Return Top
An Overview from Key Quail States
As the 2024 quail brooding and nesting season unfolds, we are witnessing a range of outcomes influenced by regional weather patterns and habitat conditions across quail country. This report compiles detailed observations from across key states, shedding light on the successes and challenges faced by quail populations during this critical period.
Here’s where we’re at state-by-state:
Click on a state to jump ahead to that report, or scroll down to view all.
Arizona
Arizona
“The early spring of 2024 blessed Arizona with persistently cooler and wetter conditions than average across most of the state,” said Nickolas Schobinger, an Arizona Farm Bill biologist for Quail Forever based out of Tucson. “These well-timed conditions produced abundant green vegetation and subsequent nutrition needed to propel Gambel’s quail into exceptional breeding condition.”
Along those lines, breeding call count survey data collected this year in cooperation with the Arizona Game & Fish Department produced numbers well above typical averages.
Anecdotal observations of successful summer broods support the assumption that there will be above average quail numbers across the state. So, at least with Gambel’s quail, and to some extent scaled quail, excellent habitat conditions coupled with good residual quail numbers from 2023 appear to be creating prime conditions for a good Arizona desert quail season.
Mearns’ quail breed later in the season than desert birds and their abundance is closely tied to summer monsoon precipitation.
“With a poor monsoon last year, there was a low percentage of juvenile birds going into this breeding season, with much of the current breeding population being adult birds that survived last season,” said Schobinger.
Early rainfall in southeastern Arizona has wildlife managers optimistic for at least average Mearns’ nesting success and abundance during the December-January season.
“Time will tell, but early observations suggest that this could be a good year to take that Arizona trip you’ve been thinking about,” concluded Schobinger. Stay tuned for what the rest of summer will bring.
Back to Top
Florida / Georgia
Florida / Georgia
June data from the Coastal Plain of Georgia and Florida showed a high bobwhite population coming out of winter.
“Despite a slow start to the 2024 breeding season due to cool and wet weather in May and early June, reproduction picked up with warmer and drier conditions in late June,” reported Dwayne Elmore, Tall Timbers’ Game Bird Program Director.
Elmore also commented that the outlook remains optimistic for continued production in the coming weeks. “There is still plenty of time for production and the last few weeks are encouraging,” he added.
Back to Top
Kansas
Kansas
Kansas has experienced better rainfall this spring than the last couple years, improving habitat conditions in drought-stricken areas. However, in 2023 those drought conditions led to the emergency release or CRP in many areas, reducing both quail and pheasant habitat.
Kansas bobwhites have been faring better than pheasants during the drought, and the increased spring rainfall is having a positive effect on the successional habitat and insect populations that quail depend on. The Midwest quail hatch peaks from late June through mid-July so, at the time of this writing, there is still plenty of time for quail to make little ones.
“The regular reports of consistent and increasing coveys appear to be continuing this year,” said Tyler Rafter, a Kansas Farm Bill biologist. “Overall I’d say we are optimistic for how this year seems to be going.”
Back to Top
Missouri
Missouri
The overall outlook in Missouri is positive, particularly in the north and southeast.
“The wet spring brought an abundance of insects and pollinators, providing ample food for chicks,” reported Andrew White, Missouri State Coordinator for Quail Forever.
Additionally, over 16,000 acres have been enrolled in the Native Forage Initiative in Missouri so far. The effort converts pastures to native vegetation, which boosts habitat for quail. “This is great for rotational grazing systems and setting the stage for increased usable area for our little feathered friends,” noted White. It also means more acres for hunters to look for quail come fall.
The Missouri Quail Forever field team reported high bird activity during a recent training session. “The conservation area was ripe with birds,” exclaimed White. “We were following individuals and pairs down gravel and field roads,” he shared, indicating a healthy quail population.
Missouri quail hunters should cross their fingers that conditions stay favorable for quail. If they do, it could be a great year for Missouri bobwhites.
Back to Top
Nebraska
Nebraska
Reports from across the Cornhusker State are all across the board.
Many areas of the state experienced harsh winter storms that severally reduced the quail population. But 2023 fall populations were good in many areas of the state, leaving Nebraska hunters hoping those birds weathered the storm.
“Our quail numbers were excellent this past fall,” said a QF member in Southeast Nebraska. “If some of the birds made it through, I’m hoping they can reproduce enough chicks to make up for the birds we lost in the winter.”
Spring rains have been hit or miss, and very localized. Some areas received abundant spring rainfall while others are still struggling with drought conditions. It is still too early to tell, but many hunters are hopeful. “We are hearing quail everywhere there is good habitat on our farm in the southeast part of the state,” said Ryan Sparks, Quail Forever Journal editor. “We’ve had great nesting conditions so far and I hope that leads to a lot of healthy broods.”
“I’m seeing and hearing quail everywhere I go,” added a QF representative in the southwestern part of the state. “I’m hoping that signals strong quail numbers come hunting season.”
Back to Top
Texas
Texas
Reports from Texas are mixed.
In East Texas, “nesting was slightly delayed and nesting rates were lower due to early-year flooding,” said Brad Kubecka, Tall Timbers’ Western Pineywoods Quail Program Director. However, the nest success rate has been impressive with over a 75% success recorded on radio-tagged birds (a small sample size, but hopefully reflective of the larger population) so far. Additionally, adult bird survival has been good as conditions continue to dry up. “It should be good for chick growth and survival so long as it doesn’t get too hot or dry in the next couple months,” added Kubecka.
South Texas benefited from Tropical Storm Alberto’s rains, which was favorable for reproduction in the area. “Rain from April to August tends to be good for reproduction down there,” said Kubecka. “For areas with carryover birds from last year, they should see a decent population response.”
The Rolling Plains of North Texas had a promising spring, with increased quail sightings and quail calls. “I’m getting great reports of hearing and seeing more quail this spring and early summer than the last several years,” noted Kubecka. However, recent hot and dry conditions pose a risk to chick survival. “Poor survival from chicks due to hot and dry conditions could rob us of a great year if we don’t continue to receive rain and cool temperatures,” Kubecka cautioned. “We should know more in the coming months.”
Back to Top
Summary
This year’s quail brooding and nesting reports from various states show a promising outlook, despite some setbacks due to weather conditions. With strategic habitat management and favorable weather patterns, quail populations are expected to thrive, offering a hopeful hunting season ahead. There is a lot of summer left for quail on the landscape to make more birds. What are you seeing in your area?
Get Involved
Help ensure quail continue to thrive across the landscape. Join us in our mission to protect and enhance quail habitats. Your support makes a significant difference! Become a Quail Forever member at quailforever.org/join.