GUIDE TO HUNTING QUAIL IN CALIFORNIA
November 2002
4th Edition

Written by Sönke Mastrup

Updated by D. Sam Blankenship and Jesse Garcia
Cover Photo By Dorothy Tallman
Cover Design by Lorna Bernard and Bob Hare
Maps by Chris Ball, John Ellison, and from the
Wildlife Habitat Relationships System Database
Design and Layout By Lorna Bernard
WILDLIFE PROGRAMS BRANCH
Tom Blankinship, Upland Game Program Coordinator
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Robert C. Hight, Director
STATE OF CALIFORNIARESOURCES AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAMESACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
1416 NINTH STREETSACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814
WWW.DFG.CA.GOV
This Publication was Funded By:
Upland Game Stamp Revune
Federal Aid In Wildlife Restoration (hunter-paid taxes on firearms and ammunition)
Project W-65-R, Upland Game Investigations

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPREFACE......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER I. CALIFORNIA'S QUAIL.......................................................................................................................... 7
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION.................................................................................................................................. 8
HABITAT.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
		 California quail.................................................................................................................................................. 9		 Mountain quail ................................................................................................................................................. 9
		 Gambel's quail . ............................................................................................................................................... 10
BEHAVIOR ............................................................................................................................................................ 10		 California quail................................................................................................................................................. 10		 Mountain quail .................................................................................................................................................11
		 Gambel's quail................................................................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER II. HOW TO HUNT QUAIL.................................................................................................................... 13
SAFETY................................................................................................................................................................... 13
HUNTER ETHICS................................................................................................................................................. 13
EQUIPMENT...........................................................................................................................................................14
		 California quail..................................................................................................................................................14
		 Mountain quail................................................................................................................................................. 15
		 Gambel's quail................................................................................................................................................... 15
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SHOOTING........................................................................................................... 15
HOW TO FIND QUAIL......................................................................................................................................... 16
		 California quail................................................................................................................................................17
		Mountain quail................................................................................................................................................ 18
		 Gambel's quail.................................................................................................................................................. 18
STRATEGY WITH A DOG................................................................................................................................... 19
		 California quail............................................................................................................................................... 19
		Mountain quail................................................................................................................................................ 19
		 Gambel's quail.................................................................................................................................................. 19
STRATEGY WITHOUT A DOG.......................................................................................................................... 20
		 California quail............................................................................................................................................... 20
		Mountain quail.................................................................................................................................................21
		 Gambel's quail.................................................................................................................................................. 22
	LOCATING DOWNED QUAIL............................................................................................................................ 23
		Dead quail........................................................................................................................................................ 23
		 Crippled quail................................................................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER III. WHERE TO HUNT QUAIL.............................................................................................................. 25
PUBLIC LANDS..................................................................................................................................................... 25
		National and state forests.............................................................................................................................. 25
		 State wildlife areas.......................................................................................................................................... 25
		 State Recreation Areas................................................................................................................................... 26
		U.S. Bureau of Land Management.................................................................................................................. 26
		U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Land.................................................................................................................. 26
		U.S. Military reservations............................................................................................................................... 26
		U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands.............................................................................................................. 27
PRIVATE LANDS................................................................................................................................................... 27
	FEE/LEASE LANDS............................................................................................................................................... 27
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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

CHAPTER IV. PUBLIC LAND PROFILES................................................................................................................ 28
	ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..................................................................................................................................... 28
HOW TO USE THIS SECTION............................................................................................................................ 28
	REGIONAL HUNT AREA PROFILES................................................................................................................. 30
		Region 1: Northern California-North Coast Region.................................................................................. 30
		Region 2: Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra Region. ................................................................................. 42
		Region 3: Central Coast Region.................................................................................................................... 56
		Region 4: San Joagquin Valley-Southern Sierra Region.............................................................................. 63
		Region 5: South Coast Region....................................................................................................................... 76
		Region 6: Eastern Sierra-Inland Deserts Region ......................................................................................... 79
CHAPTER V. CARE OF BAGGED QUAIL................................................................................................................ 87
		 How to humanely kill wounded quail ........................................................................................................... 87
		Field dressing and care. .................................................................................................................................. 87
		 Storage............................................................................................................................................................. 88
		Aging. ............................................................................................................................................................... 88
		Recipes............................................................................................................................................................... 89
CHAPTER VI. PERSONAL QUAIL MANAGEMENT............................................................................................... 90
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................................... 91
Northern California hunt area location map................................................................................ 92
Central California hunt area location map.................................................................................... 93
Southern California hunt area location map................................................................................. 94
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME REGIONAL MAP.............................................................. 95
MOUNTAIN QUAIL RANGE MAP............................................................................................................................ 96
CALIFORNIA QUAIL RANGE MAP.......................................................................................................................... 97
GAMBEL'S QUAIL RANGE MAP............................................................................................................................... 98
THE QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA................................................................................................................................... 99

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

34Guide To Hunting Quail in California

PREFACE
The purpose of this guide is to provide both the experienced and the beginning hunter with information on:•Basic identification and quail biology useful for hunting;•How to find quail;•How to hunt quail, both with and without a dog;
•Where to go quail hunting;•How to care for bagged quail; and•How to help manage quail populations.
This information can also be useful to bird watchers, photographers, educators, scientists, and anyone else
wanting to know how and where to find quail.
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) hopes that this publication will provide a stimulating and useful
guide to hunting the quail of California.
We encourage comments, including information that could be added to future editions. Comments or suggestions for future editions should be mailed to:
Department of Fish and Game
Wildlife Programs Branch
Upland Game Unit
1812 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Chapter I.

California's QuailC

alifornia has three native species of quail, theCalifornia quail, the mountain quail and theGambel’s quail. Among the three of them, there is
not a county in the state without at least one species.
Both the California quail and the mountain quail arefound from one end of the state to the other, while
the Gambel’s quail is found only in the southeast corner of the state. This group of game birds offers someof the most exciting and challenging upland hunting
to be found anywhere.
The California quail is the most commonly recognized of the three species, and is the most widelydistributed of the three, comprising most of the annual quail harvest. It is a bird which will often hold fordogs. Opportunities for hunting this quail on public
lands are good throughout most of the state.
The mountain quail, inhabiting most mountain
ranges, is the most difficult to hunt because of its
fondness for running, steep terrain, and dense cover,and its dislike for flying. Mountain quail hunters average only a little better than one quail per day hunted,
whereas California and Gambel’s quail hunters average twice that per day hunted. However, to the persistent hunter go the rewards of what is considered to
be one of the finest eating of upland game birds.
The Gambel’s quail is found throughout most of
the southeastern part of California. The best populations occur along the Colorado River, in the Coachella
and Imperial valleys, and in the desert mountains ofeastern San Bernardino County. The Gambel’s quailis usually a running bird that likes to flush well out.
Once the covey has scattered, single or double birds
can provide excellent hunting either with or without adog. Fortunately, most of this quail’s habitat exists on
public lands.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Male and female California quail. Photo by Sharon Bailey.

To measure hunter effort and game harvest eachyear, the California Department of Fish and Game
conducts an annual “Game Take Hunter Survey.” According to the 2000 Game Take Hunter Survey, quail
are the third most popular game species in terms oftime spent in pursuit, behind only ducks and deer.
The California, mountain, and Gambel’s quail hunter
success rates that year were 80, 80, and 71 percent,respectively. Table 1 lists the top counties reporting
the greatest take of each quail species. Table 2 summarizes the average hunter effort and success by
quail species during the 2000/2001 season.

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SPECIES IDENTIFICATION
California quail: (Callipepla californica)
Also known as the valley quail.
The male, about nine to 11 inches long, is morecolorful than the female. He has a black throat circled
with a white line, and the top of his head is darkbrown with a plume of short, black, curved feathers.
A chestnut patch is in the middle of the stomach,his breast is scaled, and his sides are burnish graystreaked with white dashes. The female is similar, but
has a shorter plume (about half the size) and a browngray head without all the white and black markings ofthe male. Average weight is about six to seven ouncesfor both sexes. The call most commonly heard during the fall and winter months is their assembly call, a
metallic sounding “Chi-ca-go,” “Chi-wa-ka.”
Mountain quail: (Oreortyx pictus)
Also known as the mountain partridge.
The mountain quail is the largest of the native
quail in North America. Unlike the other quail, the sexes look alike. They have a long, slender black plume;the throat is chestnut bordered with white; the breast,

8

DFG file illustration.

upper back and head are bluish gray; and the sides
are chestnut with broad black and white stripes. They
are 10 to 12 inches long and weigh an average ofabout eight to nine ounces. The call a hunter is most
likely to hear is their alarm call, a series of “cle-cle-cle,”“ca-ca-ca, cree-a-a, cree-a-ca-ca,” or sharp rapid “scree”
or “t-t-t-r-r-r-rt” notes. Another call heard during thehunting season is their assembly call which is a seriesof whistled “kow, kow, kow” or “How, how, how” notes.
Gambel’s quail: (Callipepla gambelii)
Also known as the desert quail.
The Gambel’s quail, which is nine to 11 inches
long and weighs five to seven ounces, is somewhat
smaller than the California quail. The male is again
more colorful than the female, and has a rust-red cap
with black plume, black throat with a white border,
gray upper breast, black stomach patch without scaling, and chestnut sides streaked with white. The female looks like the male, but without the black throatand stomach patch, and has a shorter plume. The
most commonly heard call during the hunting season
is their assembly call, a nasal “Chi-ca-go-go.”

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

HABITATIn any location, the basic habitat needs forfood, cover (shelter), and water must be met or there
will be no quail. With these needs met, the relative
size of the population will then depend upon theamount, distribution, and quality of these needed
resources.
CALIFORNIA QUAIL

Foothill California quail habitat showing the appropriate
blend of open grass and brushy vegetation with adjacent
hardwood/coniferous woodland. DFG file photo.

The California quail is associated with a combination of brushy vegetation and more open weedy or
grassy habitat with some water supply. They avoid
dense forests and dense chaparral.
Food is usually abundant throughout the California quail’s range. During the fall, the most importantfoods of the California quail, in order of importance,
are the seeds of legumes, annual weeds, grasses,
and fruits and leaves of woody plants. Once winterrains have started, their diet changes to one consisting mostly of the green leaves of forbs, clovers, andgrasses. These foods may become scarce throughovergrazing or a drought, or inaccessible due to a lackof cover.
A good distribution and quality of cover is important for the efficient and safe access to food andwater.  During the fall and winter months, the California quail are subject to harsh weather and predators(both human and non-human), and they will rarely
venture more than 20 yards from cover. In addition
to being well-distributed, the cover needs to be of
sufficient quality. It must be dense enough to provide
some shelter from the elements and protection from
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

predators. California quail also require good roosting cover. They prefer some dense evergreen tree or
shrub that allows them to perch, a few feet off theground.
In most of their range California quail require
some form of surface water. There are some coastal
populations that get all their water from dew and suc-

Mountain quail habitat includes higher elevations of mixed
evergreen forests and chaparral with steep slopes.
DFG file photo.

culent vegetation. However, throughout most of thestate a good supply of water is very important.
MOUNTAIN QUAILThe mountain quail is an animal of mixed evergreen forests and chaparral. This quail is found inhabitats associated with pinon-juniper, oak woodland,chaparral, coastal forest, and mountain forests. This
quail likes thick brush that covers about half of thearea. They appear to do best in areas with a good,even distribution of brush. For example, an area
where you can walk through the brush, but not in astraight line for more than 10-30 feet in any direction,and you can just see over the brush is probably very
good mountain quail habitat. This area should also
have a good sprinkling of oaks and pines.
The “icing on the cake” for mountain quail is steep
slopes­—they race up slopes to escape danger. However, not one quail will be found here unless there iswater nearby. This need is strong enough that during
hot weather they will almost always be found withina short distance of water. Before winter “green up,”
mountain quail are rarely found more than one milefrom water, and usually much closer. As with the other9

two quail species, once fall rains start and bring abouta new flush of growth, the quail will start feeding inareas that they are not found in during the preceding
dryer months.
The diet of mountain quail is similar to that of theother two quail species, but with the addition of more
fruits such as elderberry, hackberry, serviceberry,grape, gooseberry, poison oak, toyon, and manzanita.
They also make extensive use of bulblets, and themeats of acorns and pine nuts.
GAMBEL’S QUAIL
Gambel’s quail prefer desert valleys and uplandsof the Mojave desert where mesquite, cat’s-claw, saltbush, tamarisk, creosote bush, desert thorn, skunkbush, yuccas, burroweed, or prickly pear are found in
the vicinity of water. They are most abundant in valley
bottoms of decomposed granite or transported soilsof river bottoms, and areas where January temperatures rarely drop to freezing.
The diet of Gambel’s quail is heavily dependent
upon the foliage and seeds of annual plants andlegumes. Their most important foods are the greensand seeds of annuals such as deervetch, filaree, andlegumes of the locoweed and lupine families. Theseannuals and legumes are in turn very dependent
upon annual rainfall. Good rainfall produces goodannual growth which usually results in large Gambel’s
quail populations.
Cover requirements are similar to those of the
California quail, but Gambel’s quail are able to copewith cover that is less dense than that favored by the
California quail.
The availability of water is important, but apparently not to the extent it is for California quail andmountain quail. Gambel’s quail are able to get by withless water and are apparently able to travel greater
distances to get it. However, the best populations
exist where there is a good supply of water, food, andcover together.

BEHAVIORCALIFORNIA QUAILThe California quail is a social animal and spends
most of the year, including the hunting season, inlarge groups called coveys. These coveys are usuallyformed in August and September when several family groups, consisting of parents and their offspring,merge to form one large group, the covey. The quailin these coveys perform all of their daily activities as agroup. They roost together at night, wake up and feed
together, dust bathe together, siesta and hide frompredators together. During pre-season scouting andthe hunting season one will almost always find California quail in these coveys. Success in finding California quail during this time can be improved by knowing something about how coveys use their habitat.
How a covey uses its habitat is usually determinedby the habitat itself, the weather, and other factors.
The distribution of food, cover, and water is the mostimportant factor that influences covey activity. The
most important “other factor” is usually predators,
both human and non-human.
California quail prefer to roost in dense evergreen
shrubs or trees, usually close to water. The covey rises
from its roost between first light and sunrise. In coldor foul weather they may leave the roost much later.
Just before the covey leaves the roost, one of themales will usually give a few good morning “Chi-cago” calls. This helps any quail that may have been
separated from the covey, either when they went toroost or during the night, find their way back. This
also makes it easy for the early rising hunter to locate

A desert wash with enough canopy and groundcover is suitable habitat for Gambel's quail aswell as burro deer. Photo by Leon Lesicka.
10

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

California quail loafing on a downed tree. Photo by Don
Lange.

coveys.
At this point the quail will either drop to theground and begin feeding toward water, or will fly
directly to water. Once the rains have started and thehills and valleys become green, they will feed first before going, if at all, to water. The quail will feed almost
non-stop for the first one to two hours after leaving
the roost, and on and off for another one to threehours thereafter. They may feed on and off for much
longer if the weather is bad, or for a much shortertime if predators are in the area.
During the hunting season they don’t like to feedmuch further than 50 feet from cover. In most cases
this is due to the presence of the Cooper’s hawk, oneof their most efficient natural predators. Where they
feed depends upon where the cover is. If cover permits, they will usually head straight from their roost or
watering site.
Because California quail don’t migrate, food may

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

become scarce around activity centers toward theend of fall. Because of this, they will often be foundseveral hundred yards to half a mile from thesecenters later in the morning. Once they have finishedtheir morning feeding, the covey will then either finda good siesta spot where they stopped, or will return
to some favorite spot. The quail will stay here resting,dust bathing and digesting food during the middle ofthe day.
Usually the covey will begin feeding again about
two to four hours before dark. Early in the season
when it is still hot and dry they will probably go towater before going to roost. Later in the season when
it gets wet and cool, they probably will not. During
the last two hours of light they will be feeding so thatthey may go to sleep with a full crop. The covey willusually feed in the direction of the roost, and may
spend the last hour of light feeding nearby. During
this time they will be giving assembly calls to regroup the covey before going to roost at twilight.

11

If they are disturbed as they go to roost or during the night, many of the birds may be forced tospend the night exposed to predators andthe elements. Because quail cannot see wellat night, they will not move from where they
land.

GAMBEL’S QUAIL
Coveys of Gambel’s quail, like California quail, areoften made up of several family groups. The average

MOUNTAIN QUAIL
Populations of mountain quail that live
in areas that receive snowfall usually migrate
down from higher elevations in fall. This migration may be as far as 20 miles. In the Sierra,
the migration down the mountains starts inlate August or early September with the firstsnows, and by the beginning of October mostof the mountain quail are below 5,000 feetin elevation. They spend the winter roosting
and loafing under scrub oaks and feeding in
low brush. They do not move much during
this time, and will usually be found in thesame area they were found previously. Coveys living below snow line, which includes
most of those in the coast range, generally do
not migrate.
Mountain quail usually come to water
after their morning feeding. They spend the
mid-day hours loafing under thick brush.
They come out again in the late afternoon to
feed until twilight, before going to roost in
heavy cover. They probably will visit water inthe late afternoon during hot weather.
Unlike the Gambel’s and California quail, thefall/winter mountain quail coveys usually consist of
one or two single families and a few unsuccessful
breeders, and generally are not larger than about 10
to 20 birds. When hunting you will hear their alarm
call more often than you will see them. However,
because of their very secretive nature, they use
alarm calls sparingly. It is not uncommon to get very
close to them before they show any signs of alarm.
A trait that makes finding them very difficult istheir intense dislike for open space. They very rarely
get more than 20 feet from cover. They also will
go to great lengths to avoid having to cross open
spaces, such as dirt roads, when frightened.

