Quail numbers continue to lag in the face of persistent drought conditions this year, with the South Texas Plains region probably the best option for hunters.
Quail season begins Oct. 29.
Quail numbers are based on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Quail Roadside Survey performed in August, covering more than 3,300 road miles to scoop up population data.
The population of quail, northern bobwhites here in the Valley, can fluctuate wildly during the year, dependent on conditions and habitat.
What seems consistent this year is a sharp decline in both bobwhite and scaled quail across the state.
“The lone bright spot again this year was the South Texas Plains, the only bobwhite region in the state to see an increase in recorded abundance,” said John McLaughlin, upland game bird program leader for TPWD. “With a grain of salt, the number of bobwhites observed per route was up from 3.1 to 5.3, but still below the 15-year mean of 9.0. These numbers will provide some comfort to Texas hunters, but the statewide outlook, including the Rolling Plains, again points to tough sledding in 2022.”
Late rains in August and September could yet impact bird populations.
McLaughlin said it is a possibility the late-season moisture will improve late nesting, but it is unknown how well the broods will fare.
Late nesting is common in the South Texas Plains area, but it remains to be seen whether quail numbers will rise significantly here, TPWD officials say.
Quail season here in the Valley ends Feb. 26.
The daily bag limit is set at 15.
