The Montezuma quail, also known as Mearn’s quail, is a type of game bird found in parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In Texas, Montezuma quail populations are found in the Trans-Pecos region, particularly around the Davis Mountains. This medium-sized quail species prefers arid grasslands and oak savannas at higher elevations. Montezuma quail are challenging to hunt due to their secretive nature and tendency to run rather than fly when startled. However, pursuing these birds can provide a fun and rewarding hunt for dedicated upland bird hunters in Texas.
Is Montezuma Quail Hunting Legal in Texas?
Yes, Montezuma quail hunting is legal in Texas during established hunting seasons. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulates when, where, and how Montezuma quail can be hunted in the state. Here are some key facts about Montezuma quail hunting seasons and regulations in Texas:
- Season dates: November 3, 2022 through February 26, 2023 statewide.
- Bag limit: 15 Montezuma quail per day.
- Possession limit: 45 Montezuma quail total.
- Legal hunting hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- A valid Texas hunting license and upland game bird stamp is required.
- Hunting is permitted only in the Trans-Pecos region where Montezuma quail populations exist.
- Only shotguns with nontoxic shot are allowed when hunting quail in Texas.
These season dates, bag limits, and hunting regulations are set each year by TPWD wildlife biologists to provide hunting opportunities while also maintaining healthy Montezuma quail populations in Texas. It is every hunter’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable regulations when pursuing Montezuma quail.
Where are Montezuma Quail Found in Texas?
Montezuma quail primarily inhabit the Trans-Pecos region in far west Texas. This includes areas like the Davis Mountains, Chinati Mountains, and Marfa Plateau which provide suitable habitat. Specifically, Montezuma quail thrive in the transition zones between arid Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and higher elevation oak savannas. Here are some prime areas to find Montezuma quail in Texas:
- Davis Mountains
- Chinati Mountains
- Marfa Plateau
- Guadalupe Mountains
- Apache Mountains
- Chisos Mountains
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
These remote mountains and rugged borderlands host the best remaining Montezuma quail populations in Texas. The quail prefer grassland and woodland ecotones between 5,000-8,000 feet in elevation. Finding access to quality habitat on private ranches in these areas is key for successful Montezuma quail hunting.
What is the Habitat of Montezuma Quail?
Montezuma quail thrive in a habitat mosaic of arid grasslands interspersed with oak forests, woodlands, and brushy draws at higher elevations. Here are some key components of quality Montezuma quail habitat:
- Native bunchgrasses including sideoats grama, chino grama, tanglehead, and slim tridens.
- Shrub cover like oak, hackberry, sumac, catclaw, and desert ceanothus.
- Transition zones between grassland and oak savanna habitats.
- Protected microclimates along creeks and draws.
- Some bare ground interspersed among vegetation.
- Elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet.
- Adequate winter forbs and bunchgrass to provide food and cover.
This mosaic of grassy openings, shrubby cover, and oak motts provides ideal habitat for Montezuma quail throughout the year. Protecting and improving habitat is crucial for sustaining populations of this magnificent game bird in Texas.
What is the Life History of Montezuma Quail?
Here is an overview of the life history and behavior of the Montezuma quail:
- Social Structure – Montezuma quail live in covey groups of 12-15 birds year-round. Coveys consist of multiple family groups and pair bonds are maintained long-term.
- Breeding – Breeding season runs from April to September with a peak in June and July. Nests are shallow grass-lined depressions often sheltered under shrubs.
- Nesting – Clutches contain 12-14 eggs. Incubation lasts 24-26 days and is handled solely by the female.
- Chicks – Precocial chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching. Chicks are tended by both parents through summer and fall.
- Roosting – Coveys roost in a tight circle on open ground, rotating positions from the interior to exterior.
- Diet – Feeds mainly on seeds, leaves, buds, fruits, and insects. Requires high protein insects for growing chicks.
- Movement – Coveys establish winter home ranges of 60-100 acres. Ranges shift during summer with the growth of vegetation.
- Mortality – Main predators include hawks, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. Hunting, winter weather, and habitat loss also impact mortality.
- Longevity – Typical lifespan is 1-2 years, with a maximum recorded age of 6 years in the wild.
Understanding the annual life cycle and habitat needs of Montezuma quail helps inform habitat management and hunting regulations to conserve this species.
What is the Best Time to Hunt Montezuma Quail?
The optimal time to hunt Montezuma quail in Texas is from mid-November through January after the peak hatching and brood-rearing period has passed. Here are some reasons why winter is the prime time to target Montezuma quail:
- Quail numbers are concentrated as coveys have regrouped after the breeding season.
- Bird dogs can more easily locate larger covey groups in the cooler months.
- Vegetation die-back improves habitat visibility and hunter access.
- Coveys establish predictable daily movement patterns to food and water sources.
- Montezuma quail become more vocal during the winter months.
- The season allows time to scout areas before opening day.
Of course hunters should always be flexible based on seasonal weather patterns. During a mild winter, seek higher elevations with earlier snows to find concentrated birds. With good planning, scouting, and habitat, winter is the prime time to pursue Montezuma quail in Texas.
What Hunting Methods are Used for Montezuma Quail?
Pursuing Montezuma quail in the steep mountains of West Texas requires specialized hunting methods. Here are some effective strategies used by experienced Montezuma quail hunters:
- Use pointing dogs – Good bird dogs are essential for locating scattered coveys in dense terrain. Abrace or two of trained dogs will greatly increase your success.
- Hunt transitional zones – Focus on habitat edges between grassland openings and oak motts where quail thrive.