12

Female California quail. Photo by Ann Laird.

size of a covey is between 20 and 40 birds. In someparts of their range coveys of several hundred quailcan be found around watering holes during the latesummer.
During the early fall, coveys of Gambel’s quail
keep their activities centered around a water source.
Later, when the desert greens a little, the coveys will
range over a much larger area. They prefer to keep
their activities centered around good cover. Throughout most of their range in California this usuallymeans the vegetation found in most desert washes.
This vegetation and water is usually most abundant
where the washes begin, at the base of some hills or
mountains.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Chapter II.

HOW TO HUNT QUAILSAFETY

Quail hunting is a relatively safe sport. However, it
is imperative that to remain a safe sport, certain safety
rules be adhered to without exception. When you
take a newcomer, especially children, into the hunting
experience, part of your responsibility as a hunter is
to teach that person proper safety. The following rules
are good ones to live by:
THE ELEVEN COMMANDMENTS OFQUAIL HUNTING SAFETY  1.  Always treat the gun as loaded.
2. Never have a loaded gun except when hunting.
  3.  Always make sure that the barrel and action are
clear of obstructions.
  4.  Always carry your gun so that you can control
the direction of the muzzle, even if you stumble.
  5.  Always keep the safety on until the gun isbrought to shoulder.
  6.  Always make sure your target is a quail and yourbackstop is not a hunter or a dog.
  7.  Never point a gun at anything you do not want
to shoot.
8. Never leave guns or ammunition within reach ofchildren or careless adults.
9. Never climb trees or fences with a loaded gun.
10.  Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
11. Never drink alcohol or take other mood-alteringdrugs before or during a hunt.
Always know where all members of your hunting
party are. The more members in your party the moredifficult this will be. It is recommended to keep hunting parties as small as possible, preferably two, but nomore than three. If you are with a large party, try to
spread out or split into several groups of two.
If your party has found some quail, determine inwhich directions it would be unsafe to shoot.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Each person should wear some safety orange, alittle is better than none. Camouflage clothing is notnecessary for quail hunting, they know where you
are regardless of what you wear. Take extra precautions during deer season. This is most important when
hunting mountain quail. Most of their range is also
popular deer hunting country. Wear plenty of safety
orange and talk with your buddy while hunting.
If you have to chase down a crippled bird, makesure your gun is on safety.
Almost all good quail country is good rattlesnake
country. Be careful around brush and water.
When hunting in the deserts of California, always
be sure to carry plenty of water. If you are hunting
with a dog, make sure to carry additional water foryour dog. It also pays to avoid hunting during the
mid-day hours when it can be quite hot. Be preparedfor cold temperatures at night.
HUNTER ETHICS
In order to preserve the privilege of hunting, it isessential that each quail hunter, as a representative ofall quail hunters, conduct him- or herself in an ethical manner. Without the public’s support, even if this
support is in the form of indifference, we could lose
our cherished privilege. The following are some suggestions:
1. Respect other’s property:•don’t trespass without permission•don’t litter•don’t harass livestock•if driving on someone’s property, drive slowly, anddon’t drive off the roads•do leave gates as you find them•do offer to repair or compensate for damage you
13may have caused
2. Be kind and courteous:•don’t interfere with other hunters, campers or bird
watchers•always be helpful—whether it be telling a landowner about a hole in his fence, or offering tohelp fix the fence.
3. Conduct oneself as a sportsman:•always hunt safely!
•always follow regulations—nobody likes a gamehog
•don’t shoot birds of prey (including Cooper’s
hawks)EQUIPMENTCALIFORNIA QUAIL
Adult hunters must possess a valid California
hunting license and an upland game bird stamp when
hunting quail (as well as other upland game birds).
The stamp is not required for hunters with a valid
California junior hunting license.
The most important piece of clothing is foot wear.
They must protect and support your feet, provide
sure footing, and be light and comfortable enoughto walk all day in them. Lightweight hiking boots area good choice. However, the running-shoe type oflightweight hiking boots do not provide much protection against rocks for the sides of your feet and ankles.
In the northern parts of the state, boots that are also
waterproof are desirable.
Pants should be rugged enough to withstandwading through brush. Many hunters choose to wear
“brush pants” or chaps. Brush pants are pants with an
extra layer of canvas or nylon across the lower legs toprotect them from the thorny brush that quail seemto love to hide in. Chaps are similar material that areworn separately.
Using the “layering method” of dressing is preferred as it is often cold starting out in the morningand becomes progressively warmer as the morning
wears on and you have done some hiking. Be sure
you have some way of carrying the clothing you shed.
Tossing them in the game bag is not a good idea. Not
only will it get your clothes stained with blood, butalso will it prevent the quail from cooling off quickly.
While hunting, game should be carried in a man14

ner that allows air to circulate around them and at
the same time minimize exposure to dirt. A gamebag made with vents or at least partially made with amesh material would be helpful. Snake boots, leggings, or chaps can be worn for protection from rattlesnakes, but are generally not comfortable enough forlong hunts.
Many hunters carry a small pair of “mini” binoculars. These six or seven power binoculars with usually
20mm objective lenses are made to fold up and canbe carried in a shirt pocket. They can be very handy
in scouting the terrain ahead, to assist you in finding
guzzlers, your hunting partners when you get separated or even your truck at the end of a long day.
The best gun and ammo for quail hunting is a
popular subject of debate among hunters. Many of
the reasons for choosing a particular set-up are basedon personal preference. Here are several things tokeep in mind when making a selection:
1.  You will have to carry the gun and shells up anddown hills. The lighter the gun and smaller thegauge, the less weight you will have to carry. Quailare relatively easy to kill, and all the gauges - .410
bore, 28, 20, 16, and 12 - are successfully used tohunt them. However, the smallest gauges, 28 and.410 bore, generally require more skill to be usedeffectively. Because of their reduced shot capacity
and longer shot strings, tighter chokes (full) must
be used to achieve sufficient pattern densities,
making it harder to hit quail.
2. The gun should be responsive. It should shoulder
and swing quickly. Quail move out like missiles
and rarely fly straight.
3.  In heavy cover, use an open choke: the shots arecloser, it makes it easier to hit the birds, and it does
less damage to the bird. Long shots in heavy coverusually result in lost birds.
4.  In open cover you can use either a tight or open
choke. If the quail flush close, and you are using
a tight choke, let them get a short distance away
before shooting to avoid excessive damage to thebird.
5. Number eight or number seven and a half shot
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

gives you plenty of killing power while still providing good pattern density.
Coveys and scattered birds will sometimes answer a call simulating the “Chi-ca-go” call. There areseveral quail calls being manufactured that can beused on California quail and Gambel’s quail. Mountainquail calls are effective as well. Instructional tapes areavailable to help you master the calls of the various
species.
It is very important to cool bagged quail as soon
as possible and keep them cool. You should use acontainer that will keep the quail cool and dry. Do not
let them get wet or sit in water because it promotes
bacterial growth, which increases the chances of
spoilage. Keeping quail cool is even more importantduring the warmer, earlier part of theseason.
MOUNTAIN QUAILFor mountain quail the equipment
should include rugged pants and shirts
for some brush wading. An open chokeis almost always preferred because
most of the shots will be close andquick. Trying to hit them before they
get behind a tree or bush requires using every advantage at your disposal.
Without a dog it is better to shoot onlyat close birds with an open choke. The
reason is that long shots in mountainquail habitat without a dog usually
result in lost birds.

2.  A pair of pliers to pull out spines;
3.  Barrels commonly in the modified to full choke
range; and4.  More water. It can be very hot during the early partof the season. If you bring a dog, you need to carrywater for it too. Many hunters carry the two liter
bota bags for themselves as well as their dog. The
bota is a soft, easy to carry method that allows you
both to share the canteen without sharing saliva.

HOW TO IMPROVEYOUR SHOOTING

Hitting flying quail is one of the most challenging
shooting feats around. They can be difficult to hit for
both the beginner and the expert.
There are several things that canincrease your success at hitting these
elusive targets.

The most important is pre-season
practice. Hand-thrown clay birds orvisits to your local trap and skeet
facility are a must. Both games shouldbe tried if available, as each provides
opportunities to work on angles andleads commonly encountered whenquail hunting. One of the best practice games is “Sporting Clays.” This cancome the closest to mimicking quail
hunting. A recommendation when at
the course is to try starting with thegun off the shoulder, down where
A body in good shape with good
you would have it when a covey
stamina is almost always required. Inof quail flushes on you by surprise.
most cases, the country you will be
Learning to bring the gun to shoulder
hunting mountain quail is rugged.
Adult male quail with brood. smoothly and still hit moving tarDFG file photo. gets is the name of the game. This is
A good dog can be a great asset
also a good time to get familiar withwhen hunting mountain quail. The dog is equally, if
your safety. Leave the safety on until the gun is being
not more, important for finding coveys as for retrievbrought to your shoulder. Don’t forget to put it backing downed birds.
on again once you have brought the gun down off
your shoulder.
GAMBEL’S QUAILFor Gambel’s quail you need the same basic
The second factor important for consistently hitequipment as for California quail, but with some difting
quail is developing the ability to select targets.
ferences:
Quail flush as a group for a reason, to present the
predator (you) a confusing whirlwind of targets. This
1. A pair of shoes or boots that resists spines because
reduces the predator’s ability to focus on one target,
much of their range is also cactus country;
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

15and increases the odds the predator will be indecisive
long enough to allow escape by all. This system works
equally well on Cooper’s hawks and hunters alike.
The secret to overcoming this defense system is topick out a single target and stick with it. This sounds
easy, but it is not. Many hunters have avoided thisproblem by not even shooting at the quail until they
have flushed and scattered them to allow hunting of
singles and doubles. This system works well in country where they can be reliably followed, but for many
areas the first covey flush is all you’re going to get.
There are several tricks to help focus on a single
target. One is to try and pick out the odd bird, that is
the one that’s going in a different direction. Anotheris to focus on a bird to the periphery of the flushing
covey. Something that also helps is that the membersof a covey rarely flush all at once. There are almost
always a few stragglers. The trick here is to let the first
burst go and gather your senses back together andprepare for the stragglers. They usually come out assingles and pairs. Although it is hard to pass up shots,
keep in mind that you will probably have exclusive
shots at these because your buddy just emptied his
gun on the main covey flush and is not prepared forthe stragglers.
Before you try for that second or third bird on arise, make sure that the first bird you hit is dead. Keepshooting at that first bird until you are sure that itis dead. Mark its fall before taking on another bird.
Before moving, reload. You will feel mighty foolish if
after a few steps, a straggler gets up and you havenothing to offer but the snap of an empty gun.

HOW TO FIND QUAILThere are several factors that will influence yourability to find quail when you arrive at your spot.
Weather, time of day, and presence of human andother predators will affect the quails’ normal behavior.
When the weather is wet, cold, heavily overcast, or
windy, the quail tend to leave the roost much later inthe morning. They also tend not to call as often and inmany cases not at all. When it is wet they stay close tocover, and will feed intermittently all day long. Heavy
overcast also makes it harder to spot them.
The time of day you arrive should influence the ar16

eas you hunt. As discussed in the section on behavior,
they will be near roosting cover around sunrise. Laterin the morning they will be near water and feeding
cover. Midday hunting should focus on dense loafing cover. In the afternoon, efforts should again becentered around good feeding cover.
In many areas the presence or recent presenceof other hunters and predators will be an important
influence on your decision of where to hunt. This
influence can last from a few hours to several days
depending upon the extent of the presence.

Table 1. Top Counties for
Harvest of Quail Species - 2000
California Quail
County% of State Total
1 - Kern
14.0
2 - San Luis Obispo
8.3
3 - Monterey
  6.3
   
4 - Santa Barbara
6.0
5 - Lassen
5.0
6 - Fresno
4.5
7 - Tehama
3.9
8 - Los Angeles
3.8
9 - Riverside
3.5
10 - Siskiyou       3.0Mountain Quail
County% of State Total
1 - Siskiyou
    13.9  
2 - Trinity     8.5  
3 - Kern
6.9
4 - Tuolumne
6.0
5 - Plumas
5.4
6 - El Dorado
4.5
7 - Tulare
4.3
8 - Fresno
4.0
9 - Shasta
3.6
10 - Lassen
3.3
			
Gambel’s Quail(Range distributed over six adjacent, southerncounties)		
County% of State Total
1 - San Bernardino
32.9
2 - Imperial
25.6
3 - Riverside
14.3		
4 - Kern
5.3
5 - Inyo
6 - San Diego

3.7

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

A Cooper’s hawk flying through an area can cause
the quail to hide and remain silent for up to an houror more, making the quail very difficult to find. Coveys
recently hunted will tend not to hold, and will flush far
out in front of you.
The areas you hunt will obviously be affected if
there are hunters already there when you arrive. The
best thing to do is to ask them where they are going to hunt and tell them you will hunt those areas
they don’t plan on immediately hunting. This usuallyworks well on areas that are large and have more thanenough habitat for all. However, if the area is small, or
good quail habitat is limited, it would be wisest to go
to another spot. Sometimes it is possible to join thefirst party if they find that acceptable.
Another approach to this situation is to place
yourself on a hill or some other vantage point andwatch them hunt. You want to watch for coveys thatslip away from them undetected into another canyon
or hill top. Then, if it is obvious they are not goingto hunt that area, or are leaving, you can pursue
them. This information is also useful for future hunts
because it reveals to you one of the covey’s escaperoutes.
After the first weekend of the season, and evenmore so after the second, hunted coveys will behave
differently than during the first weekend. You will notice that they will flush further out, fly and run further,head to the thickest cover much more readily, and callmuch less than before. This is their response to hunting pressure. So if you are going to work an area thathas recently been hunted, you should be prepared
for long shots and carefully work all the good escapecover.
Similar behavior occurs in the presence of a
Cooper’s hawk. If you happen to notice one of thesehighly skilled predators in the area, you will not likely
see or hear any quail. You will most likely find themin the thickest cover in the area. If there is a Cooper’s
hawk in the immediate area they may not leave thecover, even with you standing on it! The best thing to
do in this situation is to move on to the next covey or
wait for the Cooper’s hawk to leave. They are known
to take advantage of hunters flushing hidden quailand then snatching one up as they flee. One should
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Table 2. 2000 Hunter Survey Summary Table
California Mountain Gambel’s

Average seasonalbag per hunter:
10.6
Average number quail 		bagged per day hunted:      1.9Average number of daysin the field per hunter:
5.7

5.5

7.5

       1.0      1.6

5.7

4.6

The size of quail populations in any given year
fluctuates more in the northern and southerncounties of the state than in the central counties.
Good rainfall in the southern counties can produce large populations, whereas in the northerncounties cold winters or wet springs can produce
small populations. It generally follows that themore quail there are, the more hunters that huntthem, the more time they spend hunting them,and the more quail they harvest.

never shoot a Cooper’s hawk, this will not “make”
more game, and it is illegal. Instead, the hunting skillsof this hawk should be admired because they truly areamazing.
Calling can be used in some circumstances tolocate coveys or individuals of all three quail species.
Undisturbed coveys are more likely to answer calling
during the early morning and evening hours. However, just because quail don’t respond to your calling
does not mean there are no quail in the area. Quailcommonly don’t answer calls of other quail in thearea. During the midday hours they will usually failto answer calls. Quail of a disturbed (scattered) covey
will readily respond to calling after a short (10-20 minute) quiet period. In this circumstance, with patienceand stillness, one can often call some of them right toyou!
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
Look over the terrain and find those areas thatmeet the quail’s habitat needs. With a good pair ofbinoculars or spotting scope, scan the first 50 feetaround cover for feeding quail. If you spot somethingthat looks like it might be quail, watch it for a few seconds to see if it moves. California quail never sit still
for more than a few seconds at most when feeding17

away from cover. Also scan the tops of shrubs, brushpiles and rocks for a perched sentinel male. He willusually be motionless for at least a few minutes. During their morning and afternoon feeding periods, you
should also keep an ear open for their assembly calls(“Chi-ca-go”). This assembly call is usually given by thisperched sentinel quail. So if you hear one calling, lookfor him on the tops of shrubs, brushpiles, and rocks.

a)  it’s easier to walk,b) it is easier to scan the slopes of both sides fromthe middle,c)  they appear to be more willing to give assembly calls if you are below them than above
them, andd)  they may be hiding in the gully bottom, wherewater and escape cover is usually abundant.

It is worth spending a few minutes when you firstarrive quietly listening for their calls. Often a quiet
group can be induced into revealing their location byimitating their assembly call by mouth or with a call.
Give a group of two or three calls every few minutes
and listen for any responses. If you do not hear anything, it does not necessarily mean there are no quail
nearby.

5.  If they are spotted on a hill you have three choices:a)  Chase them up the hill. Unless you are an olympic class runner you won’t catch them. They
will, however, usually hang up in some goodcover up the hill, or just over the summit insome rocks or brush. When you do make it up
to the top, be prepared for them to flush andfly either down and around the hill, or acrossthe canyon to the next hill to start the wholeprocess over again. However, if the canyon ismuch more than several hundred yards across,they probably won’t fly across.
b) Try to maneuver so you can hunt them fromabove. They do not like to run downhill, whichmakes it easier to get them into the air fromabove. Again, when they flush they will fly
down and along the slope. They then usually
try to go back up the hill.

