Quail season to open this Saturday

Despite the best survey numbers in recent years, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists are calling for another down hunting season for bobwhite quail, just not as far down.

Quail season opens Saturday, Oct. 28 and runs through Feb. 25.

Quail populations are likely in their strongest position since 2018, according to the TPWD forecast, with incremental gains expected across most ecoregions. Spring rainfall had a meaningful impact on the trajectory of bobwhite populations across the state, though the summer heat dome dampened recovery.

Regions with holdover nesting cover and birds, such as South Texas, were best positioned to take advantage. Slumping regions over the past few years, like the Gulf Coast Prairies and Rolling Plains, made the most of their opportunities.

In the Rolling Plains, an average of 3.43 bobwhites was seen per route compared to 0.86 last year. While up, the count is still well below the 15-year mean of 11.09.

Habitat conditions in the region were favorable to begin the spring, but diminished in quality over the summer.

Nesting activity began early in some areas, but was slow to pick up elsewhere. Reduced population numbers in past years haveresultedinfewerhens being available for nesting, but survey numbers and reports from biologists reflected a bump in many counties. While the region is recovering from several years of drought, modest gains and good ground cover bode well for 2024.

In addition to a hunting license,quailhuntersmust haveanUplandGameBird Endorsement, which costs $7 in addition to a $25 basic license.

A super combo license covers the Upland Game Bird stamp. 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.