Texas Quail Season Opens November 1, and the Survey Numbers Look Strong

Texas quail season opens Sunday, November 1, and hunters heading south from Lawton have reason to be optimistic. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists surveyed more than 3,300 miles of Texas roads in August, and their annual report points to another quality season, with timely rainfall and healthy habitat helping both bobwhite and scaled quail reproduce.

Scaled quail produced the year’s biggest surprise. In the Edwards Plateau, survey routes averaged 29.88 birds, more than double last year’s count, and sightings exceeded the 15-year average across most regions. South Texas and the Trans Pecos are expected to be the strongest areas overall, while the Rolling Plains around Lubbock came in slightly below last year but should still offer solid hunting.

For hunters without private land access, several wildlife management areas welcome quail hunters holding an Annual Public Hunting Permit, including Matador, Gene Howe and Teacup Mountain. TPWD Upland Game Bird Program Leader Patrick Schutz also encouraged experienced hunters to bring a first-timer along this season. Are you planning a quail trip this year, and is there a new hunter coming with you?