It is not uncommon for coveys to let assembly
calls go unanswered, even from other quail. If you arrive around sunrise, you should note where you hear
the assembly calls coming from. The first calls in themorning, around sunrise, are usually given from theirroost or nearby. Knowing where these roosts are will
help you find them during future trips, since they tend
to use the same roost for a while, if not year-round.
NOTE: You should never hunt quail after sunset,
especially near their roost. In addition to being illegal
to hunt after sunset, birds scattered out of the roost
will not make it back to the roost after dark. This
leaves them unprotected from night time predators.
If listening did not produce the location of any
coveys, the only thing to do besides trying anotherarea is to walk through the area. Try the following:
1. Work cover around water, especially in the morning. Keep a lookout for tracks in sand and mud.
Watch for rattlesnakes.
2. Along edges of cover listen for their alarm call—the metallic “pit-pit-pit.”
3. Check dirt roads for tracks that may reveal travel
routes.
4. Walk gully or valley bottoms first. The reasons forthis are:18c)  Go back to the car and have lunch. Coveys ofquail that have been well hunted tend to flush
quickly, well out of range, and head for the
thickest cover around. If the cover is very goodthey will stay here, often even if you or yourdog dive in after them.
MOUNTAIN QUAIL
These quail are often very difficult to find becauseof the dense nature of their habitat. An effective wayof locating them is to set yourself in a likely looking
place (see “Habitat” section) and try calling them. If
you sit still and there are quail in the area, they willoften answer your calls. In some cases they may
even come right to you! Make sure you are on highground, because they seem to prefer moving uphillrather than downhill. It is also easier to hunt themfrom above because they will often fly downhill andvery few hunters are capable of keeping up with them
uphill.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Successful hunters at a DFGsponsored junior quail hunt inDunlap, California. File photo.

decide on a strategy and maneuver into position. How well thequail hold depends largely on how
good the cover is they are hiding
in and whether they have been
shot at recently. If the cover is pooror the covey has been hunted
recently, they will most likely nothold for very long, if at all. In mostcases, it is therefore a good idea tomove quickly to where the dog is
on point.
GAMBEL’S QUAILThe same methods for California and mountainquail work with the Gambel’s quail. In the desert
valleys it is popular to drive the dirt roads looking for
quail and their tracks crossing the road. This method
can be very productive if there is not too much vehicle traffic in the area.
Something you will quickly learn about thesequail is their disappearing act. They prefer to run
which means running after them. As you pursue
them, the covey appears to get smaller and smallerwith each step you take until finally you are chasing
only a bird or two.

STRATEGY WITH A DOGCALIFORNIA QUAILThe key to any dog being of value to you, whether
it is a pointer, flusher, or retriever, depends upon control. A dog under poor control is more likely to cause
you trouble than be of any enjoyment or service toyou.
The greatest asset that a dog can be to a California quail hunter, besides companionship, is as aretriever. Coveys are not too hard to find without adog, but finding and retrieving downed quail can bevery difficult.
The strategy is to start by letting the dog range
freely and find fresh scent. Dogs of the pointing
breeds are useful here. Once the dog has found somequail and come to point, the hunters must quickly
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Anticipate that the quail always seem to be awareof the location of every member of the hunting party,
and will flush in a manner and direction to put thegreatest amount of distance and obstacles between
the hunters and themselves in the least amount oftime. They will also try to head toward the thickest,
most impenetrable cover nearby. If this is your situation, try to position yourselves either to prevent themfrom getting to this cover, or to at least get a shot
before they bury themselves in it. Once everyone is in
position and the quail are still holding, they can thenbe flushed.
If your plan is laid to waste by some unforeseen
maneuver by the quail there is still hope. If you cansee where they have flown, you now have the opportunity to put them at a disadvantage. By keeping
close to them after the first or second flush, you force
them to scatter and hide individually. This is because
many of the quail will be separated from the main
body of the covey each time they are flushed. Finding
themselves alone or in pairs they will hold much more
tightly. However, if they are not pursued quickly they
will regroup and slip away. They are sometimes called“gray ghosts” for a reason. Having successfully scattered them, a dog can locate and point them for somevery exciting shooting.
“It is this type of hunting, where the birds burst
from cover and are taken over a pointing dog in clean
wing shooting, that the maximum in sport and recreation is realized with a minimum of loss and damage
to the game population.” - Aldo Starker Leopold.

19

MOUNTAIN QUAIL
A dog with a good nose can greatly increase
success in finding mountain quail. The dog can beused most effectively by working canyon bottoms
in the morning near water and when air currents arestill coming down slopes. Then later in the morning,when the quail are usually feeding up the slopes andthe warming ground causes updrafts, the ridges canbe efficiently used. This puts you and the dog in thegeneral area the quail should be and allows the dog’s
nose to “cover” the greatest amount of territory.
GAMBEL’S QUAILAre you sure you want to do this to your dog? The
greatest advantage of a dog when hunting Gambel’s
quail is the retrieval of downed game. Gambel’s quail
generally do not hold for dogs. They prefer to outrun
them, and if that does not work, they fly away. Only
after the covey has been well broken up can a dog beeffectively worked on singles. Even here the quail will
start running again, especially if the cover is not thickenough.
If you still choose to use your dog, bring along apair of needle nose pliers and some antiseptic for theinevitable cactus spines he will encounter. Consider
fitting him with dog boots, the kind available throughvarious dog supply houses. Make sure that you know
how to properly put the boots on the dog to prevent
loss of circulation in his feet and loss of hair on his
legs.
When a covey is spotted out ahead, the dog canbe sent after them to break them up. The huntershould watch where they fly and work that area carefully.
If the covey is heading for dense cover or hills,
you should attempt to head them off or you may lose
them. If a covey has pulled a disappearing act on you,work back along the way you chased them. What
probably happened was that singles and pairs split off
from the main covey as you were chasing them andhid. As you work back there is a good chance you will
come across some of these quail still hiding. This iswhere a dog with a good nose will pay off.

STRATEGY WITHOUT A DOGCALIFORNIA QUAILThere is no question that hunting the California

20

quail with a good dog is the best way to go. However,there are a good many of us that for one reason or
another must get by without a canine companion.
For those of us in this situation, there is still hope,although there are several things that generally cause
problems when hunting quail without a dog. One
is finding the quail initially and then after they haveflushed. Another is finding the quail once you havefinally managed to knock one down. The solution to
the first is to know something about the behavior ofthis quail. The solution to the second involves concentration and discipline.
The first step is to locate a covey of quail, thisgoes for persons both with and without a dog. There
are two keys to this puzzle: one is cover, the other iswater. In most parts of California, water is a limiting
resource for quail, the only exception being the northwest corner of the state. Therefore, the search must
begin by first locating water. Once water has been
located, search the surrounding terrain and locate
some good cover, the thicker the better. If there is no
good cover within a quarter mile try another spot.
Head toward the cover, keeping an eye open for quailscurrying along the ground out the “back door.” Also
keep an ear open for their “pit-pit” alarm call. If they
spot you and they are a good distance away, you mayhear their assembly call.
When given the space and time, California quail
prefer to run away rather than fly. So if you spot a
covey running on the ground ahead of you, you haveto keep up with them. Otherwise they will disappear
like ghosts. But before you head out after them at afrenzied pace, it is wise to take a moment or two tothink out a strategy.
If they are heading up a valley draw, odds are they
will continue to travel along the cover in front of you.
Place one person on each side of the draw and follow
them. If you have a third person, put one down in thedraw. This will help prevent you from moving pastthem. If they are heading up the side of a hill (especially a steep one) it is best to try and out maneuverthem than to out climb them (unless you are quite an
athlete). In most cases they will go right over the top
or hang up in some cover on the hill. Send one person
around the other side while the other one stays at
the bottom of the hill. At some predetermined time
both of you head up the hill from opposite sides. Be
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Juniors after a successful day
at a DFG-sponsored hunt in
Avenal, California. File photo.

The second rule is markyour bird The instant you pull
the trigger on that first bird,
your mind should be focusedon the following series ofquestions:prepared for some fast action at the top of the hill,
but also be sure of where the other hunter is before
shooting.
One of the most frustrating things about hunting without a dog is finding downed quail. With alittle concentration and discipline, this can largely be
avoided. There are a pair of rules that must be followed to avoid losing birds.
The first rule is to ask yourself where will that bird
land when I roll it? This question should be asked as
you are raising your shotgun and picking out that firstbird; the question has to be answered before you pullthat trigger. It does your body and the resource nogood if you land a bird in the middle of a blackberry
patch. A dog might be able to retrieve it, you won’t!
This question is especially important if you are having
one of those all-too-common days where you are notquite on and are knocking down cripples. If you shootonly when they cross open areas, you are much more
likely to follow and find cripples. The thing to remember about cripples is that they will fly or run to thenearest, nastiest cover, and the further they are fromit when hit the less likely they are to get to it. Trying
to answer this question while the little gray missiles
are flying all about is not easy, but it will help improveyour recovery rate and leave you much more satisfied. Mistakes will be made, but with practice you will
improve and you won’t come home with a body thatlooks like it’s been through a shredder.
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

Is the bird dead? If not,shoot it again. Live quail
will hit the ground running
if they can and disappear
quickly. If the bird is still alive
when it hits the ground, do
not take your eyes off it. Do
not even think about taking a shot at another bird. Immediately head overthere and get that bird. Do not shoot the bird on the
ground if you are within 15 yards of it, this is unsafe
and will only destroy the bird. Humanely dispatch thebird upon retrieval.
If it is dead, where is it falling? Don’t take youreyes off it until it hits the ground, and don’t move.
Note the landmark nearest to where you think it landed. Next note where you are standing. This will comein handy if you can’t find the bird initially and need toreplay the shot in your mind, which only works wellfrom the original location.
Are you positive the bird is dead and you have it
well marked? If you can answer yes to both of thesequestions, you now have the choice of going for another shot or retrieving the downed bird. It is always
wisest to retrieve each quail first before shooting another. You will be amazed at how often a “stone dead”
quail that landed on bare ground 50 feet from thenearest clump of grass disappears on you. The same
set of questions should be answered for every quail
you shoot at. If you do shoot a second or third quail
before retrieving any of them, start with the most recent one shot because it is usually the easiest to find.
Finding at least one of them is better than none, andgives you confidence that they can be found.
Once you have worked a covey and you are notable to find them anymore, calling can sometimes
21Ever vigilant male California quail on"sentinel duty." Photo by Russ Kerr.

produce a little more action. Finda spot where you can sit down
and see some openings aroundcover. Give a few assembly calls
every few minutes. This can bedone by mouth or with a call. It
may take as long as 30 minutes
or more to get any responses, so
patience is necessary. You will
first see them creeping along or
through nearby cover. When you
get them close enough, stand up
quickly and they will usually taketo the air. If they start running,rush toward them to get theminto the air. It is tempting to “ground sluice” them, but
this is not sporting and usually results in badly shotup quail.
MOUNTAIN QUAIL
Hunting mountain quail without a dog is tough.
This is hunting for those who don’t mind doing a lotof walking and having a light game bag at the endof the day. Because of the quail’s secretive nature,they are hard to find. The most successful way to findthem is by searching the edges around cover and dirt
roads for tracks. Cover with tracks all around usuallyindicates a favorite hang out. If there are good populations in the area, they will eventually cross roads,
even though they don’t like to. Once tracks have beenfound, look for suitable cover and work the area thoroughly. Watch for coveys running out the far side. Any
coveys spotted doing this should be run down quickly
without hesitation.
Your first good sight of mountain quail probably will be flushing from behind some shrubs ortrees. Watch carefully where they fly, then dash overthere. If the area they flew to has trees, be alert for
quail flushing from them, as they do land in them forescape. Once they have been flushed and scattered,they are much more likely to hold. It is time well spentto carefully work the area you last saw them land. You
will often find singles scattered all over the area. If you
flush a covey more than once, it may pay to go checkthe area of the previous flush and search for tightly
holding singles you ran by the first time. Always be
22alert—it almost seems as though they can tell when
you have let down your guard. No sooner have you
decided that there are no holders left, one will flush
from somewhere nearby, often from behind you.
Calling can be very effective once the covey has
been busted. Mountain quail can often be calledright to you by imitating their assembly call by mouthor with a call. This is because once they have been
scattered they will try to regroup as soon as possible.
The way to call them is to sit down where you have agood view of as much open ground as possible. You
do not necessarily have to be well hidden, but you dohave to sit still. Now try giving a few assembly calls.
Sit, listen, and watch. Patience is a must, it may take aslong as 30 minutes or more before you see any results.
Sometimes they will call back, but more often they
will just start walking toward you. Keep giving a few
assembly calls every few minutes. Keep your eyes focused on the edges of the clearings. You will first spot
them slowly creeping along the edges toward you.
The closer you get them the better. When they get as
close to you as possible, stand and rush, if necessary,
toward them to get them in the air. Again, it may bevery tempting to “ground sluice” them, but as statedabove, this is not sporting and usually results in badly
shot-up birds and lost cripples.
GAMBEL’S QUAIL
Most of the things that work for hunting California
quail without a dog work for Gambel’s quail. There
are, however, a few differences. Because of the generally more open habitat of this quail, it does not have
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

as many opportunities to hold in cover. The
result is that they run and run and run. If you
and a buddy were walking across the desert
at a couple miles per hour, a covey could run
away from you without your ever knowing it
was there. It always pays to keep an eye out
for small gray objects scurrying about 100
yards or more in front of you.
If a covey is spotted running in front ofyou, start running (but make sure the safety ison)! As you run after them you will notice several things: they will try to outrun you, andmay succeed; the covey will appear to shrinkwith each step you take; the cactus you failed
to negotiate begins to cause pain; and theheat gets worse. Usually they will eventually
hit some good cover and hold. If you manage
to get within 40 yards before they do, they
will usually flush and fly there. Often when
you finally manage to bust the covey, only asmall fraction of the quail you started chasing
are still in front of you. What happened is thatsingles and pairs broke away from the covey
and took cover along the way. You can takeadvantage of this by slowly zigzagging backthrough the route you chased them. One canoften flush a good number of these ghosts if
not too much time has passed. If you wait too
long, they will start moving around to escapeand regroup.
If the covey was still relatively intact when you
flushed it, carefully note where it landed as you headover there. The more pressure you can put on them,the more likely they will hold and try to hide. If they
are not pursued aggressively, they will hit the groundrunning and leave you nothing but the cacti and theheat.
Once (if) you have managed to get them to hold,you must work the area carefully, stopping often. At
this point they are known to hold so tight as to allow
you to practically step on them. As an example, onetime the author and a buddy sat down about threefeet apart for a breather after working a covey. They
were discussing the action they had just experienced
when, after about five minutes, the conversation
was interrupted by the whir of a quail flushing fromdirectly between them!
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

The large open spaces of desert wash habitats on
the desert floor are used by Gambel's quail to escapehunters, usually by running. Hunters should be preparedIf you are still on your feet after chasing a covey allover the desert, take a seat. If not, stay there, because
you will soon get your second (third, or fourth) chanceat them. After things have been quiet for a while, thequail will start calling to regroup. It is at this point
where some calling on your part can bring the birds
back into you.

LOCATING DOWNED QUAILDEAD QUAIL
You are standing in the area where you know thedead quail fell, but you don’t see it. Now what? First,
keep in mind that they blend in very well with justabout anything you might see on the ground. Look
for loose feathers on the ground. Feathers are almost
always left where they hit the ground. However,there often is another group of feathers dropped by23

a quail when shot that can be misleading. The reason
they can be misleading is that the bird often travels
a considerable distance beyond where it was hit, andif there is even the slightest breeze the feathers candrift a considerable distance from where it might be.
The two groups can usually be told apart by where
the feathers are found and how tightly the feathers
are grouped. The feathers left on the ground where
the bird lands are usually tightly bunched. Feathersfrom the in-air hit are usually found widely scatteredand on top of shrubbery. Don’t expect to find thequail sitting right there among the feathers. Mostoften they bounce or roll a few feet from the point of
impact with the ground. When you find these feathers remember the direction it was heading when you
rolled it. Search the area beyond the feathers in thesame direction. If you have searched this area withno success, double the distance beyond the feathers
and search again. They usually travel further than you
think they did. It is not unusual to spend 30 minutes
searching for a single downed bird. You owe it to thatbird to keep trying.
CRIPPLED QUAILWhen you knock down a crippled quail it is yourmoral and ethical obligation to retrieve and humanely
dispatch the bird as quickly as possible. The problem
is that finding crippled quail is commonly difficult,and this is the single most frustrating aspect of hunting without a good dog. The key to successfully finding a cripple is to get to where you knocked it down
as quickly as you safely can.

landed on sloping terrain, look downhill from where
you think it landed. They almost always tumble or run
down slope. Two, look for the nearest cover aroundwhere the bird landed. They may crawl into it and tuckthemselves underneath whatever they can. Three,look down any holes in the area, such as ground squirrel holes, as quail will often try to hide in these holes.
Don’t forget to look under the edges of rocks or otherdebris.
CAUTION: When looking for crippled quail, watch
out for rattlesnakes! Never stick your hand into places
you cannot see.
When you do get close or find it, the quail often
try to run or fly away. There is a great temptation toshoot it as it runs away, but don’t unless it is at least
15 yards away or going to dive into cover that you will
not be able to retrieve it from. The reason for this isthat at close range there is danger of a ricochet anddestroying the bird beyond use. If it is flying away,
shoot it again, but let it get a least 15 yards away first.
Shooting at it any closer will just make the bird inedible.
CAUTION: Your gun should always be on safety
when looking for downed birds, with the muzzle
pointed in a safe direction at all times. If the downedbird cannot fly, unload the gun and put it down sothat you can use two hands.

The first thing you do before taking a stepis to reload your gun and put the safety on.
Flying cripples should always be shot again,
as your chances of finding one of these if you
don’t knock it down near you is next to nothing.
Assuming you have lost visual contact
with the cripple and you are standing where
you thought it should be, the first thing you
should do is to listen for any sounds that mightreveal its location. If you are met only with thesound of your pounding heart, look around forfeathers. These will often give you the area anddirection in which to look.
There are several things to keep in mind
when looking for a cripple. One is that if the bird
24

Male and female desert, or Gambel's, quail. DFG file photo.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

CHAPTER III.

