Few quails expected for 2022 season

By Sam Waller

Continued hot, dry conditions are having a negative impact on the outlook for the upcoming quail season, which starts this weekend.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the bobwhite quail population has dropped for four straight years. The annual roadside survey shows an average of 1.87 birds for 20-mile survey route in the Rolling Plains region from 2020-22. Even during the drought years of 2011-2013, the average was 3.86.

“It’s going to be sub-average because of the dry conditions,” game warden Jacob Mort said.

Mort said quail are especially susceptible to such conditions compared to other game birds.

“We are just experiencing substandard conditions for quail right now,” he said. “There are some around, but it’s going to be a below-average year.”

The season opens this weekend and runs through Feb. 26. Mort said there are no major changes in regulations this year.

In addition to a hunting license, quail hunters must have an Upland Game Bird Endorsement, which costs $7 in addition to a $25 basic license.

“The super combo license covers the Upland Game Bird stamp,” Mort said.

Super combo licenses are $68 for Texas residents and $32 for seniors (65 and older). Licenses may be purchased through the TPWD website.

The daily bag limit for quail is 15 birds with a possession limit of 45 birds. Legal shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Also on the horizon are turkey and white-tailed deer seasons. Youth-only dates for both are Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 29-30. The general fall season for both is Saturday, Nov. 5 through Jan. 1.