- Follow water sources – Quail will concentrate near reliable water in dry winter months.
- Focus on food sources – Find areas with abundant winter forbs and acorns to attract feeding quail.
- Use quail calls – Locator calls like the “koi-lee” can elicit responses from territorial covey males.
- Walk slowly – Move quietly and pause frequently to detect quail sounds and movement.
- Wear camo – Use camouflage clothing to blend into the terrain as you sneak hunt coveys.
- Aim low – Montezuma quail fly fast and straight away. Stay ready for quick low shots.
With smart scouting and patient hunting, these methods will help you get onto coveys of elusive Montezuma quail. Having good dogs, proper habitat, and stalking skills is key to success.
What Gauge Shotgun is Best for Montezuma Quail Hunting?
A 20 gauge shotgun is typically the best choice for hunting Montezuma quail and most other upland game birds. Here are some reasons why a 20 gauge works so well:
- Lightweight and easy to carry in rugged terrain.
- Reduced recoil allows quicker target acquisition.
- Improved balance and handling characteristics.
- Longer effective shotgunning range versus smaller gauges.
- Ammo is widely available and moderately priced.
- Sufficient shot payload for clean kills on medium-sized birds.
The moderate power, versatility, and reduced weight of a 20 gauge make it an excellent choice for walks through steep Montezuma quail terrain. A modified or improved cylinder choke paired with a quality upland field load will produce great patterns. Hunter preference and physical ability should ultimately drive decisions on the best shotgun gauge. But for most upland hunters, a trusty 20 gauge is hard to beat.
What Type of Shot Size is Best for Montezuma Quail?
A lead shot size between 6 and 9 is recommended for hunting Montezuma quail. Here are some top options and their advantages:
- #6 shot – Heavier shot maintains energy for longer range shots at flushing quail. Good choice for open terrain.
- #7 1/2 shot – Very popular all-around size for medium birds. Balances payload and pattern density.
- #8 shot – Excellent pattern density for close range shots in brushy cover.
- #9 shot – Smaller shot creates tighter patterns. Best for timber and heavy cover.
When choosing the best shot size, consider your typical shooting distances and hunting habitat. Dense oak motts call for smaller #8-9 shot while more open terrain may warrant larger #6-7 1/2 sizes. Maintain tighter patterns by selecting shot one size smaller when using open chokes like improved cylinder. With practice, you’ll find the right shot size that patterns well in your favorite Montezuma quail hunting areas.
What Type of Dogs are Used for Montezuma Quail Hunting?
The best bird dogs for hunting Montezuma quail are those bred and trained specifically for upland hunting in arid mountain terrain. Unlike the damp climates preferred by most upland game birds, Montezuma quail thrive in hot, dry habitats. Here are some top dog breeds for Montezuma quail hunting:
- German Shorthaired Pointer – Tough, versatile, with stamina to cover rugged terrain.
- Brittany – Compact muscles and agility to handle steep, brushy hills.
- Boykin Spaniel – Flush and retrieve hunters; handle heat well.
- Irish Setter – Tireless runners and determined hunters despite harsh conditions.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon – Durable coat and agility for mountaintop pursuits.
No matter the breed, the keys are judging the individual dog’s abilities and properly training them for the unique challenges of Montezuma quail hunting. Having dogs with the athleticism, nose, training, and stamina to cover vast distances in hot climates are what make an excellent Montezuma quail hunter.
Are there Public Lands to Hunt Montezuma Quail in Texas?
While most Montezuma quail habitat is on private ranch lands, there are some public hunting opportunities on Texas state Wildlife Management Areas. Some top public land options include:
Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
Located in Brewster County, this rugged 44,000 acre region features prime Montezuma quail habitat with grasslands, oak motts, and riparian areas at the foot of the Davis Mountains. Annual hunting permit required.
Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Situated in Brewster County, this 22,000 acre area features desert grassland and oak-juniper uplands with scattered populations of Montezuma quail. Annual hunting permit required.
Davis Mountains Preserve State Park
Managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, this park near Fort Davis offers over 7,000 acres of hunting by annual permit with good populations of Montezuma quail.
While limited, these public lands provide some periodic opportunity to hunt wild Montezuma quail on publicly accessible tracts in west Texas. Contact each area directly for access permits and hunting regulations.
What are some Tips for Cleaning and Preparing Montezuma Quail?
Montezuma quail provide excellent table fare when properly cleaned and prepared. Here are some tips for processing and cooking your harvested birds:
- Pluck feathers immediately after harvest while still dry.
- Carefully remove innards without piercing intestines to avoid contamination.
- Wash fully with clean water; pat dry.
- Chill quail to 34-40 degrees F within 1-2 hours of harvest.
- Leave breast meat intact for better texture.
- Use legs and thighs for other dishes like stir fry.
- Soak in milk or buttermilk before cooking to tenderize.
- Braise legs and thighs; roast or grill breast meat.
- Enhance with citrus, chili, bacon, cheese, nuts, or chives.
Proper field care and cooking helps bring out the exquisite flavor of Montezuma quail. Following these techniques will result in delicious gourmet meals from your harvested birds.
Conclusion
For dedicated upland bird hunters, Montezuma quail represent one of the most exciting yet challenging species to pursue in Texas. Their limited range and remote habitat in the mountains of west Texas makes locating and harvesting these birds a true adventure. With proper planning for habitat and terrain, wise hunting strategies, well-trained dogs, and careful meat care, Montezuma quail deliver a rewarding hunt and exceptional eating experience. Although not easy, the pursuit of these magnificent birds is an upland hunting tradition worth sustaining in Texas for generations to come.