WHERE TO HUNT QUAILPUBLIC LANDSThis guide does not provide specific locations ofquail populations, nor does it provide guarantees thatyou will find quail at any one place. Rather, the guide
is intended to provide you with a list of accessible
public lands that have quail populations on them. It is
hoped that this will give the first time quail hunter aplace to start, and the experienced quail hunter otherareas to hunt that he/she may have overlooked. Whenusing this guide, remember that the closer an area
is to a city or large town, the more likely you are toencounter other quail hunters and quail populations
that experience more hunting pressure. It also generally follows that the more accessible an area is (especially by car), the more hunting pressure the area willget. So if you are looking for an area with populations
that have experienced little or no hunting pressure,
be prepared to work for it. When planning a hunting
trip it is wise to have more than one spot picked out,
just in case several other people had the same spot inmind.
It is up to each individual hunter to explore theseareas and discover specifically where the quail are andhow to hunt each covey. With careful note-taking andtime each hunter should be able to develop a personal portfolio of where and how to hunt the quail of
California.
The public lands that are generally open to quail
hunting include:• National forests• State forests• State wildlife areas• State recreation areas• U.S. Bureau of Land Management lands• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation lands• U.S. military reservations• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands
The access to these lands is in some cases limited(see Chapter IV).
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NATIONAL AND STATE FORESTSThe national and state forests in California comprise more than 20 million acres and offer the greatest
number of opportunities for hunting quail. Most of
this land is mountain quail country. There are times ofthe year when blue (Sierra) and ruffed grouse, bandtailed pigeons and/or wild turkeys can also be taken
while quail hunting. Most of the forest lands havegood camping facilities. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
administers the national forests. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) administers the state forests.
It is wise to contact the local ranger district or forest headquarters office before heading out the door.
There are some seasonal and special closures due tofire danger in some of the forests. Campfire permits
may be required. In southern California there are also
some firearms-use restrictions (see Chapter IV). Someparts, like all wilderness areas, require entry permits.
The USFS Internet address for California is http://
ww.r5.fs.fed.us/. The CDF web page address is: http://
www.fire.ca.gov/.
There are several state game refuges on Forest
Service land in the counties of Modoc, Lassen, Tehama, Plumas, Placer, Amador, Siskiyou, Tuolumne,
Mendocino, Lake, Glenn, and Riverside. No huntingof any kind or possession of firearms at any time isallowed on these refuges. They are shown on National
Forest Service and California State Automobile Association (AAA) maps (see Chapter IV for details).
STATE WILDLIFE AREAS
The Department of Fish and Game manages lands
it either owns or leases throughout the state. Department administered lands are designated “Wildlife
Area” or “Ecological Reserve.” Both designations havespecific management objectives.
25

Male California quail. Photo by Christine Humphreys.

U.S.BUREAUOFLANDMANAGEMENT-ADMINISTERED
LANDS
Most lands administered by the U.S. Departmentof the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
are normally open to hunting and camping, as wellas other uses. Campfire permits are required on BLM
administered lands. These can be obtained at any
BLM field office. There are also seasonal restrictions
for camping, open campfires, and smoking outside aclosed vehicle, when the potential for wildfire makes
them necessary. It is best to check with the local BLM
field office when planning a hunting trip. In California
there are about 15 million acres of BLM land. Most of
the lands have public access. To enter those without
public access, permission must be obtained from thelandowner whose property would make access possible. Remember you are asking for a privilege, not aright.

Generally speaking for most wildlife areas andecological reserves, management objectives are toprotect, maintain and enhance all the fish and wildlife resources of the areas and to provide compatible recreational opportunities on the areas without
endangering these resources. Hunting, fishing, hiking,camping and other recreational interests are allowed
as long as these activities do not interfere with theprimary function of each specific area. Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areasfor specific regulations. These regulations are available at DFG offices, sporting good stores and on the
DFG web page at:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
gf.comm/statefed01.pdf.
STATE RECREATION AREAS
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is responsible for managing a large number of state parks and recreation areas throughout
the state. Hunting is allowed on portions of a limited
number of recreation areas. As many areas as possible
have been listed, even though there may be only limited hunting opportunities on an area. Most have highlevels of public use for all forms of recreation during
at least part of the year. These other activities can impact the quality of hunting. The DPR Internet addressis:
http://parks.ca.gov/default.asp.
26

U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION-ADMINISTERED
LANDS
There are very limited quail hunting opportunities
on U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) administered lands.
U.S. MILITARY RESERVATIONS
The primary function of the military bases locatedin California is a military mission. Subordinate to thisfunction the U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD),
in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
and the California Department of Fish and Game, has
instituted wildlife conservation programs on severalof its military installations. Good wildlife populations
are present on these bases, and they should be enhanced by the wildlife management programs being
undertaken.
Public access is available with hunting provided tothe extent that such hunting will not conflict with themilitary mission of the command. Visitors’ activities
are governed by the military base regulations, andstrict adherence to these regulations is expected. A
small hunting recreation fee is normally required.
The hunting program on any particular installation can vary greatly from year to year. It is wisest tocontact the installation of interest during the spring
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

or early summer before making plans for the fall.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS-ADMINISTERED
LANDS
There are very limited quail hunting opportunities on lands administered by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers (ACOE).

PRIVATE LANDS

The advantage of getting permission to hunt on
private land is that you can often have the place toyourself. However, the hunter has three problems todeal with: finding areas with coveys; finding out who
owns the land; and getting permission to hunt on theproperty.
There are a few ways to make these tasks simpler.
Start with a topographic map of an area that interests you. Locate water sources, drainages, and otherfeatures discussed above that are important to quail.
With a county plot map of the area, available from theassessor’s office at the county seat, one can determine
who owns the piece of land you are interested in. The
next step is to take a look at the property. It might bepossible to take a look at it from a public road. Otherwise you will have to make a phone call or write aletter to the landowner.
When making the phone call or writing the letterbe courteous and to the point. You should introduce
yourself and say that you are looking for a place tohunt quail. Remember you are asking a favor, not demanding a right! If the owneris willing to grant trespass
rights or strike a deal, he or
she can then be asked formore information about quail
populations on the property.
You should also ask whether it
would be acceptable for you totake a look. This should all bedone well before the season
begins. This allows a relationship to be developed andallows a hesitant landownertime to “sleep on it.” In mostcases, a follow-up letter or
personal visit is a good way tostrengthen the relationship.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

FEE/LEASE LANDS

There are private and public lands throughout
the state that provide quail hunting for a fee. Some ofthese lands are intensively managed for quail and canprovide some of the best quail hunting in the state.
The types of “hunt-for-fee” range from a daily use
fee, to a full season membership, to a lease.The fees
charged range from $12.50 per day on some wildlife
refuges to several thousand dollars for a season membership or lease.
When looking into fee lands it is always importantto evaluate what the land has to offer versus the pricebeing asked. Some things to keep in mind are:
1. How many quail does the place have?
2. How much quail habitat is there?
3. How huntable are the coveys?
4. How many other people are going to be huntingthem?
5. What restrictions are there? Can you hunt every
day, just weekends, on holidays, only on part ofthe place? Can you bring guests? How many? How
often?
6. What facilities are available?
7. Is the owner doing or willing to do any quail management? Would the owner allow you to do any
management?
Quail need water whether the source be natural or
man-made , such as a “guzzler.” DFG file photo.

27

Chapter IV.

PUBLIC LAND PROFILESACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This section of the guide owes much of its existence to the generous assistance from the wildlife
biologists and staff of the California Department ofFish and Game, California Department of Parks andRecreation, California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection, U.S. Forest Service, U. S. Bureau of Land
Management, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the
U.S. Military.

HOW TO USE THIS SECTION
1. Find the region in which you would like to hunt on
the state map located on page 95. Refer to the huntarea(s) listed under that region.
2. Each hunt area can be located on a California HuntArea Location Map (Northern, Central, or Southern;
pages 92-94) by its corresponding number. For
each hunt area you will find a profile and a map.
State highways are indicated by a numbered circle
on these maps. Each profile uses most or all of thefollowing format:
Number: Gives the regional identification number ofthe hunt area.
Area: Gives the name of the area.
County: The county or counties the area is located in.
Quail species: Lists the quail species that are found in
this area.
Other upland game: Lists other upland game species
found in the area that can be hunted during theirrespective seasons.
General description: Gives a brief summary of what
habitat you should expect to find there.
28

Topography: A few words to give you an idea of what
to prepare for in terms of the terrain. Much of the
public land in the state is rugged country—the land
nobody wanted at the time of settlement. How rugged this land is to hunt depends upon how you try
to hunt it. Walking along ridges and canyons is easierthan across them.
Access: Tells you how to get there. Some of the directions are specific, some are very general. You should
not rely on these directions alone. You should always
have at least a road map of the area. If you are going
to travel the back-country you should also have moredetailed maps of the area, like U.S. Geological Survey(USGS) topographic or Forest Service maps. Under thisheading you will also find information on any special
access restrictions, such as entry permits or fourwheel-drive vehicles only. Before entering an area,check locally for any changes in access.
Special regulations: Every area has some rules andregulations regarding use. Common sense and courtesy will keep you in line for most of them. This heading only lists rules and regulations known that require
special attention. Regulations do change, so checkwith the local Fish and Game, BLM, Forest Service, or
sheriffs office for any changes before heading out.
Depending on which agency administers the land,
restrictions regarding off-highway vehicle use, fires,
camping, etc. may be different.
Map for area: Lists maps that are useful and recommended for hunting in the area. BLM Surface Management or U.S. Forest Service maps in combination with
USGS topographic maps are highly recommended
in areas you are not familiar with. The BLM Surface
Management maps tell you in general who owns theland (private, State, and Federal), but they lack detailed topographic markings. The U.S. Forest Service
Guide To Hunting Quail in Californiamaps show general land ownership, roads, trails andfacilities in each of the national forests in California.
The USGS topographic maps allow you to figure out
where you are, where you might want to go, and how
to get there and back.
BLM maps can be purchased by mail, phone, fax orInternet (www.ca.blm.gov) from:
Bureau of Land Management
California State Office Federal Building
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825(916) 978-4400(916) 978-4416 (fax)
BLM maps can also be purchased at the field offices
for the respective areas. Prepayment of the current fee
per map payable to Department of Interior - BLM is required. Specify the area or map and submit the exact
amount by check or money order. An index of existing
maps is available at no charge.
USGS maps can be purchased by mail, fax or internet(www.usgs.gov) from:
U.S. Geological Survey
345 Middlefield Road
Mail Stop 532
Menlo Park, California 94025(650) 853 - 8300
(650) 329 - 5130 fax
The USGS prints a large variety of maps. The mostuseful for on-ground hunting are the 7.5 minute (2.5
inches per mile) or 15 minute (one inch per mile)
topographic maps (these are the maps listed in theguide). The map prices will include an additional shipping cost. An index of topographic maps is available
at no charge by writing or calling the USGS; be sure toallow a month for delivery.
When ordering maps by mail, send a check ormoney order for the exact amount payable to Department of Interior - USGS. Purchases via fax or the internet will require a credit card. USGS maps may also bepurchased from commercial map dealers. These areusually listed in your local telephone directory under“maps”.
U.S. Forest Service, national forest  and wilderness
maps can be ordered by mail, phone or fax. Specify
the forest or wilderness and submit the exact amount
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

by credit card, check or money order. Send yourrequests to:
U.S. Forest Service1323 Club Drive
Vallejo, CA 94592(707) 562-8737(707) 562-9130 (fax)(530) 647-5390 (credit card purchase)
U.S. Forest Service maps are also available fromyour local ranger station.
Free AAA maps are only available to AAA members.
Comments: Provides some basic information about
quail hunting on the area. The relative abundance ofeach quail species is listed. High abundance meansthat in an average year there are many coveys of quail
scattered throughout the area, and are easy to find.
Moderate abundance means that coveys are limited
to certain parts of the area, and are not too hard tofind. Low abundance means there are only a few coveys on the area, and they are hard to find. The hunting pressure is described as high, moderate, or low.
High hunting pressure generally means that there aremany hunters using the area, and just about every
covey gets hunted, many heavily. Moderate pressuremeans that there are always a few people out hunting, and many coveys are only lightly hunted. Low
pressure means that very few hunters use the areaand most coveys are hardly hunted, if at all. Sometimes the populations are described as highly or moderately variable or stable. Highly variable means thatthe populations can double, triple, or even quadruple
in “wet” or “good” years from those in a “dry” or “poor”
year. Moderately variable means that the populations
go up and down but the highs are rarely more than
twice the low numbers. Stable means the populations
are about the same size from year to year.
Information: Lists a possible source for additional
information about the area. Do not be discouraged if
your initial attempts do not yield much information.
First hand knowledge about quail country and thewillingness to share that information varies greatly
from person to person. Do not expect to get muchspecific information over the phone or by mail. In
general, the best sources of information are local
sportsmen groups, sporting good stores, other hunters, and game wardens.  
29

REGION 1: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - NORTH COAST REGIONNUMBER: 1-1
AREA: Bass Hill Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 6,000 acres; sagebrush uplands and bitterbrush fields
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills
ACCESS: Adjacent to Hwy. 395, 5 miles south of Susanville
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Area map available from Lassen Unit Office. USGS 7.5 minute quads:
Standish, Janesville.
COMMENTS: Quail populations are moderate, but highly variable. In
dry weather they can be found around water, in wet weather almost anywhere.
Hunting pressure is high. There are no facilities, no drinking water, and no camping.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
728-600 Fish and Game Road
Wendel, CA 96136(530) 254-6808
NUMBER: 1-2
AREA: Biscar Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, and sage grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sagebrush uplands and riparian
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat, rims, and draws
ACCESS: From Hwy. 395, 45 min. north of Susanville, turn west on to Karlo Rd.; area
is about 5 miles west of Hwy 395.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; USGS 15 minutequad: Karlo.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is moderate, but highly variable. The quail are usuallyalong Snowstorm Creek. Hunting pressure is high. No facilities or drinking water
exist. Sage grouse hunting by permit only.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
728-600 Fish and Game Road
Wendel, CA 96136(530) 254-6808

30

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-3
AREA: BLM lands northeast of Susanville (BLM)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, sage grouse, mourning dove and blacktailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sagebrush uplands, sage-juniper woodlands and riparianalong Petes Creek and Balls Canyon Creek
TOPOGRAPHY: Flats, rims, and draws
ACCESS: From Hwy. 395, 30 min. northeast of Susanville, turn north on to Belfast Rd.
or Ward Lake Rd.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Off-road vehicle restrictions.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quads: Susanville, Eagle
Lake. USGS 15 minute quads: Shinn Mountain, Karlo, Fredonyer Peak, Wendel,
Litchfield, Susanville, BLM Northeast California Recreation Guide.
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant and highly variable fromyear to year. The best populations are on private land (need permission to trespass).
Habitat along Petes Creek and Balls Canyon Creek are best on the public land.
Hunting pressure is moderate. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Eagle Lake Field Office2950 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130(530) 252-5319

California Department of Fish and Game
728-66 Fish and Game Road
Wendel, CA 96136(580) 254-6808

NUMBER: 1-4
AREA: BLM and Forest Service lands around Alturas (BLM, USFS)
COUNTY: Modoc
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sage-grassland, juniper forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Generally flat to rolling hills
ACCESS: Mostly unimproved roads where 4-wheel drive or high-clearance 2-wheel
drive is recommended. Private lands scattered through the area require permission
to trespass (see BLM Surface Management map).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting on XL Ranch Indian Reservation or state gamerefuges.
MAP FOR AREA: Modoc National Forest. BLM Surface Management 30 x 60 minutequad: Alturas. USGS 30x60 minute quad: Alturas.
COMMENTS: There are vast tracts of BLM and Forest Service land all around Alturas.
Some BLM lands are occupied by California quail. Check out the areas near water thatare adjacent to good brush or Juniper cover. The Forest Service land has California
quail in the lower elevations. California quail populations are low to moderate. Areas
to try include: Little Juniper Res., Fitzhugh Creek, Jim Creek, West Valley Res., Bayley
Res., Crooks Canyon, and Portuguese Ridge. Hunting pressure is low to moderate.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Alturas Field Office708 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-7932

Modoc National Forest
800 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-5811

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

31

NUMBER: 1-5
AREA: China Point Ecological Reserve (DFG)
COUNTY: Siskiyou
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and occasional mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit and gray (tree) squirrel.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 240 acres; characterized by a mix of Klamath mixed
conifer forest and annual grassland. Some patches of blackberries occur near theriver.
TOPOGRAPHY: Variable.
ACCESS: Located adjacent to the Klamath River near the town of Happy Camp.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Hunting shall be allowed in accordance with the general
hunting regulations. Fishing shall be permitted from boats as well as from shore;boats may be launced and operated in the Klamath River.
MAP FOR AREA: Klamath National Forest Map.
COMMENTS: No person, except as provided in Title 14, Section 630, subsection (a)(10)and employees of the U.S. Forest Service in the performance of their official duties,
shall enter this reserve during the period February 15 through July 31. The number of
quail present is small and variable.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001(530) 225-2300

NUMBER: 1-6
AREA: Cinder Cone and Bald Mt. Area (BLM, USFS)
COUNTY: Lassen, Shasta
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sage and woodland chaparral.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat lava outcrops to steep hills.
ACCESS: Numerous, see forest service map. Primary access is Cindercone Access road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: Lassen and Modoc National Forests
COMMENTS: Abundance of both species is low to moderate, and variable annually.
Coveys are found around springs, along streams and adjacent brush. Hunting pressure
is low to moderate. Facilities range from none to fully developed campgrounds. No
water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96099(530) 225-2300
Bureau of Land Management
Alturas Field Office708 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-7932
Modoc National Forest
Lassen Nation Forest
800 West 12th Street
2550 Riverside Drive
Alturas, CA 96101
Susanville, CA 96130(530) 233-5811(530) 257-2151
32

