The 6 Species of Quail in the U.S.: Where to Find Them and How to Hunt Them

Before we dive into the different quail species in the U.S. and how to hunt for them, let’s briefly address the important role of bird dogs on most quail hunts. Dogs play an important role in locating and harvesting all 6 species of quail, whether you plan to hunt in dense brush or in open fields. There are several types of hunting dogs, each trained to accomplish specific tasks in the field. 

Pointers and setters

Pointers and setters are specialized breeds that are particularly adept at locating game birds. When these dogs detect the scent of a quail, they will freeze, letting the hunter know birds are nearby and to prepare for a shot. 

Flushing dogs

Flushing dogs stay much closer to the hunter than pointers or setters. Rather than alerting the hunter to the presence of game birds, flushing dogs are trained to disturb the birds in order to get them in the air where the hunter can have a clean shot. Spaniels are a common breed of flushing dog. 

Retrievers

While retrievers are more often used in waterfowl hunting than in upland hunting, retrievers may still be employed for quail hunting. These dogs are trained to locate downed birds and bring them back to the hunter without causing any damage with their teeth. Retrievers are often taught to remember the location of several downed birds before they are told to retrieve them. 

The bobwhite is the most prolific — and perhaps the most iconic quail species in the United States. They get their name from their distinctive call that sounds like "bob-white." These birds have a striking appearance with a combination of brown, white, and black feathers. Male bobwhites have a prominent white throat and eye stripe, which contrasts with their dark crown.

Bobwhite quail preferred habitats

Bobwhites thrive in grasslands and agricultural fields and are commonly found in areas where open land meets woodlands. They prefer habitats that are rich in native grasses, plants, and shrubbery. These environments provide essential cover and food sources, such as seeds and insects.

Bobwhite quail hunting strategies

To successfully hunt Northern bobwhites, it's important to have a good grasp of their behavior and where they tend to be found. These tips will help you have a smooth hunt. 

• Walk-and-Stalk: Move slowly through likely areas to flush out hiding birds.
• Hunt early: These birds are most active during the early morning hours when they forage for food.
• Study your surroundings: Learn to recognize signs of quail presence, like dusting areas and feather remains.

California quail, also known as Valley quail, are easily identified by their distinctive topknot—a plume of feathers on their heads that curls forward. Their plumage is a blend of gray, brown, and white, and males have a striking black face and throat bordered by white lines. These birds are originally from the river valleys and canyons along California’s coast, but are now found up and down the Pacific coast. 

California quail preferred habitats

Valley quail thrive in brushy areas near water sources. Expect to find these birds in woodlands and areas with coastal sage scrub; they prefer dense, low vegetation that provides cover from predators. You can often spot them near streams or rivers where the environment supports both their nesting and foraging needs.

California quail hunting strategies

• Stick close to water: Riparian areas provide valley quail with the water, forage, and protection from predators that they need. 
• Listen closely: Valley quail are vocal birds. Keep an ear out for their distinctive call: “chi-ca-go”. 
• Stay alert: When you kick up a covey, these birds flush explosively. Make sure you’re ready! 

Gambel's quail are commonly found in the desert regions of Arizona and California. They are highly social birds, often traveling in large coveys. These birds prefer to run than to fly, so keep an eye out for them running between areas of cover. 

Gambel’s quail preferred habitats

Gambel's quail are typically found in desert environments and areas with a combination of low shrubs, cactus plants, and open spaces. These birds are often located near water sources such as desert springs or washes. During the hottest parts of the day, they seek refuge in the shade provided by bushes or cacti; the best times to catch them in open spaces are early morning and late afternoon.

Gambel’s quail hunting strategies

• Understand covey behavior: Gambel's quail may travel in groups of just a few birds or several dozen. Keep an eye out for movement, and when you see one bird, expect others to be nearby. 
• Anticipate quick movement: When startled, Gambel’s quail take off in short, rapid flights to reach other areas with cover. As a hunter, you should be ready for sudden movements and be able to make quick shots.
• Know where to look: These birds spend most of their time searching for food on the ground. To spot them, pay attention to subtle movements among the vegetation.

Scaled quail, often referred to as Blue quail, roam the desert grasslands of Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. These birds are typically found in more open areas than other types of quail. Though they may be easier to spot, these birds are notoriously skittish, often running towards cover to escape from predators. 

