Quail Forecast 2009-2010

Perspective

Statewide surveys were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations. This index uses randomly selected, 20-mile roadside survey lines to determine annual quail population trends by ecological region. This trend information helps determine relative quail populations among the regions of Texas. Comparisons can be made between the mean (average) number of quail observed per route this year and the long term mean (LTM) for quail seen within an ecological region. The quail survey was not designed to predict relative abundance for any area smaller than the ecological region.

Bobwhite quail hunting can be hit or miss in Texas considering these birds exist here on the very western edge of their distribution in the U. S. There are still vast expanses of suitable bobwhite habitat in the rangelands of South Texas and in the Rolling Plains, where in some years over a hundred thousand hunters flock to pursue these wary game birds. Bobs are limited in these regions by rainfall, more specifically the lack thereof.

Carryover From Last Season

This past winter was the second dry winter in a row. Dry conditions limit the availability of late winter and early spring greens, an important part of the quail diet. Of course some areas fared better than others and proper range management is also a part of the equation. Field reports indicate good carryover in parts of the Rolling Plains and to a lesser degree in northern South Texas.

Quail Survey Data in Major Ecological Regions

For quail survey data on a region, click its name in the list below.

Rolling Plains

This region was not as dry this past winter as other areas of the state and scattered mid to late summer rains resulted in substantial production in some areas. Thick vegetation and late broods have likely resulted in an underestimate by our roadside counts. Field reports are across the board this year, indicating localized effects of timely rainfall. Survey results and field staff observations predict a fair to average year. Due to the variation in weather conditions across this region it’s a good idea to scout ahead to be sure hunting areas are holding birds.

The average number of bobwhites observed per route was 6.6 compared to 18.7 last year. This is well below the LTM of 21.9. Despite low counts, enough young birds and coveys have been anecdotally reported that we suspect there will be good bobwhite hunter opportunity, especially in areas under good range management. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Matador and the Gene Howe Wildlife Management Areas.

South Texas Plains

Unfortunately winter, spring and summer rains were lacking over most of the range, which likely increased overwinter mortality resulting in less carryover and also delayed nesting attempts by those birds that survived the winter. There has been scattered rainfall mid to late summer but not enough to trigger widespread nesting. September rains may spur some pairing and subsequent very late nesting. So there may be less than half grown birds at the beginning of the season. Overall, our surveys predict a poor to fair season for South Texas. There will be fair to good opportunities on well managed sites that were proactive in grazing management decisions during this drought year.

The average number of bobwhites observed per route was 5.2 compared to 6.6 last year. This is well below the LTM of 18.9 and is predictive of a below average hunting season. The Chaparral and the Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas provide public quail hunting opportunities.

Trans-Pecos

The Trans-Pecos ecological region of Texas received great weather conditions midsummer that spurred scale quail reproduction. Greatly improved numbers have been confirmed by field reports and are reflected in our survey results. Reports from the western edge of the Edwards Plateau (the Stockton Plateau) indicate poorer production than the rest of the region. We expect an average to good scaled quail season out west.

The average number of scaled quail observed per route was 16.9 compared to 6.7 last year. This is very close to the LTM of 17.8. Public hunter opportunities can be found at Elephant Mountain and Black Gap Wildlife Management Areas.

Other Areas

Our surveys indicate that bobwhite numbers in Gulf Prairies are down considerably from last year. Hunters should focus on the central and lower coast in native prairie habitats. The Cross Timbers and Edwards Plateau are well below their respective LTM’s. Although there are certainly areas within each region where some quail hunting opportunity remains, this survey is not designed to detect changes in localized populations, especially in fragmented landscapes.

• Texas Migratory Bird Report Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February. North Zone Dove: The High Plains are wet from recent rains. An abundance of water in playa lakes has doves scattered around watering sources. Corn, milo and sunflowers continue to produce near Amarillo and Dumas. Abilene and......
• Save the Bob Whites   Texas' wild quail numbers continue to decline     Its sound is distant as it whistles out its name: Bob-White. but the sound is becoming increasingly muted as the quail population across the state decline.  "The landscape for quail has changed very significantly over the last 40 years," said Dale......
• Do Dove Decoys Work Every year I see hunters placing decoys around the dove fields. I've always wondered if they were worth their salt. Let's find out... Ducks, Geese, Turkeys are all susceptible to decoys. With ducks being the most social of the game birds. These flock oriented birds find safety when they spot......