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-7
AREA: Cinder Flats Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Shasta
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 720 acres; Oak/gray pine woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: 2 miles northeast of Cassel on Cassel Road. Road not passable after heavy
rain
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS 15 minute quads: Jellico, Burney Wildlife Area map
COMMENTS: The most common quail found on the area is California quail. The quail
are found near the south end of the area, around the lake. There are no facilities.
Hunting pressure is low.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96099(530) 225-2300

NUMBER: 1-8
AREA: Doyle Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, and chukar
partridge
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:11,000 acres of foothill and flatlands covered with mountainmahogany, big sage, bitterbrush and uniper
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to rolling
ACCESS: 5 miles northeast of Doyle; reached via Hwy 395; 2-wheel drive in dry
weather, 4-wheel drive in wet weather.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map. USGS 15 minutequad: DoyleCOMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant, but highly variable. Most of
the quail live along Long Valley Creek. Hunting pressure is high early in the season,and low late in the season. There are no facilities on the area. With the surrounding
public domain land, the area provides over 30,000 acres for recreation.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
728-600 Fish and Game Road
Wendel, CA 96136(530) 254-6808

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

33

NUMBER: 1-9
AREA: Dutch Flat Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Modoc
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Possible blue grouse, black-tailed jackrabbit and cottontail
rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:160 acres, stream and riparian habitat
TOPOGRAPHY: Variable
ACCESS: This is an in holding within the Modoc National Forest just outside the townof Adin in Modoc County. Access is via U.S. Forest Service unimproved dirt roads from
Highway 299 just north of Adin. From Alturas, go 39 miles SW on Highway 299 almost
to Adin, go NE about 3 miles on gravel road, at Y continue north about 1 mile on dirtroad, at second Y continue north about 3 miles. Typically, this road is closed during
wet periods of the year to prevent excessive rutting and erosion.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specifics on hunting regulations. Seasonal road closures.
MAP FOR AREA: Modoc National Forest Map
COMMENTS: Part of a riparian refuge area for Modoc suckers, both State and Federally
listed endangered species. Quail may occasionally occur on the wildlife area in low
numbers.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001(530) 225-2300
Modoc National Forest
800 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-5811

NUMBER: 1-10
AREA: Fort Sage Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, cottontail and black-tailed jackrabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sagebrush uplands, sage-juniper woodlands, and bitterbrushfieldsTOPOGRAPHY: Rolling to steep
ACCESS: From Hwy. 395, 20 minutes northeast of DoyleSPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management quads: Portola, Susanville. USGS 15
minute quad: DoyleCOMMENTS: California quail can be abundant near water. Mountain quail areuncommon and only at highest elevations. Populations are highly variable. Huntingpressure is moderate to low. Most hunter interest in area is for chukar partridge. No
facilities. Most of the area burned in 2001.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
Bureau of Land Management728-600 Fish and Game Road
Eagle Lake Field OfficeWendel, CA 96136
2950 Riverside Drive(53) 254-6808
Susanville, CA 96130(530) 252-5319

34

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-11
AREA: Honey Lake Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, andblack-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 7,700 acres. Sagebrush uplands, greasewood, ditches andgrain fields; the wildlife area has two management units, Fleming and Dakin.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: East of Susanville, Hwy. 395 to Standish
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Quail hunting only allowed during pheasant season. Consult
Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Area map available from either unit office
COMMENTS: Quail populations are moderate, but highly variable. They are found inbrush on the north end of Fleming Unit, and farthest west on Dakin Unit. Huntingpressure is high early in season, low later in season. Limited parking, restrooms, water,
and camping.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
Honey Lake Wildlife Area
728-600 Fish and Game Road
Wendel, CA 96136(530) 254-6644

NUMBER: 1-12
AREA: Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Siskiyou
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, cottontail and blacktailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 5,017 acres; oak woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Gentle to moderate rolling hills
ACCESS: 4 miles north of Hornbrook; access onto the area is by foot or horse only, no
vehiclesSPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS 7.5 minute quad: Iron Gate Reservoir
COMMENTS: Both quail can be found throughout the area near water (before “greenup”).
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game1724 Ball Mountain Road
Montague, CA 96064(530) 459-3926

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

35

NUMBER: 1-13
AREA: King Range National Conservation Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Humboldt, Mendocino
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail, mountain quail and tree squirrel
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse and band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 60,000 acreas; coastal chaparral, coniferous forest, coastal oak
woodland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged and mountainous
ACCESS: Shelter Cove Rd. from Redway on Hwy101; Mattole Rd. from Ferndale. Several
minor roads (many are seasonal or require 4-wheel drive) that also access the area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: King Range National Conservation Area (Available from BLM)COMMENTS: California quail and mountain quail are both moderately abundant
and are found throughout the area. Hunting pressure is low due to remoteness andrugged terrain. Facilities are limited to primitive campgrounds.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Arcata Field Office1695 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521(707) 825-2300

NUMBER: 1-14
AREA: Klamath National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Siskiyou
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue and ruffed grouse, tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, andwild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 1,500,000 acres total
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to rugged
ACCESS: Many of the roads are 2-wheel drive during the dry season. Most of theroads are 4-wheel drive during the wet season. Check with forest supervisor's officeor ranger stations for special road closures. Ranger stations are located in Fort Jones,
Happy Camp, Orleans, and McDoel.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: See Forest Service map
MAP FOR AREA: Klamath National Forest
COMMENTS: The best places to look for quail are burns and clear cuts that are atleast a few years old. These areas will have a good distribution of brushy cover andfood attractive to the quail and open enough to hunt in.
INFORMATION:
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road
Yreka, CA 96097(530) 842-6131

36

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-15
AREA: Lassen National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Lassen, Shasta, Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 1,200,000 acres total. Mostly forested and brush
land; Jeffery pine dominates; brushfields and extensive understory brush are
limited; Chaparral; oak woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling, deep canyons to rugged mountains
ACCESS:Numerous; see forest service map. Many of the off-road trails are
exceedingly rough and 4-wheel drive is highly recommended.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game
Refuges (see Forest Service map).
MAP FOR AREA: Lassen National Forest
COMMENTS: The abundance of mountain quail is low in most years.  Thedistribution of California quail is limited. There are huntable populations ofCalifornia quail below Ponderosa Way in Tehama County. The best places tohunt are around the drainages where pockets of brush are found. Populations ofmountain quail are moderately variable, and highly variable for California quail. The
mountain quail are found mostly in brushfields, old clear cuts and along streams.
Hunting pressure ranges from low to moderate. Facilities range from none to fully
developed (see Forest Service map).
INFORMATION:
Lassen National Forest
2550 Riverside Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130(530) 257-2151

NUMBER: 1-16
AREA: Merrill’s Landing Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, small numbers of ring-necked pheasants
and wild turkeys in some years
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 300 acres. An island in the Sacramento River justnorth of Glenn County. Mainly a riparian jungle with cottonwood and willow trees,
briar patches, and some open areas.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mostly flat terrain with thick vegetation.
ACCESS: Access is by boat only. Boat access locations are located at Mill Creek,
Woodson Bridge, and Bidwell River Boat Launches.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specifics on hunting regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: U.S. Geological Survey 15-minute quad: Corning.
COMMENTS: Low populations of quail, the wildlife area frequently is underwater
during high river flows.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001(530) 225-2300

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

37

NUMBER: 1-17
AREA: Modoc National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 1,650,000 acres total. Sage juniper woodlands, pineand fir forest.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling to steep
ACCESS: Numerous; see map
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: Modoc National Forest
COMMENTS: Mountain quail are moderately abundant and California quail are of
low abundance. Populations are moderately variable. Both species are found near
springs, streamsides and adjacent brush Hunting pressure is low to moderate.
Facilities range from none to fully developed campgrounds (see Forest Service map).
INFORMATION:
Modoc National Forest
800 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-5811

NUMBER: 1-18
AREA: Modoc National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Modoc
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit and blue grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Very diverse area with chaparral, Juniper-sage, pine and fir
forests.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to steep mountains
ACCESS: 4-wheel drive or high-clearance 2-wheel drive is recommended for manyof the areas. Some roads are closed during wet weather. Check local Forest Service
office for map displaying closed roads.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game Refuges(see Forest Service map).
MAP FOR AREA: Modoc National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are low to moderately abundant and mountain quailare uncommon. Both are found in the lower elevations near water and good cover.
Areas to try for quail include: Lost River area, south of Newell, Big Sage Res., Goose
Lake, lower elevations of Warner Mountains, and Forest Service land around Pit
River. Areas for mountain quail include: Forest south of State Game Refuge near
Whitehorse Flat Res., most of Forest Service land south of Howard Gulch, and Forest
service and BLM lands to south of Lava Beds National Monument. Hunting pressure
is low to moderate. There are improved and unimproved campgrounds throughout.
INFORMATION:
Modoc National Forest
800 West 12th Street
Alturas, CA 96101(530) 233-5811
Modoc National Forest
P.O. Box 159
Adin, CA 96006(530) 299-3215
38

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-19
AREA: Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Shasta and Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, mourning dove,and ring-necked pheasants.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 575 acres; roughly 80% is within 100-year high flow
floodplain. Mostly riparian areas with a small amount of upland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mostly flat terrain.
ACCESS: Approximately 10 miles east of the town of Cottonwood where
Cottonwood Creek enters the Sacramento River. There is also walk-in access on
Adobe Road off of Hacienda Road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal
Areas for specifics on hunting regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area Map.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is highly variable and the area receives high huntingpressure.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
601 Locust Street
Redding, CA 96001(530) 225-2300

NUMBER: 1-20
AREA: Paynes Creek Recreation Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Narrow river bottom forest (riparian corridor), oak grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling foothills
ACCESS: About five miles north of Red Bluff along I-5, take the Jelly’s Ferry offramp
going east. Take the Bend Ferry Road across the river and follow it to the Paynes
Creek Recreation Area. The best hunting areas are accessible by foot only.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: USGS topo map 30x60 series: Red Bluff
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant along the Sacramento Riverand small creeks which cross the property. Hunting pressure is moderate. There areno facilities.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Redding Field Office355 Hemsted Drive
Redding, CA 96002(530) 224-2100

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

39

NUMBER: 1-21
AREA: Six Rivers National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue and ruffed grouse, tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon,
and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 1,100,000 total acres; chaparral, oak woodland,
upland Douglas Fir forest and coastal mixed coniferous forests.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to steep, mostly steep
ACCESS: Hwy. 36, 199, 299, and 96 pass through the forest; logging roads
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: See Forest Service map
MAP FOR AREA: Six Rivers National Forest
COMMENTS: The relative abundance of both mountain quail and California quail
ranges from high to low depending upon the year. California quail are found nearstreams or other water. Mountain quail are found throughout forested areas.
Hunting pressure is low to moderate. There are many USFS campsites in the forest.
INFORMATION:
Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA 95501(707) 442-1721

NUMBER: 1-22
AREA: Shasta - Trinity National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Trinity, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue and ruffed grouse, tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon
and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: About 2,000,000 total acres; chaparral, oak woodland, andconiferous forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Ranges from small valleys to steep mountain slopes
ACCESS: Main access is from I-5, Hwy. 299, 3, 36, 89 and 97, and numerous Forest
Service roads
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: See Forest Service map
MAP FOR AREA: Shasta - Trinity National Forest
COMMENTS: Mountain quail are moderately abundant throughout the forest.
California quail are low to moderately abundant and mostly restricted to valley
bottoms (caution: much of the valley bottoms are privately owned - check maps).
Populations of both species are highly variable annually. Within Trinity County
mountain quail hunting is a very strenuous sport. Some areas to hunt for mountainquail in Trinity County include: Hayfork Divide, Brown’s Mtn., North Fork, Corral
Bottoms, Indian Dick, Eel River, Long Ridge, New River, Democrat Mtn., Ajax Mtn.,
Hettenpom, Yolla Bolly, Kettenpom, Zenia, Mad River, Coffee Creek, Trinity Center,and Bowerman Ridge. Hunting pressure is low due to steep terrain.
INFORMATION:
Shasta - Trinity National Forest
2400 Washington Avenue
Redding, CA 96001(530) 244-2978

40

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 1-23
AREA: Surprise Valley (BLM, USFS)
COUNTY: Modoc
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, blue grouse, cottontail rabbit, and blacktailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sage-grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills with rock outcroppings
ACCESS: 4-wheel drive or high-clearance two-wheel drive is recommended for muchof the area. Many areas can become inaccessible even during mildly wet weather.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game Refuges(see Forest Service map)
MAP FOR AREA: Modoc National Forest map; BLM Surface Management 30x60
minute quads: Cedarville, Alturas
COMMENTS: California quail are found in the rolling hills surrounding Surprise Valley.
Blue grouse are found on Modoc National Forest land. BLM lands along east sideand south end, and Modoc National Forest land along the west side. Populations aremoderate and variable. Quail in this area do better during years with a dry June. They
are found along stream courses and rock outcroppings near water. Hunting pressure
is low to moderate. Blue grouse may be found at higher elevations in the Warner Mountains. There are services in Cedarville.
INFORMATION:
Modoc National Forest
Bureau of Land Management
800 West 12th Street
Surprise Field Office
Alturas, CA 96101
602 Cressler Street(530) 233-5811
Cedarville, CA 96104(530) 279-6101

NUMBER: 1-24
AREA: Tehama Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon, wild turkey, and tree squirrel
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 46,904 acres of foothill oak grassland and chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: A broad bench slopes from about 1,000 feet to about 2,400 ft.
Rugged canyons with exposed, prominent rim rocks and lava outcroppings cut
through the area
ACCESS: East of Red Bluff, on Hwy. 36 to the town of Paynes Creek; take Plum Creek
Road about 3 miles to the wildlife area boundary
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Deer hunters holding G-1 tags and a Tehama Wildlife Area
permit are allowed to hunt quail during the G-1 deer hunt. Consult Hunting andOther Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map.
USGS 15 minute quads: Panther Spring and Manton.
COMMENTS: Only  deer hunters holding G-1 tags and a Tehama Wildlife Area
permit are allowed to hunt quail during the G-1 deer hunt. The Tehama Wildlife
Area is open, without special permit, from the end of the G-1 deer hunt throughthe remainder of the general quail season. California quail are abundant along
most of the area's drainages. Most quail are found associated with brushy slopes and canyon bottoms. Hunting pressure ismoderate. Facilities include two dry camps with sanitary facilities. This is rugged quail hunting.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
Tehama Wildlife Area
P.O. Box 188
Paynes Creek, CA 96075(530) 597-2201

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

41

NUMBER: 1-25
AREA: Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness (USFS)
COUNTY: Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, blue grouse, cottontail rabbit,
and black-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, mixed conifer forest
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep, mountainous terrain
ACCESS: From I-5 in Red Bluff, take Hwy. 36 west about 50 miles to Harrison Gulch Ranger
Station. Area is accessible by a variety of roads going south. Access to the Yolla Bolly
Wilderness Area is via non-motorized travel only.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Be respectful of private in-holdings.
MAP FOR AREA: Shasta-Trinity National Forest
COMMENTS: Mountain quail are of moderate abundance and California quail are of low
abundance. The populations are highly variable. Mountain quail are found associated withbrushy pockets near water sources in the higher elevations. California quail are not foundin any great numbers because most of the land is above their normal range. Most of the
California quail will be found at the lower elevations of the area. Hunting pressure is low.
There are Forest Service campgrounds scattered throughout the area.
INFORMATION:
Shasta Trinity National Forest
Mendocino National Forest
California Department of Fish and Game
2400 Washington Avenue
825 North Humboldt Avenue
1760 Bidwell
Redding, CA 96001
Willows, CA 95988
Red Bluff, CA 96080(530)
244-2978(530) 934-3316(530) 528-9405

REGION 2: SACRAMENTO VALLEY AND CENTRAL SIERRA REGIONNUMBER: 2-1
AREA: Antelope Valley Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Sierra
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 5,600 acres of eastside pine with openings of sagebrushand bitterbrush.
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively flat, with some steep hills and draws.
ACCESS: From Highway 49 east of Sierraville, turn south on Antelope Valley Road,
go approximately 3 miles to the WA boundary. This area is surrounded by Tahoe
National Forest and private land on the north.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM Surface
Management 30 x 60 minute quad: USGS 7.5 minute quads: Antelope Valley,
Loyalton, Sierraville and Sardine PeakCOMMENTS: Quail abundance is moderate and highly variable. The quail areusually along Antelope Creek. Hunting pressure is low except for opening
weekend. There are no facilities or drinking water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

42

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-2
AREA: Auburn State Recreation Area (DPR)
COUNTY: Placer, El Dorado
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 42,000 acres of chaparral and oak woodland; 4,950 acres areopen to hunting
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills to steep narrow canyons
ACCESS: 1 mile S of Auburn on Hwy 49
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Some areas are closed to hunting (check with Parks Dept.)
MAP FOR AREA: Parks Department map; GS 7.5 minute quads: Auburn, Pilot Hill
COMMENTS: Low abundance of quail. They are usually found in open mixed brushand grassland areas near water. Hunting pressure is moderate and high on opening
weekend. 100 primitive campsites, no potable water.
INFORMATION:
Folsom State Park
7806 Folsom Auburn Rd.
Folsom, CA 95630(916) 988-0205

NUMBER: 2-3
AREA: Crocker Meadows Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Plumas
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,700 acres of eastside pines with openings of sagebrushand bitterbrush.
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively flat with some steep hills and draws.
ACCESS: From Highway 70 at Beckwourth, turn north onto the Beckwourth Genesee
Road, go approximately 3 miles to the WA boundary. This area is bounded on thenorth by Plumas National Forest and private land on the south.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM
Surface Management 30 x 60 minute quad: Portola; USGS 7.5 minute quads:
Reconnaissance Peak, Portola and Crocker Mountain.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is low to moderate and highly variable.
The quail are usually in the flatter portions of the area to the south. Care must be
exercised to prevent straying onto the adjacent private lands to the south. Huntingpressure is low except for opening weekend. There are no facilities or drinking
water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

