season, and that is a gift. For more on this fall's seasons, see our deer outlook and waterfowl outlook.
Hero photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, public domain.