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Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

North Zone Dove: The North Zone season closes at sunset Oct. 25, but reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 9, 2010. Generally, the season has been fair at best, but not for lack of birds. Rains hampered most flight patterns for the past month. Hunter participation has been down due to the rain and the opening of white-tailed deer season for bowhunters. Best flights occurred around the Panhandle in sunflowers and milo around Amarillo, Dumas and Spearman. Good shoots were posted around Lubbock and north of Abilene, too. The good news is high pressure and blue skies are forecasted for the weekend after a cold front blows through the region. The cold air should push new mourners to Texas. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: An influx of birds hit this region of the state last week on the heels of the cold front, but few hunters noticed due to lack of participation. Dove hunting priorities have shifted to preparations for the upcoming deer and waterfowl seasons. Strong hunts were posted near Hankamer and Winnie along the Central and South zone borders. Good afternoon shoots were had around Uvalde and Hondo, while Del Rio and Waco hunters saw steady flights around milo and sunflowers. Clear, cool weather is forecasted for the weekend, which should encourage a steady flight. The season closes at sunset Oct. 25, but reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 9, 2010. Prospects are fair to good.

South Dove Dove: The South Zone finally dried out last week with high pressure building after the first significant cold front of the fall. Hunter success benefitted as fields dried and doves headed back to feeding fields. An influx of birds was noticed across the region, and limit shoots were posted across the Rio Grande Valley. Port Mansfield, Raymondville, Three Rivers and George West hunters saw steady flights as well. Bay City, El Campo and Port Lavaca shoots have been best in the afternoon. Heavy rains are forecasted this week as the remnants of a Pacific hurricane moves across Mexico and Texas. The season runs through Nov. 3, then runs Dec. 26-Jan. 17, 2010. Prospects are fair to good.

Waterfowl Migration: The High Plains Mallard Management Unit opens Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 30-Jan. 24, 2010. Panhandle prospects for this weekend’s opener look promising, with wet conditions and plenty of playa lakes brimming full of water. Along the coast, pintails, teal, gadwalls, wigeons and shovelers are using prairie ponds. Coastal marshes are holding teal, gadwalls, shovelers and wigeons. Redheads and bluebills are finding their way to the shoalgrass shorelines of the middle coast, but another round of cold air is needed before the Oct.31 opener to push new ducks to the coast. Specklebellies are arriving daily on the prairies, and expect more to show this weekend on the heels of the next cold front

• Effects of Drought on Dove Hunting Blistering heat, dead or failing crops, dead lawns, and burn bans pretty much describe this summer here in Texas. Most say this year's almost fourteen inch shortfall of rain is a curse, but I say it's great news for dove hunting. Before you call me crazy, let me explain. “In......
• Texas Migratory Bird Report Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February. North Zone Dove: Wet weather continues to plague the dove flight, making access to fields tough. Muddy roads and soggy fields have not been conducive to hunting. Most of the birds have left the bottoms and staged......
• TPWD Scoping Migratory Bird Issues at Public Hearings News Release Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.state.tx.us April 28, 2009 AUSTIN, Texas — In addition to public comment on proposed fee increases and dove hunting seasons, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is inviting input on a series of scoping issues related to migratory game birds during public hearings......

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Bergen County Democrats have released the ‘Porn and Guns’ attack on the two Republicans running for office.

In a direct mail campaign the targets were Judith Fisher and NickLonzisero, both Repulicans running in the 38th district. Here is an excert:

 ”If you make your money on porn or guns, then you have something in common with the Bergen Republican candidates,” the front of the mailer reads.  Turn it around, and the flyer says that Republican Assembly candidate Judith Fisher is a “consultant to one of the largest pornographic companies in the world” and that her running mate, Ridgefield Councilman Nick Lonzisero, rents property to a gun shop located next to an elementary school that is promoted by the National Rifle Association - “the same organization that’s been lobbying to allow assault weapons in New Jersey.” 

What the hell is wrong with porn and guns?  Frankly, two of the best things to enjoy in life, responsibily of course.

The Republicans are countering with a direct mailer of their own titled:

Taxpayers and Future Generations

” If you steal money from taxpayers and future generations, then you have something in common with these liberal bastards that demonize capitalism. Furthermore, if you want to give your money to the poor, pitiful people who are to lazy to get a job, you also have something in common  with them.”

Click here for the full story.