43

NUMBER: 2-4
AREA: Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Yuba
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Wild turkey, mourning dove, tree squirrel, black-tailed
jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit and band-tailed pigeon.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 6,315 acres of blue oak woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills
ACCESS: From Highway 70 (Ellis Lake) in Marysville, go east on Hwy. 20 about 11.5
miles and turn left on Marysville Road; proceed 8.5 miles east on Marysville Road
and turn right on Dolan Harding Road to parking lot 2 and 1 mile to parking lot 1.
Lots 3-6 are ahead on Marysville Road to Loma Rica Road, Los Verjeles Road andCollins Lake Road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations. Open for hunting from July 1 throughJanuary 31 and the spring turkey season. Turkey hunting reservation required
for the first nine days of the spring season, then open every day without areservation.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is good and hunting pressure is moderate.
Overnight parking allowed in the 6 parking lots.
NEARBY FACILITIES: Contact the Rancho Cordova DFG Regional Office for information on the spring turkey hunt reservation
drawing.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra Region
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900
NUMBER: 2-5
AREA: East side of Indian Valley Res. (BLM, DFG)
COUNTY: Colusa/Lake (This area is in both Region 2 and 3)
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep canyons, moderate sloping ridges
ACCESS: Road off Hwy. 20; take Bartlett Springs Road (4-wheel drive when wet).
Most hunters use the Walker Ridge Road off Hwy. 20.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quad: Lakeport USGS 15
minute quads: Wilbur Springs, Clearlake Oaks
COMMENTS: There are low, stable populations of quail on the area. Dogs are highly
recommended because of the dense brush. Hunting pressure is considered high forthe existing populations. There is a campgrond at Indian Valley Dam. Indian Valley
Wildlife Area is located around the reservoir.
INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
California Department of Fish and Game
Bureau of Land Management
Central Coast Region
Sacramento
Valley-Central
SierraRegionUkiah Field Office7329 Silverado Trail
1701
Nimbus
Road,
Suite
A
2550 N. State Street
Yountville, CA 94599
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Ukiah, CA 95482(707) 944-5531(916) 358-2900(707) 468-4000

44

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-6
AREA: Eldorado National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: El Dorado, Placer, Amador, Alpine
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, wild turkey, and blue
grouseGENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mixed conifer forest
TOPOGRAPHY: Ridges gentle to steep
ACCESS: Good access on many Forest Service dirt roads (many require highclearance 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive)
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting on State Game Refuge (see forest service map
for location)
MAP FOR AREA: Eldorado National Forest
COMMENTS: Mountain quail are low to moderately abundant between 4,000
and 7,000 ft. Generally migrate down slope between September and November
following the first snow storm. Populations are moderately variable. Huntingpressure is low to high depending upon ease of access. Quail are found near young
conifer stands and manzanita. Some of the best areas to hunt, in terms of finding
and being able to get clear shots at mountain quail, are in and around recent patch
cuts (logged patches). Good areas to try include Iron Mtn., Ice House, Peavine, Plummer Ridge, Alder Ridge, Cat Creek Ridge,
and Silver Creek to name just a few. California quail are found below 3,000 feet. Developed campgrounds can be foundthroughout the forest.
INFORMATION:
Eldorado National Forest
100 Forni Road
Placerville, CA 95667(530) 622-5061
NUMBER: 2-7
AREA: Fiske Creek - Wilson Valley Area (BLM, DFG)
COUNTY: Yolo, Lake, Colusa
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Coastal Chaparral, oak woodlands and riparian habitat
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat valleys to rugged canyons
ACCESS: This is a very large area and includes Cache Creek Wildlife Area; Hwy.16
to County Road 40; Hwy 20 at North Fork Cache Creek crossing; Area closed to
motorized vehicles. Maps should be consulted.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: For Cache Creek Wildlife Area, consult Hunting andOther Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for specific regulations. Huntersneed a permit to hunt turkeys the first two days of the spring turkey season on
the DFG Cache Creek Wildlife Area and BLM Cache Creek Management Area.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quads: Lakeport,
Healdsburg. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Wilson Valley, Glascock Mt., Knoxville,
Lower Creek, Guinda
COMMENTS: Both California quail and mountain quail are generally of low
abundance in this area. They are both found in the gullies and along streams,
and around springs. Hunting pressure is low. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
California Department of Fish and Game
Ukiah Field Office7329 Silverado Trail
2550 N. State St.
Napa, CA 94558
Ukiah, CA 95482(707) 944-5500(707) 468-4000

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

45

NUMBER: 2-8
AREA: Feather River Wildlife Area Management Units: Abbott Lake (439 acres), O’Connor Lakes (471 acres), Nelson Slough(750 acres), Lake of the Woods (698 acres), and Star Bend (50 acres) (DFG)
COUNTY: Yuba and Sutter
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Ring-necked pheasant, crow, mourning dove, tree squirrel,cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit and wild turkey.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 2,640 acres; river bottom riparian
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: 1. Abbot Lake and O’Connor Lake Units - Parking lot located on top of
the levee at the end of Star Bend Road. Star Bend Road is ½ mile north of theintersection of Highway 99 and Garden Highway on Garden Highway.
2. Nelson Slough Unit is located 23 miles north of Sacramento and under the
Highway 99 bridge: Access is either east or west of Highway 99 on Sacramento
Avenue. Sacramento Avenue is 1 mile north of the Highway 99 Bridge. 3. Lakeof the Woods and Star Bend Units: Access to both properties is from the Star
Bend Fishing Access located on Feather River Boulevard about 30 miles north of
Sacramento and 10 miles south of Marysville. From Sacramento make a left turnon Feather River Boulevard after crossing the Bear River Bridge on Highway 70.
From Marysville, turn right on Feather Boulevard after crossing the Yuba River on
Highway 70. The Lake of the Woods Unit is downstream of the Star Bend Fishing
Access and extends for about 5 miles to the Bear River. The Star Bend Unit isupstream of the Star Bend Fishing Access.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations. No rifles or pistols may be used or possessed. Hunting allowed from July 1 throughJanuary and during spring turkey season. Special closure in a portion of the O’Connor Lakes Unit marked as closed fromMarch 1 through June 30.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map.
COMMENTS: Moderate to high quail populations. Birds may be found in the weedy fields as well as in heavy brush.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

NUMBER: 2-9
AREA: Fremont Weir Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Yolo
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and ring-necked pheasant
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 212 acres of riparian woodland and meadows
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: Approximately three miles southeast of Knights Landing off County Road
116.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: DFG wildlife area map. USGS quad map: Knights Landing.
COMMENTS: Quail can be found throughout the area. Coveys are centered aroundthe areas with good cover.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900
46

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-10
AREA: Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Sierra and Lassen
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 9,020 acres of Great Basin sage/bitterbrush with some
limited eastside pine on the western portion.
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively flat with some hills and draws.
ACCESS: From Highway 395 north of Bordertown, NV, turn west onto the area justsouth of the Sierra County line, go through (and please close) the boundary gate.
This area is surrounded by the Toiyabe and Tahoe national forests, as well as private
lands on the north and south.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM Surface
Management 30 x 60 minute quad: Portola; USGS 7.5 minute quad; Evans Canyon.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is moderate and highly variable. The quail are usuallyalong Long Valley Creek and in the higher areas near Evans Canyon. Huntingpressure is low except for opening weekend. There are no facilities or drinking
water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

NUMBER: 2-11
AREA: Heenan Lake Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Alpine
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,653 acres of ponderosa pine and aspen with openings ofgrasslands, sagebrush and bitterbrush
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively steep with some hills and draws
ACCESS: Approximately 8 miles southeast of Markleeville off Hightway 89. This area
is surrounded by the Toiyabe National Forest with private land on the south.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM Surface
Management 30 x 60 minute quad: Smith Valley; USGS 7.5 minute quads: Heenan
Lake, Topaz Lake.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is low and highly variable. Hunting pressure is low.
There are no facilities or drinking water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

47

NUMBER: 2-12
AREA: Hope Valley Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Alpine
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 2,869 acres of ponderosa pine, aspen and grasslands with
openings of sagebrush and bitterbrush
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively flat with some steep hills and draws
ACCESS: Approximately 6 miles northwest of Markleeville at the junction ofHighway 88 and 89. The area is surrounded by the El Dorado and Toiyabe national
forests.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM Surface
Management 30 x 60 minute quad: Smith Valley; USGS 7.5 minute quads: Freel
Creek and Carson Pass.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is moderate and highly variable. The quail areusually along edges between habitat types and in the flatter portions of the area.
Hunting pressure is low except for opening
weekend. There are no facilities or drinking water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900
NUMBER: 2-13
AREA: Jenkinson Lake (USFS)
COUNTY: El Dorado
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mixed conifer and black oak forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate slopes
ACCESS: Park Creek Rd., and Iron Mountain Rd.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: Eldorado National Forest
COMMENTS: Moderate abundance of quail, widely scattered over the area. Quailare found in stream areas, and stands of brush and black oaks. Hunting pressure
can be high because of easy access from Hwy. 50.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

48

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-14
AREA: Lake Oroville State Recreation Area (DPR)
COUNTY: Butte
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Wild turkey and band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 16,100 acres total, 4,150 acres open to hunting. The
majority of the recreation lands consists of a narrow strip surrounding the lakeextending a minimum of 300 feet from the high water line to more than 1/2 mileareas. There is a considerable amount of public land surrounding muchthe lake which is open to hunting.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to rugged
ACCESS: 7 mi. E of Oroville via Hwy 162; boat access only to much of the area
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: See special regulations for area. There are areas closed tohunting. DPR is fairly restrictive on hunting activities on recreation areas. Contact
the recreation area, prior to going hunting, for a map and information on what
sections are currently open for hunting. DPR offices are generally closed on
weekends during the fall and winter.
MAP FOR AREA: Lake Oroville State Rec. Area
COMMENTS: There are plenty of quail, but the cover can be difficult to hunt in.
INFORMATION:
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
400 Glen Drive
Oroville, CA 95965(530) 538-2200

inof

NUMBER: 2-15
AREA: Lassen National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse and band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,200,000 acres total. Mixed conifer, brush covered ridges
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to steep
ACCESS: Forest roads mostly 2-wheel drive, but high-clearance vehicles highly
recommended
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game Refuge(see Forest Service map).
MAP FOR AREA: Lassen National Forest
COMMENTS: Mountain quail are moderately abundant but highly variable. They are
generally found along streams, heavy cover, small clearings in forest, brush fields,
and near gooseberry and elderberry patches in the fall. Hunting pressure is highopening weekend, and low thereafter. Some good areas to try are Mud Creek Butteand Brush Hill (north of Lake Almanor), Humboldt Pk. (southwest of Lake Almanor),and along Yellow Creek (north and south of Yellow Creek PG&E campground).
INFORMATION:
Lassen National Forest
Almanor Ranger DistrictBox 767
Chester, CA 96020(530) 258-2141

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

49

NUMBER: 2-16
AREA: Mendocino National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino and Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon, tree squirrel, cottontail rabbit, andmourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Over 1,000,000 acres total. Brushland and pine forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged
ACCESS: See Forest Service map; 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive roads; need
4-wheel drive for most of area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Permits needed for fires outside campgrounds
MAP FOR AREA: Mendocino National Forest
COMMENTS: The abundance of both species is moderate in localized areas, and aremoderately variable. Hunting pressure is high. Good areas to try for California quail
include Dry Creek, Doe Pk., Rattlesnake Creek, Trout Creek along Goat Mountain
Road, and Powder House creek. Mountain quail are scattered throughout the area,
being found up high before snowfall, and lower after snowfall. There are several
guzzlers along ridges in the Grindstone Creek area that can provide some hunting.
There are numerous campgrounds throughout the forest (see USFS map).
INFORMATION:
Mendocino National Forest
825 North Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988(530) 934-3316

NUMBER: 2-17
AREA: Oroville Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Butte
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, and band-tailed
pigeonGENERAL DESCRIPTION: 11,870 acres; river bottom, tailings
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to small undulations
ACCESS: Southwest of Oroville, west of Hwy. 70
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area
COMMENTS: Moderate quail populations, but difficult to hunt because of dense
escape cover. New brushpiles and plans to open up some of the cover should
improve hunting.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
945 Oro Dam Blvd. West
Oroville, CA 95965(530) 538-2236

50

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-18
AREA: Plumas National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Plumas, Butte, Sierra
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, wild turkey, band-tailed pigeon, and blue
grouseGENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,100,000 total acres; mixed conifer brush forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep, 2,000 - 5,000 ft. elevation
ACCESS: Forest roads mostly 2-wheel drive; high clearance vehicles highly
recommended.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting in the State Game Refuges
MAP FOR AREA: Plumas National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail of low abundance, being found primarily at lower
elevations along the edges of valleys and agricultural land, which is mostly
private. Mountain quail are moderately abundant at the higher elevations in
mixed conifer forests. They are often found along streams, small brush fields, andin the fall near chokecherry and gooseberry patches. The abundance of both
species is highly variable.
Hunting pressure is high during opening weekend and deer season, and low
thereafter. There are many forest service campgrounds. Some good areas to try
are Crocker Mtn. (east of Lake Davis), Happy Valley (northeast of Jackson Creek
campground), Mt. Ingalls (northwest of Lake Davis), Kettle Rock (southwestof Antelope Lake), Eureka Ridge (southwest of Sloat), Deanes Valley (south of
Meadow Valley), Keddie Ridge (north of Greenville), Argentine Rock (north of
Sloat).
INFORMATION:
Plumas National Forest
P.O. Box 1500
159 Lawrence Street
Quincy, CA 95971(530) 283-2050

NUMBER: 2-19
AREA: Putah Creek Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Solano
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 860 acres of coastal chaparral and oak woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively steep with some flat areas
ACCESS: Approximately 10 miles west of Winters off Highway 128
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; USGS 7.5
minute quads: Monticello Dam and Mt. Vaca.
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is low to moderate and highly variable. The quailare usually difficult to hunt because of the steep terrain and heavy cover.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

51

NUMBER: 2-20
AREA: Sacramento River Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Glenn and Butte
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Riparian woodland, meadows, and gravel bars
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: By boat or from Glenn Co. Road 29 approximately 6 miles south ofHamilton City.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specifics.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map.
COMMENTS: Quail can be found throughout the area. Because of the dense cover,hunting can be difficult.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

NUMBER: 2-21
AREA: Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Sierra
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,385 acres of heavily burned eastside pine with some
limited cover of sagebrush. Very open habitat.
TOPOGRAPHY: Relatively steep with some hills and draws.
ACCESS: From Highway 49 east of Layalton, turn south on Smithneck Road,
go approximately 3 miles to the WA boundary. This area is bounded by Tahoe
National Forest and private lands.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specifics.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; BLM Surface
Management 30 x 60 minute quad: Portola; USGS 7.5 minute quads: Loyalton andSardine Peaks
COMMENTS: Quail abundance is low and highly variable. The quail are usuallyalong Smithneck Creek. Care must be exercised to prevent straying onto adjacentprivate land. Hunting pressure is low. There are no facilities or drinking water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

52

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-22
AREA: Spenceville Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Yuba, Nevada
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, black-tailed jackrabbit,
gray squirrel, and band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 11,213 acres of foothill oak/grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling foothills, valleys
ACCESS: The area can be reached via the Hamilton Road or by traveling southon the Smartville Road from Smartville. It may also be reached from Sheridan or
Wheatland via the Camp Far West Road. The roads are all high-clearance 2-wheel
drive accessible in dry weather.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area, BLM Surface
Management 30x60 minute quad: Yuba City USGS 7.5 minute quads: Smartville,
Camp Far West
COMMENTS: There are moderate populations in some locations. Coveys are
centered around those areas with both good cover and water. This includes theareas along the creeks and around the 40 or so springs. There are also some coveys
around the reservoirs. Populations are relatively stable from year to year. Hunting pressure is high during opening weekend
and moderate to low for the remainder of the season. Facilities at the site include camp and picnic sites. No restrooms. No
potable water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900
NUMBER: 2-23
AREA: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Calaveras, Alpine
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, wild turkey, and blue
grouseGENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,000,000 acres total; ranges from oak grassland to subalpine vegetation
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged and steep
ACCESS: Primarily access is via Hwy 4; many roads are ok in high-clearance 2-wheel
drive vehicle.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game Refuge(see forest service map).
MAP FOR AREA: Stanislaus National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant below 5000 ft. elevation,
and are found along streams and near other water sources. Mountain quail arefound above 3000 ft. near clear cuts, streams and meadows. They are moderately
abundant. Populations of both species are moderately variable. Hunting pressure
is moderate. There are a few developed campgrounds. Some good areas to try
are north of Arnold, between Pumpkin Hollow and Hermit Spring, and south ofSherman Acres.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish andStanislaus National ForestGame
19777 Greenley Road
1701 Nimbus Road
Sonora, CA 95370
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(209) 532-3671(916) 358-2900

