In Arizona, Gambel’s quail are the bird of the year. Despite decades of drought, the state received much-needed winter rains, boosting bird numbers throughout quail country. With that in mind, we’re here to help hunters get outside and “hunt ‘em up!” Here are 10 tips for a successful quail hunt.
1. Locate ‘Em
Do your homework and put in the miles on dirt roads. Look for habitats with good cover and nearby water sources, as water can help support local bird populations. Even though quail don’t rely solely on water, areas around water sources often attract them. Check locations where you’ve spotted quail in previous seasons—they’re likely to return to the same spots.
2. Call ‘Em
Gambel’s quail are vocal birds. Using a quail call or simply listening along dirt roads can help you locate them. They’re known for their distinctive call, which sounds like “chi-ca-go!” Pausing periodically to listen can help you pinpoint their location.
3. Pressure ‘Em
Put some pressure on the covey to get them to scatter. Take a shot or two to get the birds to flush, then pursue them as fast as you can as the terrain allows. Getting on them quickly, especially in areas with minimal cover, can break up the covey and make for better hunting opportunities.
4. Mark ‘Em
It’s essential to mark the location of the initial flush. Quail often return to the spot where they were first disturbed. Use mental markers or GPS tools like OnX Hunt Maps to remember where they flushed, and return to that spot before wrapping up your hunt.
5. Pursue ‘Em
After the flush, focus on birds that may hold in thicker cover or where your dog is working well. Once you’ve had a couple of good shots, go back to where they originally flushed to look for singles or doubles that may be hunkering down. Quail often call out to each other when separated, which can give away their location.
6. Work ‘Em
Not every area with quail is a good hunting spot. Look for terrain with ground cover that can hold birds. Avoid areas with too much cholla, prickly pear cactus, or dense turbinella oak, which can make it hard to work the birds effectively. Don’t waste your time chasing birds in areas where the terrain is too steep or wide open either! In creosote flats, quail often run rather than hold. Similarly, steep bluff areas let them fly away easily, leaving you at a disadvantage. Look for terrain with decent cover to work the birds successfully.
7. Gear Up for ‘Em
Invest in a good pair of comfortable boots. Chasing birds up and down Arizona hills can be hard on your feet, and without proper footwear, blisters and bruised toenails can ruin a hunt. I witnessed one hunting partner from Florida lost all his toenails due to poorly chosen boots—don’t let that be you! Choose boots with solid ankle support and break them in well before hunting season.
8. Follow ‘Em
When you make a shot and don’t see feathers, don’t assume you missed. Quail hit with birdshot can often fly a good distance before they go down. Follow up on every shot, and walk to the spot you last saw the bird. If needed, enlist the help of a dog or a hunting partner to search thoroughly before moving on.
9. Forget ‘Em
Social media can create unrealistic expectations. Hunting isn’t about impressing others—it’s about the experience. Let go of the pressure to get a picture-perfect tailgate full of birds! The goal is to cover ground, work your dog, and enjoy the great outdoors. Arizona’s liberal bag limits acknowledge that few will fill their limits, so set reasonable expectations and take in the experience.
10. Leave ‘Em
Sometimes it’s best to leave the dog in the truck. Certain terrain or bird behaviors make hunting easier on foot. Gambel’s quail often run rather than hold, so in open terrain, a dog may not be as necessary. While a dog is helpful on most hunts, there are times when leaving it behind can work to your advantage, whether due to rugged terrain, exhausted dogs, or simply to change things up.
Thank you for following along with our 10 tips to “Hunt ‘Em Up” and make the most of this quail season! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or exploring Arizona’s landscapes for the first time, we hope you feel inspired to lace up your boots, get outside, and discover new coveys in the stunning Arizona terrain.
Be sure to visit our website for more tips and insights, and consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our mission to educate and inspire Arizona’s quail hunting community. Don’t forget to share this post with friends, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more content. Here’s to a successful season and memorable days outdoors—remember, Get Outside!
Ryan Rice
President
AZ Quail Today