NO bama ‘12

• TPWD Sets Hearings on Lastest Proposals In a news release from Steve Lightfoot with Texas Parks and Wildlife, he announced the the department would conduct 21 public hearings. The hearing would cover the topics of increasing fees and yhe new dove season propsals. Changes proposed for the 2009-10 Texas dove season include a 70 day season......
• Hunter Shoots Himself Hoisting Gun This has to be one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. A guy in New Hampshire decided to hoist his loaded 50 caliber muzzle loader (muzzle up appaently) anda branch pulled the trigger and shot him in the right hand. It just as easily could have been in the......
• 2009 New Shotguns This year many popular brands have came out with new models that will make out goal of limiting out on dove a little easier, and we'll be doing it in style. Let's look at some of the different models unique features. Benelli's Cordoba Performance Shop Edition: Automatic, Available in 12......

• Teen Hunter’s Gun-Related Expulsion Overturned GLENN COUNTY, CA: In a case that received national attention, the Glenn County, Calif., Board of Education on January 22 overturned the expulsion of 17-year-old duck hunter Gary Tudesko, who was expelled from his central California high school after police dogs sniffed out unloaded shotguns in his truck. The truck......
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Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Company has introduced an awesome, high end over and under shotgun.

Here is what their founder has to say:

It is with great excitement that I am announcing our latest shotgun:  The A-10 American™, a full sidelock hand detachable, very low profile over and under shotgun for those who demand the very best. The initial offering of this gun is available in a standard and a deluxe configuration. It can be ordered as a 12 gauge with the option of adding or changing to a 20 or 28 gauge barrel, or it can be ordered as a 20 gauge small action frame with the option of ordering a 28 gauge barrel that can be equipped onto your gun with no need for alteration. This gun is produced in our facility, in New Britain, CT, and is carried out to the highest world standards. Quite frankly I don’t know of another gun that is stronger, or made at a higher level then the A-10 American™. This gun is handmade and exhibits the highest level of the gunmaker’s art. This is a very limited production gun. For the initial group of people that order this fine shotgun, we are offering a special introductory price; and to thank all of our loyal customers, I am offering an additional price consideration for anyone that is a current patron of Connecticut Shotgun.

Please look through our website and if there are any questions that are not answered please give us a call and we will be happy to speak with you. Once again, thank you for your consideration and anyone that is not familiar with our company; we produce only the best. Our ultra precise machining capabilities combined with our incredibly dedicated gunsmiths makes Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. the most state of the art double shotgun manufacturing facility in the world. There is no company with a larger commitment to produce the best shotguns in the world.  We put all that energy into the crafting of the A-10 American™:  A full side lock hand detachable O/U shotgun

Antony Galazan, President and Founder

Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co.

The A-10 is not for the faint of heart or those without deep pockets.

The A-10 is available in standard and deluxe models.  Pricing is as follows:

Standard model 12 ga MSRP: $7,995, but with the discounts that are offered it comes to $3,995

Standard model 20 ga MSRP: 8,495, with discounts $4,495.

Deluxe model 12 ga. MSRP: $8,995, with discounts $4,995.

Deluxe model 20 ga MSRP: 9,495, with discounts $5,495.

For the specifications on both, click here.

A-10’s home page

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• Migratory Bird Report North Zone Dove: Rain showers last week put a damper on the flight, however, between showers doves were good in corn, milo and along treelines. Fields near Paris enjoyed good shoots in harvested corn and soybeans. Amarillo fields of corn and milo hosted steady shoots. Abilene saw half-limits to near-limits......

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I’m not sure how that can be? California is going bankrupt with all their “green” laws, and yet somehow they are the example our great president is trying to model our nation after.

Schwarzenegger was on a path early in his political career  to have the constitution changed so he could run for the presidency. However, he has lost his way with the ‘big tent’ platform. The big tent is what has caused conservatives to lose their way. Trying to fit the liberals under our tent has caused the republican party to overspend and has watered down our conservative values. Just refer to the 2008 elections, so many Rebublicans ran as middle of the road or moderate conservatives, and lost, including John McCain.

 Earlier this week Schwarzenegger signed Assembly bill 962 into law that put strict rules on gun dealers in his state. I think the last thing a broke state should be doing is choking off gun and ammunition sales.

My fear is that what passes in California, will soon be in D.C. for a national vote.

Below is the full story:

This weekend, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) vetoed Senate Bill 585 but signed Assembly Bill 962 into law.

SB585 would have prohibited the sale of firearms and ammunition on the property or inside the buildings that comprise the Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside of San Francisco. Simply put, SB585 was a stepping-stone to banning gun shows on all publicly-owned property in California.

Unfortunately, the Governor did sign AB962. This bill requires individuals purchasing ammunition be fingerprinted and registered at the time of sale, mandates that dealers keep these records and make them available for inspection by the California Department of Justice. Ammunition retailers would also have to store ammunition in such a manner that it would be inaccessible to purchasers. Finally, mail order ammunition sales are prohibited under AB962. Over twenty years ago, Congress abolished similar requirements because ammunition sales records were found to be useless for solving crimes. AB962 is a dire threat to our Second Amendment rights in the Golden State.

