This is Arizona’s most popular game bird! It’s the smallest of the southwest quail but don’t underestimate it! Their iconic long plumed top knot and agile running legs make them a memorable bird you won’t forget! You can find these in various habitats, including desert scrub lands, thorny thickets, and washes, and they present an exciting challenge for hunters.
In this blog, we’ll provide some essential scouting tips to enhance your chances of encountering Gambel’s Quail in their natural environment.
Ten Tips For Scouting Quail
#1 Research the Area:
Before embarking on your scouting journey, conduct thorough research on areas known to have Gambel’s Quail. Seek recommendations from experienced hunters, look for signs of quail presence in the off-season, and familiarize yourself with the local geography, vegetation, and topography. Identifying potential hotspots will improve your chances of locating quail during the season. Pay close attention to areas with desert hackberry, ironwood, cat claw acacia, prickly pear, and Mesquite trees. Other plants to lookout for would include, snakeweed, turpentine bush, jimmyweed, borrowweed, shrubby buckwheat, brittlebush, triangle leaf and bursage. For more on quail habitat and hunting small game in Arizona check out this book.
#2 Pick a Good Time:
Quail are most active during the early mornings and late afternoons. Plan your scouting trips around these times to observe the birds in motion. Avoid scouting during the hottest part of the day when quail seek shelter from the heat.
#3 Listen for Their Call:
Gambel’s Quail are known for their distinctive calls, sounding like “chi-ca-go” or “chi-ca-go-o,” often repeated multiple times. These calls become more frequent during the breeding season. Familiarizing yourself with their distinct calls will help you identify their locations more effectively. Listening to vocalizations can provide valuable clues to their presence.
#4 Look for Water:
While Gambel’s Quail can survive without major water sources, they will be attracted to areas with available water, especially during hot spells or dry seasons. Scout around water sources for increased chances of encountering quail.
#5 Know Their Feeding Habits:
Gambel’s Quail are typically active feeders during mornings and afternoons, seeking shelter in the shade during the heat of the day. Examining their diet by opening up a bird during hunting season can also offer interesting insights into their feeding preferences. During the summer many of the quail eat ants especially the chicks. This gives an extra amount of protein for the growing birds. The birds will also eat beetles, grasshoppers and other insects when they can find them.
#6 Look for Tracks:
Learn to identify Gambel’s Quail tracks in washes. You will need to see a bunch before it’s worth hunting the area. Often times they will roost near the trees lining the washes and will leave their roost in the morning to feed. There will be lots of tracks if this is the case.
#7 Turn Off the Truck:
When scouting from your vehicle, take the time to turn off the engine and wait in promising areas. Patiently observe the surroundings, exploring open washes, roads, and hillsides. You might start to notice movement or hear quail calls, giving you a better idea of the covey’s size.
#8 Try Some Binoculars:
Carry a good pair of binoculars to scan the area more effectively. Binoculars are also handy for identifying small game and observing quail without alarming them.
#9 Close the Gate:
Respect public and private lands alike. If you encounter gates on ranches or farms, be sure to close them after passing through. Maintaining good hunting ethics ensures that the privilege of hunting on these lands is preserved for all.
#10 Drop Some Pins:
Take advantage of modern technology by marking important locations using GPS or hunting apps like OnX. Record notes, such as the presence of water or the size of the covey. This practice helps you manage hunting pressure and ensures responsible hunting practices.
Remember, scouting for Gambel’s Quail is not just about hunting; it’s also about embracing the beauty of nature. By respecting their habitat and understanding their needs, we contribute to the conservation of these magnificent birds and preserve the privilege of hunting in the great outdoors. Happy scouting!
Helpful links:
- https://www.votsqf.com/gambels-quail-calls.html
- www.onxmaps.com
- https://www.backcountrychronicles.com/public-hunting-land/
- https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/gambels-quail
- https://www.azgfd.com/species/quail/#:~:text=The%20Gambel%27s%20quail%20is%20found,juniper%20woodland%20and%20pine%20forest.