Texas Quail Surveys Point to a Good Season, and Scaled Quail on the Edwards Plateau More Than Doubled
TPWD's August roadside counts found bobwhites above average in most regions and scaled quail at 29.88 per route on the Edwards Plateau, up from 14.00 last year.
Texas quail hunters have reason to be glad this fall. The state's annual roadside surveys found bobwhite and scaled quail in good numbers across much of Texas, and scaled quail in the Edwards Plateau turned up at more than twice last year's rate. The season opened Nov. 1.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's survey report says biologists drove more than 3,300 road miles in early August counting birds along set routes. Good habitat and timely rain helped both species raise young this year, even after a hot, dry summer.
"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, who leads TPWD's upland game bird program.
Bobwhites: above average in most regions
Bobwhite numbers varied by region, but most ecoregions counted more birds per route than their 15-year average, according to TPWD.
South Texas remains bobwhite country. Biologists there averaged 10.17 bobwhites per route, above the 15-year mean of 9.92. The agency said timely rains and good habitat led to several successful hatches. Public hunters can try the Chaparral and James E. Daughtrey wildlife management areas.
The Rolling Plains came in a little lower than last year, but TPWD still expects solid chances for hunters there. In North Texas, public bobwhite hunting is available on the Matador, Gene Howe and Teacup Mountain wildlife management areas. Teacup Mountain is a relatively new 11,091-acre WMA being managed for a range of wildlife, including bobwhites.
"TPWD biologists anticipated bobwhite populations to be impacted by the hot and dry weather we experienced this summer," Schutz said. "However, we were pleased with this year's survey results statewide. I encourage taking first time quail hunters out to experience the thrill of a covey rise!"
Scaled quail: a big jump out west
Scaled quail, the blue quail of West Texas, kept climbing. The survey found their numbers above the 15-year average in most ecoregions. Late spring rains and excellent habitat in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau brought more nesting, and biologists saw multiple broods in both regions.
The Edwards Plateau posted the biggest gain. Biologists averaged 29.88 scaled quail per route there, compared with 14.00 last year and a 15-year mean of 8.38. That is more than triple the long-term average.
TPWD expects the Black Gap and Elephant Mountain wildlife management areas 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."
What the survey can and cannot tell you
The roadside counts began in 1978 and are meant to show trends at the regional level. TPWD cautions that local conditions can vary a great deal. A good regional number does not guarantee birds on your lease, and a bad one does not rule them out. For a county-level outlook, the agency recommends calling a local TPWD wildlife biologist. The department also posts a full regional breakdown of the bobwhite and scaled quail survey on its website.
Before you go
Public land permit. Anyone hunting Texas Public Hunting Lands needs the Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Check the rules. Review the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet for rules that apply to the specific area you plan to hunt.
Register on site. The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at public hunting areas.
Check TPWD's current regulations for season dates and bag limits where you hunt before heading out.
A season worth sharing
Quail hunting has long been a Texas tradition passed from parents and grandparents to children: early mornings, a good dog working the brush, the sudden roar of a covey getting up. Schutz's advice to bring a first-time hunter along is worth taking. Teaching a young person to handle a shotgun safely, respect the land and its owner, and take only what the law allows teaches responsibility and patience.
Scripture tells us the earth is the Lord's and everything in it, and that people were given care of the creatures in it. A good bird year is a gift from rain and grass that nobody can order up. Hunters who enjoy it this fall can return the favor by following the rules, asking permission on private land and leaving habitat better than they found it.
For more on this fall's hunting seasons, see our deer season outlook.
Hero photo: Northern bobwhites, male at right and female at left, in Colorado County, Texas. File photo. Photo: William L. Farr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
