Mountain quail are a popular game bird found in the western United States. They live in brushy foothills and canyons and are challenging to hunt due to their secretive nature. Successfully hunting mountain quail requires knowledge of their habitat, behavior, and effective hunting strategies.
When is mountain quail season?
Mountain quail season generally runs from early September through the end of December. However, exact season dates vary by state, so be sure to check your local regulations. Most states have a daily bag limit of 8-10 birds.
Where can you find mountain quail?
Mountain quail live in foothills, mountains, and desert canyons of the western United States. Their range extends from southern Idaho through California. Prime mountain quail habitat contains thick brush, such as sagebrush, mountain mahogany, and bitterbrush. They are often found along north-facing slopes that hold moisture and green vegetation longer into the fall.
What are the different methods for hunting mountain quail?
There are several effective strategies for hunting mountain quail:
Spot and stalk
Spot and stalk involves hiking into quail habitat and attempting to flush birds while on foot. Once you spot a covey, approach carefully to flush the birds and get shooting opportunities. Having an experienced dog can improve your success while spot and stalking.
Stand hunting
Stand hunting involves setting up along trails, water sources, or other areas with quail sign. You can walk along likely routes to kick up coveys and then set up along the trail to wait for more quail to pass by. Sitting quietly in one spot gives you the advantage of surprise.
Drive hunting
For drive hunting, have one hunter stationed while others hike through the brush to flush birds in their direction. The stationary hunter gets good shots on quail flushed by the drivers. Coordinate drivers to cover the territory effectively.
What equipment do you need to hunt mountain quail?
Having the proper gear and supplies will improve your mountain quail hunt:
- Shotgun – 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with an improved cylinder or modified choke
- Shells – 6, 7.5, or 8 shot size
- Hunting license and tags
- Upland hunting vest – for carrying shells and birds
- Hiking boots – for traversing rugged terrain
- Bird bag – for carrying harvested quail
- Cooler and ice – for keeping birds fresh
- Hunting clothes – camo, layers, blaze orange
- Hat and gloves
- Dog and GPS collar (optional) – for flushing birds
What skills help when mountain quail hunting?
Some key skills that will improve your success include:
- Marksmanship – Practice shooting clay targets to hit fast-flushing quail
- Quail knowledge – Learn quail sounds, behavior, and habitat preferences
- Physical fitness – Hiking in steep terrain requires endurance
- Navigation – Use maps and GPS to locate promising spots
- Dog handling – Well-trained dogs can find and retrieve quail
- Field dressing – Clean birds promptly after harvesting
- Cooking – Look up tasty recipes for your bounty
How do you locate mountain quail?
To find mountain quail, look for areas that contain their preferred habitat. Prime spots include:
- Brushy north-facing slopes
- Along canyon floors with bitterbrush and riparian vegetation
- Where sagebrush meets oak and mixed conifer forests
- Foothills at the edge of mountain ranges
- Around water sources like springs or creeks
Focus on public land open to hunting. Scout a few weeks before season to map productive areas. Look for quail tracks, dust baths, and droppings to pinpoint their routes.
What tactics work when hunting mountain quail?
Some key hunting tactics for bagging mountain quail include:
- Hike cross-slope to flush birds uphill
- Walk slowly and pause frequently to detect quail
- Use dogs or fellow hunters to kick up coveys
- Set up along known quail routes to ambush them
- Upon flushing, get on target quickly as they fly fast
- Take safe shots – only shoot when birds are visible
- Stay quiet and hidden while waiting for quail to appear
Hunt patiently and deliberately. Moving too quickly will make quail run rather than flush. You can kick around shrubs to help spook hidden coveys. Having a dog pin down quail helps you get in position.
What safety tips should you follow?
When mountain quail hunting, follow these important safety guidelines:
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time
- Study the terrain and weather forecast beforehand
- Bring emergency supplies like first-aid kit, fire starter, and flashlight
- Wear blaze orange for visibility
- Watch your footing on steep slopes
- Never shoot if you can’t see what’s beyond your target
- Keep shotguns unloaded and safety on when not hunting
- Avoid shooting at low angles where pellets can skip off the ground
Hunt with a partner when possible. Quail country can be remote. Be prepared if your vehicle breaks down, you get turned around, or injured.
How do you harvest mountain quail cleanly?
When you successfully shoot a mountain quail:
- Approach downed birds cautiously. If needed, dispatch with a quick blow to the head.
- Handle birds gently to avoid damaging the meat.
- Place in a breathable game bag.
- Field dress as soon as possible.
- Remove entrails, crop, and feathers.
- Leave head, wings, and feet intact for identification.
- Rinse thoroughly and place on ice immediately.
Proper field dressing keeps meat cool and prevents spoilage. Change out wet ice regularly on longer hunts.
What are the rules and regulations?
Several rules and regulations apply to mountain quail hunting:
- Purchase required hunting license and upland game bird tags.
- Follow exact season dates and shooting hours in your state.
- Adhere to daily bag and possession limits.
- Wear required hunter orange (check state rules).
- Use nontoxic shot as required.
- Know if your state has restrictions on hunting methods.
- Avoid trespassing – hunt only on public land or with landowner permission.
Check your state’s upland game hunting regulations before the season. Report any violations or poaching that you witness.
How do you cook and eat mountain quail?
Mountain quail have delicate white meat that can be prepared in many ways:
Roasting
Place dressed whole birds on a roasting pan and cook for 25-35 minutes at 400°F while basting with butter or oil.
Grilling
Split birds in half lengthwise. Marinate in Italian dressing or teriyaki sauce. Grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, turning once.
Pan-frying
Dust quail pieces with flour, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry in oil or butter for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Stewing
Simmer dressed quail in a stew with vegetables and broth for an hour until tender. Remove bones before serving.
Crockpot
Place whole birds in a slow cooker with sauce or dressing. Cook on low heat for 5 hours. The meat will fall off the bones.
Canning
Precook quail pieces, remove bones, and pack into jars with broth. Process sealed jars in a pressure canner for shelf-stable quail meat.
Any wild game should be cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. Quail goes great in soups, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.
Conclusion
Mountain quail provide an exciting upland game bird hunting opportunity in the western states. With proper preparation and strategies, hunters can experience success and put delicious quail meat on the dinner table. Careful adherence to regulations and safety best practices ensures an enjoyable experience in the field. Considering giving mountain quail hunting a try for a rewarding western bird hunting experience.