Quail uptick in much of state

Quail hunters look for it each September — the annual reports and season predictions from landowners, biologists and wildlife managers across the state.

The forecasts come via Dr. Dale Rollins, former executive director of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, and his “quail trapline” consisting of ranchers, hunters, QuailMaster alumni, various “Students of Quail” and biologists.

Rollins said predictions across the state are mostly better than last year, and the best since 2017 for many, but still fair to poor in portions of the Rolling Plains. Hotspots are expected to be the northern Panhandle and western parts of South Texas. In Oklahoma, some believe the season will be as goodas the landowners can remember.

The report concluded that most who responded cited increased numbers from last year, with many surprised by the summer production after the heat that prevailed since July. Another common response was the sighting of large coveys (greater than 20 birds).

The eastern edge of the Rolling Plains was reported to remain a bust in Archer, Throckmorton and Coleman counties.

Rolling Plains

In Clay County, Jay Stine said, “With over 22 inches of rain from April through July, the range conditions were about as good as I have ever seen and are still holding up. I rate it an 8.5.”

Jerry Bob Daniel predicted an 8 in northern Knox County, but Wyman Meinzer said in the southern part of the county the rating was a 4 at best.

In Cottle County, Dana Wright said, “My husband, Frank, says he’s mad at the quail. He’s constantly having to stop for them while driving around the ranch. I think we are above average.”

In Stonewall County, “Barefoot” Bob Richardson rated the upcoming season as a 7. Rick Snipes called it a 6.

Les Woolsey reported from Motley County, “Best I’ve seen in several years. Trying not to get too excited but can’t help it.”

 Helicopter pilot Kyle Lange offered scores based on recent flying activity. “Reagan, Irion, Crockett, Schleicher, Tom Green, Coke and Nolan counties — I give them all a 5.

Chip Ruthven oversees several WMAs in the Panhandle. “Matador Wildlife Management Area numbers are not too far off 2015 and 2016,” he said. “Gearing up for the third best year in the last 30 or so. The Gene Howe unfortunately has missed out on a lot of those rainfall events.”

Positive reports came from areas near the Texas coast. In Bee County, Marty Griffith rated the season as 8.5, and Clint Faas said he has seen birds in areas he hadn’t before in Matagorda County. Mike Peeter rated areas inland in Live Oak, Jim Wells and Duval counties as pretty good, and Dr. Eric Grahman provided average to above average predictions for Kenedy, Brooks, Dimmit, Maverick and Goliad counties.

In Jim Hogg County near Hebbronville, Rob Porter predicted another good season after good rain totals.

Blue quail

Some areas showed improvement, while other areas needing rains had a disappointing forecast. In Andrews County, Drew McEachern said the numbers were better than what the dry spring and summer would typically suggest, and Charlie Hill reported good numbers in Martin County. In Crane County, though, Gary Dunda said, “It’s bad. Very dry and no food.” Reports from Midland, Ector and Jeff Davis counties weren’t much better.

Landowner Scores