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

53

NUMBER: 2-24
AREA: Sutter Bypass Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Sutter
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, ring-necked pheasant, cottontail rabbit,
black-tailed jackrabbit, tree squirrel and crow.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The wildlife area consists of the Tisdale Bypass and 2
long narrow parcels located on either side of the Sutter Bypass. The Sutter Bypass
east levee and east channel portion is 22 miles in length and 300 feet in widthfrom Highway 20 to the junction with the Feather River levee and Nelson Slough
Management Unit of the Feather Riber Wildlife Area. The east levee is generally
closed to vehicles. The Sutter Bypass west levee and west channel portion is 15.6
miles in length and 300 feet in width from Highway 20 to Highway 113. The west
levee is closed to vehicles.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: The main hunting area is the Tisdale Bypass. Access to this area is from
Progress/Reclamation Roads or Garmire/Cranmore Roads.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations. Hunting is permitted daily during open
seasons for all legal species. No rifles or pistols may be used or possessed.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area map.
COMMENTS: Good quail populations in dense cover. There are no facilities or drinking water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900
NUMBER: 2-25
AREA: Tahoe National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon and blue grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 800,000 acres; mixed conifer, brush and timber covered
ridges, chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to very steep
ACCESS: Forest roads mostly two-wheel drive, but high-clearance vehicle highly
recommended. No motor vehicles allowed in the Wilderness Areas.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game
Refuge (see Forest Service map).
MAP FOR AREA: Tahoe National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail populations are low and highly variable. They
are mostly found at lower elevations along valley edges. Mountain quail aremoderately abundant and highly variable. They are found in mixed conifer forests
at higher elevations. Areas along streams and around springs, small brush fields
and openings in forest, and near chokecherry and gooseberry in fall are goodplaces to look. Hunting pressure is moderate to high during opening weekend
and low thereafter. There are campgrounds throughout the forest. Some goodareas to try are Pliocene Ridge (north of Alleghany), Saddleback Mtn. (southeast of Little Grass Valley Res.), Gold Valley(southwest of Gold Lake), Keystone Mtn. (southwest of Sierra City), Bald Mtn. Range and Sardine Valley (north of Stampede
Reservoir). Bowman Lake, Rattlesnake Creek, Grouse Ridge, Duncan Peak, Boca Reservoir, Prosser Creek Reservoir.
INFORMATION:
Tahoe National Forest
Highway 49 and Coyote St.
Nevada City, CA 95959
54

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 2-26
AREA: Toiyabe National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Alpine, Mono
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 600,000 acres; mixed conifer forest, Juniper-sage
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to steep
ACCESS: Most of access is by foot or horse
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: See Forest Service Map
MAP FOR AREA: Toiyabe National Forest (Carson Ranger District)
COMMENTS: Mountain quail abundance is low and coveys are widely scattered.
Hunting pressure is low. Some areas to try include Haypress Flat, Leviathan Peak,
Silver Hill, Indian Creek, Hawkins Peak, Pickett Peak, Carson Pass, and Crater Lake.
Blue grouse on ridges 7,000 ft and higher in vicinity of Hawkins Peak, Red Lake
Peak, Markleeville Peak, and Monitor Pass.
INFORMATION:
Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District
1536 S. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701(702) 882-2766

NUMBER: 2-27
AREA: White Slough Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: San Joaquin
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Ring-necked pheasant and mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 880 acres
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: Approximately eight miles west of Lodi. Pond 5 area is south of Walnut
Grove Road. Pond 6 area is north of Woodbridge Road. Ponds 7 & 8 are east of
Guard Road. Ponds 9 through 13 are along the frontage road on the west side ofInterstate Highway 5.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Road, Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670(916) 358-2900

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

55

REGION 3: CENTRAL COAST REGIONNUMBER: 3-1
AREA: Big Sandy Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Monterey, San Luis Obispo
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 852 acres; open grassland, some stream habitat
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: Indian Valley Road; from the town of San Miguel, go east over the Salinas
River, take the first left turn, and immediately another left turn. After a couple ofmiles, take the left fork again; this is Indian Valley Road. The parking lot is about 2
miles past this turn. Paved road all the way.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only shotguns and bow and arrows may be possessed or
used. Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for specificregulations.
MAP FOR AREA: AAA - San Luis Obispo County; Wildlife area map
COMMENTS: California quail are of low to moderate abundance. Populations arestable. The quail are found in the river washes in the tree cover, or on the northernend of the site. The area is only large enough to provide hunting for a few groups perday. Hunting pressure is usually light. There are no facilities at the parking lot off ofIndian Valley Road.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940-5729(831) 649-2870
NUMBER: 3-2
AREA: Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest (CDF)
COUNTY: LakeQUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, cottontail rabbit, and band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest
TOPOGRAPHY: About 3,500 acres; moderate to steep slopes from 2,360-3,750 feetelevation
ACCESS: Near Hobergs, the forest is accessed from Forestry Road off California Hwy
175.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No off-highway vehicles may be ridden on the forest. All
vehicles must be licensed for highway driving and are to stay on designated forest
roads. Hunting is permitted on this forest under applicable state game laws andregulations. Hunters should be extremely careful to avoid shooting around public
and private residences and campgrounds. Boggs Mountain Demonstration State
Forest (BMDSF) is surrounded by more than 70 adjoining property owners whose
permission is needed to enter or hunt adjoining property. No public land adjoins
BMDSF. Campfire and special use permits must be obtained prior to entering the areafrom the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection. Camping is allowed onlyin the designated campgrounds. There are self-registration forms available at theentrance to Calso Camp Campground.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS 7.5 minute quad: Whispering Pines
COMMENTS: Unimproved campgrounds are scattered throughout the forest. Camping, campfires, and use of gas stoves
are limited to Calso and Ridge camps. The campground sites are located on the west side of the forest off BMDSF Road 500
approximately 1-1/4 mile from the Hwy 175/Forestry Road turnoff. Campsites consist of tables and fire rings. No water isavailable at the campsites. All accumulated trash must be packed out. There are 15 campsites at Calso Camp and two large
sites at Ridge Camp.
INFORMATION:
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest
P.O. Box 839
Cobb, CA 95426
56

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 3-3
AREA: Caliente Range (BLM)
COUNTY: San Luis Obispo
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove, and cottontail rabbits
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Desert shrub lands, juniper forest
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills to steep
ACCESS: There is a hiking trail that goes from Hwy. 166 north into the hunting
areas. There is a parking lot at the trailhead. Access includes the Selby Road on thenorth flank of the Caliente Range, in the Carrizo Plain. The access point for this roadis from Soda Lake Road, roughly 17 miles south of Hwy. 58.This road is open to theCaliente Ridge parking lot until wet weather makes the road impassable. Much of
the rest of this area is landlocked or has very indistinct boundaries, and it is easy towander onto closed private land. Use BLM and USGS topo maps.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30 x 60 minute quad:
Taft. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Painted Rock, Chimineas Ranch, Taylor Canyon,
Caliente Mountain, Wells Ranch, Cuyama, New Cuyama
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant. Populations are highlyvariable. The quail are found well scattered throughout the area. They are concentrated near water during the hunting
season prior to the first rains. There are several guzzlers and other water sources on the Range. Hunting pressure is generally
low. There are no facilities. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, as there is none available.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308(661) 391-6000
NUMBER: 3-4
AREA: Camp Roberts  (USDOD) (Call taped information line to ensure militaryactivity has not closed hunting)
COUNTY: Monterey, San Luis Obispo
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit,
and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 35,000 acre National Guard Base; open grasslands,
chaparral, streams, oak woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to gently rolling to steep
ACCESS: This area is open only on select days from April to December. There is anaccess fee. Call the taped information line for the latest information. Entrance isthrough the Check Station at the East Garrison Off-ramp from Hwy. 101, 40 miles
south of King City, 15 miles north of Paso Robles. Roads on the base range frompaved to rough 4-wheel drive jeep trails.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: A hunting permit is required. They are available at thecheck station. Some areas closed to access and hunting (see Camp Roberts
hunting map). No overnight camping. Hunting restricted by military training.
MAP FOR AREA: Camp Roberts hunting map. BLM Surface Management 30x60
minute quad: Paso Robles. USGS 7.5 minute quads: San Miguel, Bradley, Adelaide,
Paso Robles
COMMENTS: California quail populations are moderate to high. They are moderately variable. The best quail hunting isfound in hunting areas 2, 3, 4, 6, 7. Hunting pressure is usually low, except on opening weekends. The area can get quite
busy with hunters because pig hunting is allowed during the same period. Facilities are limited to a few chemical toilets.
INFORMATION:
California Army National Guard
Headquarters Camp Roberts
Attn: Hunting and Fishing ProgramCamp Roberts, CA 93451-5000(805) 238 - 8167 (taped information)

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

57

NUMBER: 3-5
AREA: Chew’s Ridge and Piney Creek - Los Padres National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Monterey
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak-grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep, with numerous deep cut streams
ACCESS: Off Carmel Valley Rd.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No shooting outside hunting season. U.S. Forest Service
adventure pass required.
MAP FOR AREA: Los Padres National Forest
COMMENTS: Low to moderate populations of both species scattered throughout
the area. California quail usually near water and open grassland. Mountain quailcan be found near water before fall rains. Hunting pressure is low due steepnessof terrain and dense chaparral. Difficult hunting. There are Forest Service
campgrounds at China Camp, White Oak and at Chew’s Ridge. There are no
facilities at Piney Creek.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940-5729(831) 649-2870
U.S. Forest Service
406 Mildred
King City, CA 93930(831) 385-5434

NUMBER: 3-6
AREA: Clear Creek Management Area (BLM)
COUNTY: San Benito
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak-grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderately steep with a few small streams and springs
ACCESS: From the north, off Panoche Road through New Idria. From the south
off Los Gatos Canyon Road up Clear Creek. This is about 30 miles northwest of
Coalinga.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quad: Coalinga, or BLM
Clear Creek Management Area map
COMMENTS: There are moderate populations of California quail where water andgrass occurs on the fringe areas outside the serpentine soils. Best populations arefound at San Carlos Bolso and south of Condon Peak. Mountain quail are of low
abundance, most of which are found in the area between Santa Rita and Condon
Peak. Avoid the serpentine soils (looks green). Hunting pressure is low, but there
is heavy off road vehicle use of the area. There are facilities off Coalinga Road atwest entrance to Clear Creek.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023(831) 630 - 5000

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 3-7
AREA: Cow Mountain Recreation Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Lake, Mendocino
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak woodlands
TOPOGRAPHY: Generally rugged ridges and canyons
ACCESS: Scotts Creek Rd. runs through the area. Most visitors access the area from
the Mendocino County side (west) on Mill Creek Road. Access from the east (LakeCounty) is from Scotts Creek Road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Cow Mountain is divided between North Cow Mountain(vehicles allowed only on main road—no off road travel on firebreaks, secondary
roads, etc.) and South Cow Mountain (a highly developed OHV area with more than
125 miles of four wheel drive, ATV and motorcycle trails). Both north and south Cow
Mountain are open for hunting.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quads: Ukiah, Lakeport,
Healdsburg. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Highland Springs, Hopland, Lakeport, Purdys
Gardens, Cow Mountain, Ukiah
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant. Mountain quail are of low abundance. Populations of both species
are moderately variable. Both species are found in cover near water early in the season, and just about anywhere once fallrains have begun. The use of dogs is highly recommended because of the dense vegetation. Hunting pressure is low. Thereare campgrounds at Red Mountain, Willow creek, and Mayacmas Recreational sites.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Ukiah Field Office2550 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482(707) 468-4000
NUMBER: 3-8
AREA: Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation (USDOD) (Call taped information line
to ensure military activity has not closed hunting.)
COUNTY: Monterey
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, cottontail
rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak-grassland and grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to rugged
ACCESS: Via Hwy. 101: Take “Jolon Road/Fort Hunter Liggett” exit, just north of KingCity and continue 20 miles west. Take Mission Road, then turn left just past the maingate. Wildlife check station is on left.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Hunting restricted by military training and limited toweekends and federal holidays. Hunting permits available by mail only. OHV use notpermitted. Access fee. Mandatory hunter registration, check-in and check-out.
MAP FOR AREA: AAA - Monterey and San Benito Counties. USGS 7.5 minute quads:
Cone Peak, Bear Canyon, Cosio Knob, Alder Peak, Jolon, Williams Hill, Burnett PeakCOMMENTS: There are moderate to high populations scattered throughout the base. Abundance is highly variable.
California quail are found where water, grass and cover are in close proximity. Mountain quail are usually found in therugged areas and near dense chaparral. Facilities include: water, chemical toilets, campground and public phone at checkstation. There are camping facilities at nearby Los Padres National Forest and more open hunting areas in the Indians area
north of the fort. Billeting and restaurant available on post.
INFORMATION:
Commander, Fort Hunter Liggett
AFRC-FMH-DPW-E
P.O. Box 7091
Fort Hunter Liggett, CA 93928-7091(831) 386 - 3310 (taped information)

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

59

NUMBER: 3-9
AREA: Jackson Demonstration State Forest (CDF)
COUNTY: Mendocino
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon, cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, wild
turkey and blue grouse
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 50,200 acres of mixed coniferous forest
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged and steep
ACCESS: Hwy. 20, between Fort Bragg and Willits
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Camping permits are required. Campfires only indesignated camp sites. Check for seasonal road and campground closures. Certain
areas are closed to hunting and use of firearms. Information and camping permits
may be obtained at forest office in Fort Bragg.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS 7.5 minute quads: Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and 15 minutequad: Comptche. BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quad: Ukiah
COMMENTS: Due to dense timber, mountain quail populations are low andhunting pressure is low. There are numerous improved camping areas within theforest. No potable water is provided.
INFORMATION:
Jackson Demonstration State Forest
802 North Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437(707) 964-5674
NUMBER: 3-10
AREA: Knoxville Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Napa, Yolo. BLM land is adjacent to wildlife area in Lake, Napa, and Yolo
counties.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Gray squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, cottontail
rabbit, and wild turkey.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Ridges and rugged valleys. The terrain is rugged, with elevations
ranging from 1,000 feet to 2,200 feet.
ACCESS: The Knoxville Wildlife Area (8,200 acres) is accessed from the northin Lake County via Highway 29 to Lower Lake to Morgan Valley Road past the
McLaughlin Mine where it becomes the Knoxville-Berryessa Road in Napa County(approximately 17 miles). The wildlife area is also accessed on the southern side via
Highway 128 East (Napa County) through Rutherford to Knoxville-Berryessa Road
(approximately 23 miles) or Highway 128 West through Winters (approximately 29
miles). To access adjacent BLM lands, take Knoxville Devilhead Rd. off Berryessa
Knoxville Rd. just north of Knoxville (is only road into area). Most of wildlife area
access restricted to foot or horse traffic.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for specifics.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quad: Healdsburg. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Jericho Valley, Walter
Springs, Aetna Springs, Knoxville.
COMMENTS: Both quail species are generally of low abundance in this area, with California quail being the more abundantspecies. They are found in the gullies, and around streams and springs. Hunting pressure is low due to access. There are no
facilities.
INFORMATION: Knoxville Wildlife Area is patrolled by DFG wardens. In case of emergency please call 911. To obtain
information or hunting regulations on Knoxville Wildlife Area please see the Department of Fish and Game website at
http://www.dfg.ca.gov or call Bureau of Land Management for information on BLM lands in the area.
Bureau of Land Management
Department of Fish and Game
Ukiah Field Office		Central Coast Region
2550 North State Street		7329 Silverado Trail
Ukiah, CA 95482
Yountville, CA 94599(707) 468-4000			(707) 944-5531
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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 3-11
AREA: Laguna Mountain - Sweetwater Area (BLM)
COUNTY: San Benito
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak-grassland, and small intermittent creeks
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep mountains
ACCESS: Off Los Gatos Rd. approximately 20 miles northeast of King City or 32
miles northwest of Coalinga. All hiking access from parking lot or access point on
road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: BLM area map - Laguna Mountain Area
COMMENTS: Moderately abundant coveys of California quail arefound near creeks and springs in the vicinity of oak-grassland andchaparral. Populations are highly variable. Hunting pressure is low due to hiking
access only and dense chaparral.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023(831) 630 - 5000

NUMBER: 3-12
AREA: Los Padres National Forest - Santa Lucia Ranger District (USFS)
COUNTY: Monterey and San Luis Obispo
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon, cottontail rabbit and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Varies from fairly open shrublands to dense chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills to very steep and rugged
ACCESS: Roads vary from paved to rough 4-wheel drive.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Area subject to special area closures for resource protection.
U.S. Forest Service adventure pass required.
MAP FOR AREA: Los Padres National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are abundant throughout the forest in suitable
habitat. There are many water developments of all kinds throughout that tend toconcentrate the quail in some areas. Many of the intermittent streams have habitatthat supports good populations. Populations are highly variable. Mountain quail arefound in the central portion of the forest, roughly from Black Mtn. to Machesna Mtn.,
Garcia Ridge area. They are usually found in the steeper, brush portions of the forest.
Their populations are not high anywhere, but they can be found in many areas alongwith the California quail. There are more open hunting areas on the ocean side of theforest. Hunting pressure is moderate. Facilities are limited to primitive campgrounds.
Little potable water.
INFORMATION:
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Avenue, Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117(805) 968-6640
Los Padres National Forest
1616 Carlotti Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454(805) 925-9538

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

61

NUMBER: 3-13
AREA: Mendocino National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, and Tehama
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail and California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse, tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, and wild
turkeyGENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mixed hardwoods, conifer forests and chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged valleys and ridges
ACCESS: Numerous Forest Service roads
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Contact local Ranger Station
MAP FOR AREA: Mendocino National Forest
COMMENTS: Both mountain quail and California quail can be found near water justabout anywhere in the area. The trick is finding them in an area that is accessible
enough to hunt. Much of the forest is densely vegetated and difficult to walkthrough.
INFORMATION:
Mendocino National Forest
825 N. Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988(530) 934-3316
NUMBER: 3-14
AREA: Stockdale Mountain (BLM)
COUNTY: Monterey
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: None
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, some islands of oak-grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to very steep canyons
ACCESS: From San Miguel, cross Salinas River to the east, go two miles north toVineyard Canyon Rd. Go northeast on Vineyard Canyon Rd. for approximately 15
miles. Turn left (north) at Slacks Canyon Road and drive approximately seven miles
to parking lot at end of road. The last three miles of this road is dirt and can be
impassable when wet.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 quad: Paso Robles
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant and highlyvariable. They are found near water. Hunting pressure is low due tohiking access only. No facilities. No water. Hunters are reminded to respect private
property boundaries as much of the land adjacent to BLM land is in private
ownership.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023(831) 630 - 5000

