Hunting Quail Birds: Tips, Gear, and More

No matter if you’re flushing Bobwhites behind a Boykin in the grasslands or running after a racecar Scaled quail as they weave through cactus in the desert, it’s the crisp, cool mornings spent putting miles under your boots and making memories with family and friends that attracts most people to quail hunting.

It isn’t just about harvesting a limit and filling up a game bag, though you’d be hard pressed to find better table fare, but it's also a sport rich in tradition.

Excited for quail and upland bird season this year? Keep reading for tips for successful hunts, including the gear you need.

Why Hunt Quail Birds?

Quail hunting has a long, storied history in the U.S., from the days filled with the clop-clop sound of hooves from mule-drawn wagons echoing through the pine plantations in the East, or the quiet camaraderie in the stillness of the arid deserts following behind a good bird dog.

There is something for everyone, no matter your style of hunting.

Quail are a popular upland game bird to hunt due to their quick speed on the ground paired with their fast flying, making for challenging wingshooting. There are six huntable species in the United States.

These are:

• The Northern Bobwhite (the most widespread and commonly hunted in the Southeast and Midwest)
• Gambel’s
• California (also known as Valley)
• Scaled (Blue)
• Mountain
• Mearns (Montezuma), which are found only in western states

4 Quail Hunting Tips for Fun, Successful Hunts

So, how do you hunt quail? It's a bit different than sitting in a hunting blind or stalking big game!

1. Know the Habitat

Bobwhites prefer brushy areas, open fields with native grasses, and the edges of woodlands. However, you'll find western species in grassland flats or brushy washes and hillsides in more mountainous areas.

Quail are extremely fickle when it comes to rainfall. When it rains can have just as much of an impact on quail populations as how much it rains, so it’s a good idea to scout ahead of time.

2. Use the Right Strategy

Walking a zig-zag pattern can help to push birds out of hiding, but be ready for sudden, unexpected flushes. Quail will often explode out of cover without warning.

Plan to cover a lot of ground; the more area you cover, the better your odds of finding birds if you are in the right area.

3. Hunt with Dogs

Hunting with dogs can be half the fun of a day afield. Pointers and setters are great for locating coveys, while retrievers help with recovery. 

4. Shoot Fast and Steady

Quail flush quickly and fly low. So, quick reflexes, spatial awareness, and speedy target acquisition are crucial for a successful and safe hunt.

Practice with sporting clays (skeet shooting) during the offseason to keep your reaction time sharp and your aim true.

What is the Essential Quail Hunting Gear You Need to Bring Home More Birds?

In addition to finding them and knowing how to hunt them, you need the right quail hunting gear. Your gear setup will vary based on your preferences, but here are a few key things every quail hunter needs.

A Shotgun and Choke

You can hunt quail with just about any gauge shotgun, from a .12 gauge all the way down to a .410. However, most hunters will settle for either the .16 or the .20 gauge.

Ammunition for the .20 is more widely available, but there is something to be said for style points when looking down the barrel of a sweet-sixteen humpback or the classic over-under or side-by-side shotgun.

Most of your shots will be between 20 and 40 yards on a flushed bird. Using an improved cylinder or modified chokes is your best bet paired with light loads of either 6, 7-1/2, or 8 shot. Two-and-three-quarter-inch shells are the standard, with 7/8 ounce payload. These are typical and fairly easy to find.

Bird Vest or Game Bag

Look for vests with a large rear blood-proof game pouch, easily accessible shell holders, and water bottle pockets to keep your hands free.

Opt for vests in blaze orange while hunting with others for extra safety.

Good Boots

A lightweight and comfortable pair of boots can make a huge difference in how your feet feel at the end of a long day of walking.

My family is friends with a former quail biologist who once conducted several quail habitat usage studies on one of the largest ranches in Texas. He told us they would recover most of the telemetry backpacks they fitted on quail from the inside of large rattlesnakes. Since then, I’ve always opted for snake boots or snake gaiters during the first half of the season before snakes den up for winter.

Remember, rattlesnakes also like to inhabit the same areas and hunt the same quail you are after.

The Right Clothing

Brush pants or upland chaps can help protect against thorny brush, briars, and tall grasses. If nothing else, they can keep you from spending time picking cockleburs and spear grass seeds from your clothing after a hunt when you could be cleaning birds.

You should also wear a blaze orange cap and vest (based on your state's requirements) when hunting with others for visibility and safety.

Field Gear

Quail hunting requires a lot of walking, so pack water and snacks to help replenish and refuel during your hunt. A GPS or a mapping app on your phone (like HuntWise) can help you track your location and property boundaries in open country without a lot of points of reference. 

Add your own points by placing markers in the HuntWise app as you scout or walk on hunting day to note things you see in the hunting area (including where you parked your car).

Dog Gear

Just like you wouldn’t go into the field without your proper gear, it should be the same for your four-legged hunting partner.

Bring collapsible water bowls and extra water for your hardworking dog, especially when hunting in dry areas. E-collars, if used, can help rein in dogs if they wander too far or begin to chase off-game like rabbits or deer. Dog boots can also come in handy in areas with rough and rocky terrain.

And of Course, a Few Safety Reminders

Quail hunting is a lot of fun, but it's also dangerous if you don't know how to stay safe in the field.

Always know where your hunting partners and dogs are at all times. Practice good firearm safety by keeping safe zones of fire for each hunter, and don’t shoot at or swing at low-flying birds close to dogs. 

HuntWise Helps You Boost Your Success When Hunting Quail Birds

Hunting quail birds is a great opportunity to make memories with friends and family in the outdoors and to bag some of the finest table fare that can be found in the field.

Plan your next quail hunt with HuntCast from HuntWise to see when peak upland game movement times happen and use the "Record a Walking Path" function to help orient yourself in large open fields and to cover what areas you haven’t hunted through yet methodically.

Get ready for quail season by downloading HuntWise now! We'll give you your first week free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get ready for quail hunting season with the answers to some common questions. 

1. What’s the best time of day to hunt quail?

Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to hunt quail birds. They are more active during these times and easier to locate when feeding.

2. What gear do I need for hunting quail birds?

Every quail hunter needs a lightweight shotgun, a blaze orange vest or hat, comfortable boots, and a game bag (to bring home the birds).

3. How can I find the best quail hunting spots?

Focus on areas with good cover, like brush edges, grassy fields, and food plots. Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of success.

4. Do I need a hunting dog for quail hunting?

Many hunters hunt quail without a dog, but they can be a big help. Pointing or flushing dogs greatly improve your chances of finding and retrieving birds (plus, it's fun to hunt with dogs).