Thank you to all of the NRA members who answered the call in opposition to SB585.

Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger TODAY and respectfully voice your disapproval with his signing of AB962. The Governor can be reached by phone at 916-445-2841 or via fax at 916-558-3160. To email Governor Schwarzenegger, please visit

NO bama ‘12

• TPWD seeking dove leases Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is seeking to lease some more dove land for its public land. Landowners interested can click HERE for more information or call 512/389-4505. This a great opportunity for farmers to make some short term cash. The state generally pays about $5 per acre of land......
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Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

North Zone Dove: Wet weather continues to plague the dove flight, making access to fields tough. Muddy roads and soggy fields have not been conducive to hunting. Most of the birds have left the bottoms and staged on higher ground. Last week’s front brought new migrants to the area but few hunters noticed due to the absence of participation. Another front forecasted for the end of the week should deposit northern birds in the region; however, more rain is forecasted as well. Corn, milo and sunflowers continue to produce in the High Plains. Afternoon watering holes have not been as hot as years past due to the wet conditions. The season runs through Oct. 25. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: Wet weather has plagued hunters, but most are not complaining due to the drought conditions the region has endured for the past two years. Between showers, doves have been best over corn and milo on higher ground. Doves have left low-lying areas due to the moisture. Grain fields with gravel nearby have been steady during the past few weeks. Fields around San Antonio, Castroville, Hondo, Uvalde and Del Rio have been best. An influx of birds arrived last week with the front, but heavy showers kept hunters out of the field. Another front forecasted for the end of the week should deposit new birds. Fields around Sealy, Columbus, Katy and Waller have been fair. The season runs through Oct. 25. Prospects are fair to good.

South Zone Dove: Hunters have had to dodge storms to find steady flights of doves. McMullen County hunters have enjoyed good shoots around goatweed and sunflowers. Harlingen, Brownsville and Laredo hunters have see mixed flights of whitewings and mourners. Milo and sunflowers near Raymondville and Port Mansfield have been good in the afternoon. Bay City and El Campo fields have been best in the afternoon, though the area has received lots of rain. More birds should arrive with the cool front forecasted for this week. The season runs through Nov. 3. Prospects are fair to good.

Waterfowl Migration: Most of Texas received more rain this week, which should help habitat across the state. The Panhandle has good numbers of playa lakes brimming with water, most East Texas reservoirs and rivers are at pool and prairie ponds and marshes have received soaking rains the entire month of October. Pintails, shovelers, teal, gadwalls, wigeons and redheads are showing on the coast. Specklebellies are arriving daily, with a few snows mixed in with the darks. The Panhandle is loading up with teal, pintails, wood ducks, gadwalls and wigeons. The High Plains Mallard Management Unit opens Oct. 24-25 and reopens Oct. 30-Jan.24, 2010. The North and South zones commence Oct. 31.

I’m thinking one more trip is on the books this year!!

• Texas Weekly Migratory Bird Report Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February. North Zone Dove: The North Zone season closes at sunset Oct. 25, but reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 9, 2010. Generally, the season has been fair at best, but not for lack of birds. Rains hampered most flight patterns......
• 6 New Texas Dove Leases If anyone has hunted these leases, feel free to leave a review on them. Thanks for posting them, and keep them coming. Below are the details: NAME OF LEASE: Carol Knutson EMAIL: info@muysecoranch.com CONTACT NAME: Carol CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 830-363-4281 PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT: Either LOCATION INCLUDING CLOSEST CITY OR......
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Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

North Zone Dove: The High Plains are wet from recent rains. An abundance of water in playa lakes has doves scattered around watering sources. Corn, milo and sunflowers continue to produce near Amarillo and Dumas. Abilene and Lubbock hunters have seen the same results. Red River hunters continue to be plagued by rain showers and muddy fields. The region received another three inches over the weekend. This week’s mild forecast should do nothing to prompt new migrants to head to Texas, however, the bright moon might. The season runs through Oct. 25. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: Showers across Central Texas hurt the dove flight over the weekend. Rains moved across the state from the west and brought much needed rain to San Antonio and Austin. Whitewings continue to find corn and milo fields in and around San Antonio. Much of the rain has moved birds to the high ground and gravel roads. New birds showed last week around Katy, Brookshire and Columbus. Beaumont and Dayton fields saw an influx of mourning doves. Heavy downpours along zone lines near IH-10 east of Houston hurt the flight over the weekend. Stephenville, Brownwood and Waco fields have been good for near-limits. The season runs through Oct. 25. Prospects are fair to good.