Scaled quail preferred habitats

Scaled quail thrive in grasslands and open brush areas. They are often found in regions with a mix of low shrubs and sparse grasses which provides essential cover from predators and ample foraging opportunities. The quails' distinctive blue-gray plumage with scaly markings helps them blend seamlessly into this terrain.

Scaled quail hunting strategies

• Expect rugged terrain: The habitats that scaled quail prefer make for difficult walking across uneven ground. 
• Stay on your toes: Scaled quail are known for their erratic flight patterns— you’ll need to react quickly when they flush. 
• Pay attention to rainfall: Scaled quail congregate in areas that experience significant rainfall, which makes for more lush vegetation. 

Mearn's quail, otherwise known as Montezuma quail, are primarily found in the southwestern United States. Their range extends through parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. These strikingly beautiful birds have colorful plumage marked with elaborate patterns and are prized as a particularly elusive quarry. 

Mearn’s quail preferred habitats

Mearn's quail have a preference for higher elevations compared to other quail species. They typically inhabit oak woodlands and grassy slopes at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 feet, where the dense vegetation and rugged terrain provide both cover and food sources such as bulbs and insects.

Mearn’s quail hunting strategies

• Scout possible habitats: Focus on areas with thick oak woodlands and grassy underbrush. Look for signs such as scratchings on the ground where birds have been foraging.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear sturdy boots and protective clothing to navigate the rough, brushy terrain effectively.
• Stick to cooler times of day: Mearn’s quail feed more actively during cooler times of day; these are times when you’ll be most likely to encounter them in open areas.

Mountain quail are predominantly found in the Pacific Northwest, ranging  through California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of Nevada. These birds thrive in areas with dense vegetation and rugged terrain, making them difficult to track down and flush out.  

Mountain quail preferred habitats

Mountain Quail prefer steep, mountainous regions with thick underbrush, often near water sources. They are commonly found on the edges of forests, near rivers and streams, or in dense shrublands.

Mountain quail hunting strategies

• Scout thoroughly: Because mountain quail inhabit densely forested rugged terrain, it’s a good idea to use maps and GPS to identify likely spots where they might be hiding.
• Move slowly: Be patient when moving through the dense underbrush to avoid startling birds prematurely.
• Anticipate difficult shots: The shots that you will get at mountain quail will likely be in tight spaces. The more you hunt these birds, the more adept you’ll become at navigating their habitats.  

Essential Gear for Successful Hunts

No matter the type of quail you plan to hunt, equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial. Here's what you'll need:

• Shotgun: A 20 or 12-gauge shotgun is widely preferred due to its balance of power and maneuverability.
• Ammunition: Opt for light loads with shot sizes between #7.5 and #9.
• Clothing: Wear camouflage or earth-toned clothing to blend into natural surroundings. Lightweight, breathable fabrics help manage heat in warmer climates.
• Sturdy boots: High-quality, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential for navigating diverse terrains.

Keeping up with your dog’s training

In order for hunting dogs to do their best work during hunting season, it’s critical that you keep up with their training during the offseason. You’ll want to make sure that you reinforce basic commands, such as “sit” and “stay”, and it’s a good idea to regularly practice setting, pointing, and retrieving exercises. It’s most important that your dog gets regular exercise during the offseason. They cover a lot of ground during a quail hunt, and you want to make sure that your dog is in good shape heading into the season. 

Best times and seasons for quail hunting

Quail hunting seasons vary by region, but they typically run from late fall to early winter; be sure to check local regulations when planning your trip. Focus on hunting during early mornings and late evenings, when weather is typically cooler and quail are more likely to be moving and eating. 

Quail hunting safety

Quail hunting is unique in that you’ll be moving for much of your hunt. When hunting in a group, make sure to always confirm your target and what lies beyond it before you shoot. When a pair of hunters approaches a dog on point, keep in mind that each hunter has a safe shooting lane about 90 degrees to either side of the dog. Check out the safety video below to learn more about hunter safety when quail hunting. Always be aware of your surroundings and the positions of other hunters in your group. Wearing an orange or bright white cap or vest can be a great way to make sure you stay visible in densely forested areas, and in the periphery of your hunting companions. If it’s questionable, don’t take the shot.

Quail hunting offers a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors with two and four-legged friends. If you’re just beginning your quail hunting adventure, get started with AnyCreek. Our professional guides have a lifetime of experience navigating quail habitats, and their knowledge can go a long way towards making your next quail hunting trip a memorable one.