South Texas and northern Panhandle quail hunters are looking for a banner year, while in the southern Panhandle and Rolling Plains, it looks better than last year.
The Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation issued its quail forecast, which includes dozens of reports from landowners and wildlife managers across the state.
“Hotspots are going to be the north- ern Panhandle (north of IH-40), western parts of South Texas, and some of the blue quail range in far West Texas,” the report concluded.
Several common denominators were noted:
- Most everywhere experienced poor nesting conditions until mid-May, then saw a nice rebound with rains from mid-May through June. Then torrid conditions set in through mid-September.
- Large coveys (>15 birds for bob- whites and >25 for blues) are more common.
- Some are hoping for a measurable late hatch in South Texas as a re- sult of Tropical Storm Harold in late-August.
- Reports were poor from Archer County south to Coleman County and west to Highway 83.
- Many reporters were hopeful for a rebound to a boom year in 2024.
- In the northern Panhandle, Jeff Bonner rated the upcoming season a 7.5. Keith Boone reported from
- Roberts County with a 9.5 — he’s received 36 inches of rainfall year to date.
Chip Ruthven reported from the Matador WMA in Cottle County. “Matador numbers are up over the past few years but far from ideal — I’ll give it a 4. Gene Howe WMA perhaps a 6 or 7. Out west of Lubbock is a 5 on blues.”
In Coleman County, Mickie Bush said, “We’re not even at a 1 in northern Coleman County. Only saw one very small clutch this summer.”
Chris Timmons weighed in from the Throckmorton/Baylor County line: “here in my area, we hear them but don’t see them. Better than last year but sadly still not enough to hunt.”
Ty Bartoskewitz rated Stephens County as “a generous 1.”
More rains hit Stonewall County, and it was reflected in the reports. Kegan Crouch said: “I’d give it a 6-7. Reports were really low coming into the spring, but it was a great 2 months from mid-May to mid-July with low temperatures and around 20 inches of rain. Birds kicked reproduction into high gear, and I’ve seen more quail and broods than I’ve seen in a long time.”
In South Texas, Clint Faas said, “Wharton County is the highest I can ever remember seeing it. Seems there’s birds and coveys all over.”
Dr. Eric Grahmann reported for several South Texas counties. “Maverick 7.5; Dimmitt 7.5, Victoria 7, Kennedy 6.5, Brooks 6.5, McMullen 8, Goliad 5. A wildcard is the recent tropical rain received across some of these areas in late August.”
In Frio County, Celeste Lacy said, “If they all survive, looks like maybe an 8 this season. There are large coveys (10-20 birds) all over the ranch. We observed a new hatch two weeks ago.
For blue quail, Dan Allen Hughes, Jr. said from Culberson County: “Above average to well above average. My son recently counted 75 coveys in seven hours last week while driving the roads.”
Midland County didn’t fare as well. Brad Bates rated the season a 3; saying “enough birds to run dogs, but not enough to hunt.” In Brewster County, Dr. Ryan O’Shaughnessy said, “I’ll put it at a 5, possibly 6. The best year since 2019.”
Presidio County could be even better. Lane Sumner reported, “I am seeing coveys where I haven’t seen them in the past. I’ll rate this property as an 8-9.”
Ranges of scores:
Northern Rolling Plains 7 – 9
Rolling Plains (SW portion) 2 – 3
Eastern Rolling Plains 1 – 2
South Texas (northern half) 5-7
South Texas (southern half) 7+
Permian Basin 2 – 5
Trans-Pecos (blues) 5 – 8