South Zone Dove: Those who dodged rain showers over the weekend saw better shoots in South Texas over milo, corn and goatweed. Rio Grande Valley hunters have shot limits of whitewings in sunflowers. After rains, doves have headed to high ground where they have hung out around trees and gravel. El Campo, Bay City and Port Lavaca have seen steady flights and an influx of birds, however, weekend rains scattered concentrations and changed flight patterns. Stiff southerly winds forecasted for the coast this week could disperse birds even more. Another round of cooler air is not expected until next week. The season runs through Nov. 3. Prospects are fair to good.

Waterfowl Migration: The first real sign of specklebellies showed on the heels of last week’s cool front. Specks hit rice fields on the prairie and have been grubbing on waste grain. Another influx of blue-winged teal was noticed on ponds as well. Some outfitters have said they have never seen so many bluewings at this point in the season. Redheads and pintails continue to find the shoalgrass shorelines around Port O’Connor and Rockport. Pintails, shovelers and wigeons have been seen on prairie ponds as well. The coast received lots of rain over the past two weeks which has already helped habitat. Playa lakes in the Panhandle are abundant, too. Northeast Texas lakes, reservoirs and rivers have plenty of water as well. The High Plains Mallard Management Unit duck season runs Oct.24–25 and Oct.30, 2009–Jan. 24, 2010. The North and South zones run Oct.31–Nov.29 and Dec.12–Jan. 24, 2010

• Dove, Teal Seasons Set BIg News for Texas Dove Hunters AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service SRC (Service Regulation Committee) has approved the 2009-2010 Texas dove season, including a 70-day season and 15-bird daily bag statewide, and a 16-day early teal season. Additionally, the SRC approved moving the Texas South Zone......
• Weekly Migratory Bird Hunting Report North Zone Dove: Dove hunters saw fair to good shoots around the Panhandle over cut corn and milo. The region has received rain during the summer so there are plenty of watering holes and playa lakes. Lubbock and fields north of Abilene were good for morning shoots of mourning doves.......
• Migratory Bird Report North Zone Dove: Best hunts have been in milo, corn and sunflowers around Abilene, Lubbock and Amarillo, though afternoon rains have limited the flight somewhat. The front forecasted for this week should deposit a new crop of mourning doves to Texas. Hunters around the Red River endured 10-12 inches of......

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 All across the fruited plain, firearms and ammunition have been flying off the shelves. Americans are stock piling and dealers are reaping the benefits. We owe this to one man, kind of ironic that the only thing he has stimulated was by accident

NO bama

• Schwarzenegger a Rebublican???? I'm not sure how that can be? California is going bankrupt with all their "green" laws, and yet somehow they are the example our great president is trying to model our nation after. Schwarzenegger was on a path early in his political career  to have the constitution changed so he......
• Man Fined Over Migratory Bird Treaty From Field & Stream: A Kansas man has been order to pay a fine for beating a Heermann's seagull with a stick at Laguna Beach, Los Angeles. after the gull attacked his wife's ice cream. The $275 fine came after a Fish and Wildlife review of witness statements showed that the......
• Extreme Dove Hunt If you've got the funds the you should check out LCHunting.com. They are offering some serious dove hunting for a serious dove hunter. Just check out what is included for the price: Ground transportation from McAllen Texas Beretta AL390 Shotgun Deluxe Accommodations** Delicious meals included Open bar daily Field transportation......

The Dove Duster is a new choke made br Brilley. It is in between improved and modified. The thought being to give you a little tighter pattern for long shots yet one that is open enough to hit the close shots. It’s about time someone thought of us dove hunters

• Upland Bird Country Review Recently my brother did a little quail hunting courtesy of the folks at Upland Bird Country. He had a blast and I asked him to write up a review for all you bird hunters who live near Dallas, TX. Thanks bro. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upland Bird Country Review Location: Corsicana, TX (~60 miles......
• Shotgun Ammo & Chokes Choosing shotgun shells and choke tubes can be confusing to say the least. Just go to Academy and look at the variety, 1oz., 1 1/8oz., 7 shot, 7.5 shot, 2 3/4", 3", lead, tungsten etc, etc, etc. If your not careful you could spend a fortune on the wrong stuff. Let's......
• Shotgunning Tips I was looking through some past articles on Field & Stream's website site and came across an article with some very good tips on five tough shots for dove hunters. It covers: The Incomer You See Forever The Dove With Its Jets On The Long Crosser The Dove That Comes......