62

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 3-15
AREA: Tumey Hill and Griswold Hills Area (BLM)
COUNTY: San Benito, Fresno
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Arid brush-grassland
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep, numerous rocky outcroppings
ACCESS: Three miles south of Panoche on New Idria Rd.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 quad: Mendota. AAA-Monterey
and San Benito Counties. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Panoche, Tumey Hills, Hernandez
Reservoir, Idria.
COMMENTS: Moderate populations of California quail. Size of population is highlyvariable. Are most often near water. Hunting pressure is light to moderate due
partially to steep hiking access.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, CA 95023(831) 630 - 5000

REGION 4: SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AND SOUTHERN SIERRA REGIONNUMBER: 4-1
AREA: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Alpine, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Blue grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan, mourning dove,
band-tailed pigeon, wild turkey, gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, white-tailed andblack-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Approximately 898,000 acres; varies from oak/grasslands,
chaparral, mixed conifer to sub-alpine vegetation.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills to extremely steep terrain.
ACCESS: Major routes include Highways 4, 49, 108 and 120. Also, there are many
county roads into the area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting or possession of firearms in State Game Refuge(see Forest Service map).
MAP FOR AREA: U. S. Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest.
COMMENTS: California quail area moderately abundant below 5,000 feet elevation,
and are found along streams and near other water sources. Mountain quail arefound above 3,000 feet near clear cuts, streams and meadows, they are moderately
abundant. Both species are moderately variable. Hunting pressure is light tomoderate. There are some developed campgrounds.
INFORMATION:
Mi-Wuk Ranger District
California Department of Fish and Game
Stanislaus National Forest
Post Office Box 100
1234 East Shaw Avenue
19777 Greenley Road
Mi-Wuk Village, California
Fresno, California 93710
Sonora, California 95370
95346(559) 243-4005(209) 532-3671(209) 586-3234
Groveland Ranger District
Calaveras Ranger District
Summit Ranger District
24545 Old Highway 120
Post Office Box 500
No. 1 Pinecrest Lake Road
Groveland, CA 95321
Hathaway Pines, California 95233
Pinecrest, California 95364(209) 962-7825(209) 962-7825(209) 965-3434

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

63

NUMBER: 4-2
AREA: Squaw Leap Management Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Fresno and Madera
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Wild turkey, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, graysquirrel and cottontail rabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 4,600 acres; oak/grassland, mixed oaks, chaparral andscattered conifers.
TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation varies from 900 to 2,000 feet. Rolling hills to steep terrain.
ACCESS: Located approximately five miles northwest of the town of Auberry. From
Auberry proceed north on Auberry Road; turn left on Power House Road; turn left
on Smalley Road to Squaw Leap Management Area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only game birds and game mammals may be taken during
the open season. Ground squirrels and coyotes are not game species.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management Status 7.5-minute Quadrangle: Shaver
Lake. U. S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest.
COMMENTS: Good populations of California quail; limited population of otherupland game species.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
Post Office Box 171
Fresno, California 93710
Auberry, California 93602(559) 243-4005(559) 855-3492

NUMBER: 4-3
AREA: Kinsman Flat Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Madera.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Wild turkey, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, graysquirrel and cottontail rabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 510 acres; mixed oaks, chaparral and scattered conifers.
TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation approximately 3,600 feet; located on a rolling bench.
ACCESS: From the town of North Fork, travel east on the Minarets Road forapproximately 15 miles; turn south on Wiki-up Ranch Road; turn east on Arrowhead
Road to Wildlife Area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only shotguns and archery equipment are permitted
during the spring turkey season. Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on Stateand Federal Areas for specifics.
MAP FOR AREA: Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area Map; United States
Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute series (topographic) Musick Mountain
Quadrangle.
COMMENTS: Quail populations are moderate; other upland game species are
scarce. No camping or trailers.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005

64

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 4-4
AREA: Hensley Lake (ACOE)
COUNTY: Madera.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Oak/grasslands and chaparral.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling foothills to moderate terrain.
ACCESS: From Highway 99 at Chowchilla proceed east on Avenue 26; turn southon Road 29; turn east on Road 603 to Hensley Lake.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Hunting is allowed only in the 500-acre wildlife area (seeUnited States Army Corps of Engineers map). Shotgun only—no rifles.
MAP FOR AREA: Hensley Lake (available from United States Army Corps ofEngineers).
COMMENTS: Small population of California quail and other upland game species.
INFORMATION:
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Hensley Lake
Post Office Box 85
Raymond, California 93653-0085(559) 673-5151
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005
NUMBER: 4-5
AREA: Pine Flat Reservoir (ACOE)
COUNTY: Fresno.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Wild turkey, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, graysquirrel and cottontail rabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Oak/grassland, mixed chaparral.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to very steep terrain.
ACCESS: Located east of Fresno. Travel southeast on State Highway 180 to Trimmer
Springs Road; continue east to Lake. Travel east on Highway 168; east on Sample
Road; south on Pitman Hill Road; east on Watts Valley Road; south on Maxson Road
to Lake.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: There are some special closures; check with the UnitedStates Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) before hunting.
MAP FOR AREA: Pine Flat Lake (available from United States Army Corps ofEngineers).
COMMENTS: Low to moderate populations of quail and other upland game species.
INFORMATION:
United States Army Corps of Engineers
Pine Flat Lake
P.O. Box 117
Piedra, California 93649-0117(559) 787-2589
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

65

NUMBER: 4-6
AREA: Tumey Hills Management Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Fresno and San Benito
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 23,000 acres; arid brush/grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to very steep.
ACCESS: Tumey Hills access is 5 miles west of Highway I-5 on
Panoche Road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Gates open from Friday before opening of quail season
until April 1.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Management
Status, 30x60-minute Quadrangle; Mendota. United States Geological Survey(USGS) 7.5-minute Quadrangle: Panoche, Tumey Hills, Hernandez Reservoir, Idria.
COMMENTS: Low to moderate populations of California quail and other uplandgame species.
INFORMATION:
United States Bureau of Land Management
20 Hamilton Court
Hollister, California 95023(831) 630-5000
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005
NUMBER: 4-7
AREA: Black Mountain Area (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge and mourning dove.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote bush scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountainous; elevation 3,800 to 5,200 feet.
ACCESS: Highway 395 on east; Garlock Road on south; and Redrock-Inyokern
on west. Area has many dirt access roads, both 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive.
Recommend 4-wheel drive for interior access. Most of the Blackrock Mountainarea is closed to Off-Highway Vehicle use, with access limited to the base of themountain.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Ridgecrest and Cuddeback
Lake. El Paso Mountains Motorized Vehicle Access Guide (United States Bureauof Land Management map). United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute
Quadrangle: Garlock, Saltdale Northwest.
COMMENTS: California quail are of low abundance and highly variable. They arefound around springs with atriplex patches. Hunting pressure is low. Chukar aremoderately abundant and are found throughout the area near water.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
Ridgecrest Field OfficeFresno, California 93710
300 South Richmond Road(559) 243-4005
Ridgecrest, California 93555-4436
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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

(760) 384-5400
NUMBER: 4-8
AREA: Eastman Lake (ACOE)
COUNTY: Madera and Mariposa.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit and black-tailed
jackrabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Oak/grassland and chaparral.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling foothills to moderate and steep terrain around upper end ofreservoir.
ACCESS: East on Avenue 26 at Chowchilla; then north on County Road 29 toEastman Lake.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Hunting is allowed in the wildlife management area (seeUnited States Army Corps of Engineers map) on the Lakeview Trail east of the
Chowchilla River, and on the entire upper portion of the Chowchilla River north ofRaymond Bridge (quail are most abundant in this area). Shotgun only—no rifles.
MAP FOR AREA: Eastman Lake (available from United States Army Corps ofEngineers).
COMMENTS: This small area has moderate populations of California quail throughout the wildlife area. However, hunting
them can be difficult because much of the area on the upper end is narrow, allowing the quail to escape easily. These
coveys must be hunted from along the area boundary. Hunting pressure is moderate.
INFORMATION:
United States Army Corps of Engineers
California Department of Fish and Game
Post Office Box 671234 East Shaw Avenue
Raymond, California 93653-0067
Fresno, California 93710(559) 689-3255(559) 243-4005
NUMBER: 4-9
AREA: El Paso Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail, Gambel’s quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote bush scrub with mixed atriplex.
TOPOGRAPHY: Gentle rolling hills to steep rocky mountains from 2,500 to 4,500
feet elevation.
ACCESS: Highway 395 on east; Highway 14 on west; Garlock Road on south; andInyokern Road on north. Area has many dirt access roads, both 4-wheel drive and2-wheel drive. Recommend 4-wheel drive for interior access.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access
Guides for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership,
50-meter contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Ridgecrest andCuddeback Lake. El Paso Mountains Motorized Vehicle Access Map (United States
Bureau of Land Management map).
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant; Gambel’s quail are of low
abundance; and mountain quail are of very low abundance. The abundance of
all three is highly variable. Most of the quail can be found around springs andguzzlers. California quail and Gambel’s quail are mostly found in the easternand southern portions of the range where there are good stands of Atriplex. Mountain quail are in the higher elevations.
Chukar are moderately abundant and found throughout the range. Look for areas with good stands of cheat grass. Huntingpressure is usually heavy on opening weekend and moderate to low during the remainder of the season.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
Ridgecrest Field OfficeFresno, California 93710
300 South Richmond Road
Ridgecrest, California 93555-4436(760) 384-5400

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

67

NUMBER: 4-10
AREA: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Inyo and Mono.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove, blue grouse, band-tailed
pigeon, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed and white-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,800,000 acres. Black bush-creosote bush scrub, pine
forest.
TOPOGRAPHY: Elevations from 4,000 to over 10,000 feet; generally steep, rugged
terrain.
ACCESS: Highway 395 on east; Nine Mile Canyon - Kennedy Meadows Road on thesouth and west.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Forest.
COMMENTS: Both species are of low abundance. The California quail are highlyvariable and the mountain quail are fairly stable. The California quail are generally
found at the lower elevations on the east side of the Sierras in association withbrush. Mountain quail are found in the higher elevations in brush fields associatedwith water and meadows. They migrate to lower elevations in winter months.
INFORMATION:
Inyo National Forest
873 North Main Street
Bishop, California 93514(760) 873-2400 (760) 873-2538 TDD
Mt. Whitney Ranger District
Post Office Box 8
Lone Pine, California 93545(760) 876-6200

California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005

White Mountain Ranger District
798 North Main Street
Bishop, California 93514(760) 873-2500
Mammoth Ranger Station
Post Office Box 148
Mammoth Lakes, California 93546

NUMBER: 4-11
AREA: Jawbone Canyon - Chuckwalla Mountain (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Desert scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to steep.
ACCESS: Jawbone Canyon Road from Highway 14.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Status 30x60minute Quadrangle: Tehachapi; United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5minute Quadrangle: Cinco, Cross Mountain.
COMMENTS: California quail populations can be high following years of good
rainfall. They are found near water and shrub cover in and along the washes. There
are no facilities available.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish andUnited States Bureau of Land Management
Game
Ridgecrest Field Office1234 East Shaw Avenue
300 South Richmond Road
Fresno, California 93710
Ridgecrest, California 93555-4436(559) 243-4005(760) 384-5400
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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 4-12
AREA: Little Panoche Reservoir Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Fresno.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Black-tailed jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, and mourning
dove.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 828 acres; brush/grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling terrain.
ACCESS: Five miles west of Highway I-5 on Little Panoche Road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only shotguns and archery equipment may be possessedor used. Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State and Federal Areas for
specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Management
Status 30x60-minute Quadrangle: Mendota. United States Geological Survey(USGS) 7.5-minute Quadrangle: Laguna Seca Ranch. California Department of Fish
and Game Wildlife Area map.
COMMENTS: During good years, there can be several coveys on the area. However,high hunting pressure and easy access combine to make hunting very difficult after
the opening weekend. The size of the quail population can fluctuate widely fromyear to year. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Los Banos Wildlife Area
Fresno, California 93710
18110 West Henry Miller Avenue(559) 243-4005
Los Banos, California 93635(209) 826-0463

NUMBER: 4-13
AREA: Long Hollow, Juniper Ridge, Dripping Springs and Curry Mountain Areas(BLM)
COUNTY: Fresno.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, juniper and open grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Almost entirely steep and rugged with a few valleys and sloping hills.
ACCESS: There are two access routes into the Long Hollow, Juniper Ridge andDripping Springs areas. One at the end of Coalinga Mineral Springs Road (13 miles
west of Coalinga on Highway 198), and the other is approximately 3 miles northon Coalinga Mineral Springs Road from its intersection with Highway 198. Both arefoot or horseback access only. Access to Curry Mountain is from the south side ofHighway 198, approximately 6 miles west of Coalinga. Again, access is by foot only.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Management
Status 30x60-minute Quadrangle: Priest, Sherman Peak, Alcalde Hills, Smith
Mountain, and Curry Mountain.
COMMENTS: The Curry Mountain area has a very low quail population. California
quail are low to moderate abundance on the other areas. No facilities available.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
20 Hamilton Court
Fresno, California 93710
Hollister, California 95023(559) 243-4005(831) 630-5000

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

69

NUMBER: 4-14
AREA: Panoche Hills (BLM)
COUNTY: Fresno.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove, cottontail rabbits andblack-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 35,000+ acres; arid brush/grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to very steep.
ACCESS: Mercey Hot Springs Road (near the Mercey Hot Springs Resort).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Gates open from Friday before opening of quail season
until April 1.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Management
Status 30x60-minute Quadrangle: Mendota. United States Geological Survey(USGS) 7.5-minute Quadrangle: Laguna Seca Ranch, Mercey Hot Springs, Chounet
Ranch.
COMMENTS: Populations of California quail vary greatly and are generally low.
INFORMATION:
United States Bureau of Land Management California Department of Fish andGame
20 Hamilton Court
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Hollister, California 95023
Fresno, California 93710(831) 630-5000

NUMBER: 4-15
AREA: Rand Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and Gambel’s quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove and black-tailed jackrabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote bush scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep rocky hills between 2,000 and 3,000 feet elevation.
ACCESS: Off Highway 395 via Randsburg and Red Mountain, from Garlock Randsburg Road; and from California City via Red Mountain Road. Numerous 4-wheel
drive and motorcycle trails. Extremely rugged terrain; travel with caution.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access
Guides for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50meter contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Cuddeback Lake.
Rand Mountains Motorized Vehicle Access Routes (United States Bureau of Land
Management map), and United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute
Quadrangle: Saltdale Southeast, Cantil, Johannesburg Southwest.
COMMENTS: Both California quail and Gambel’s quail are of low abundance.
Populations are highly variable from year to year; are found near guzzlers in canyon
areas. Hunting pressure is low.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
300 South Richmond Road
Fresno, California 93710
Ridgecrest, California 93555-4436(559) 243-4005(760) 384-5400

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 4-16
AREA: Sequoia National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Fresno, Kern and Tulare.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Tree squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, wild turkey, blue grouse,mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, and white-tailed and black-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,088,000 acres; mountain chaparral, oak woodland, pine
fir forest.
TOPOGRAPHY: Elevations range from 900 to more than 12,000 feet, with mostly
mountainous terrain.
ACCESS: Mountain Highway 99 from Kernville; Nine Mile Canyon Road from
Highway 395; Chimney Peak Road from Highway 178. From Fresno, east on
Highway 180. From Visalia, northeast on Highway 245 or County Road J-21, or on
Highway 190 east from Porterville.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: Sequoia National Forest
COMMENTS: Both mountain and California quail are moderately abundant, buthave variable populations. California quail are mostly found at lower elevations
and associated with brush fields. Mountain quail are found at higher elevations
through the fall, migrating to the oak belt as winter snows begin. In the fall, look for
quail along the edges of meadows and in the winter in the brush fields associatedwith oaks. Hunting pressure for California quail on opening and holiday weekends
is high; rest of season low. Hunting pressure on mountain quail is low. Numerous
developed campgrounds and undeveloped camping sites can be found throughout the forest.
INFORMATION:
United States Forest Service
Tule River Ranger District
900 West Grand Avenue
32588 Highway 190
Porterville, California 93257-2035
Springville, California 93265(559) 784-1500(559) 539-2607
Hot Springs Ranger District
43474 Parker Pass Drive
Route 4, Box 548
California Hot Springs, California 93207(661) 548-6503
Hume Lake Ranger District
35860 East Kings Canyon Road
Dunlap, California 93621(559) 338-2251

Cannell Meadow Ranger District
105 Whitney Road
Post Office Box 9
Kernville, California 93238(760) 376-3781
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005

Greenhorn Ranger District
4875 Ponderosa Drive
Post Office Box 3810
Lake Isabella, California 93240(760) 379-5646

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

71

NUMBER: 4-17
AREA: Sheep Ridge (BLM)
COUNTY: Tulare.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral and oak woodland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Steep.
ACCESS: Highway 198 east to Three Rivers; north on North Fork Drive to end ofroad. Department of Fish and Game owns 80 acres here that allows foot access to
6,000 acres of United States Bureau of Land Management land. North Fork Drive isdirt and can be easily rutted.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: Sequoia National Forest.
COMMENTS: Quail are scattered throughout the area near water (before “greenup”). Hunting pressure is low, not for lack of quail, but because of difficult terrain.
There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
United States Bureau of Land Management California Department of Fish andGame3801 Pegasus Drive
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93308-6837
Fresno, California 93710(661) 391-6000(559) 243-4005

NUMBER: 4-18
AREA: Sierra National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Inyo and Mono
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Gray squirrel, band-tailed pigeon, mourning dove, blue
grouse, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, and white-tailed and black-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,200,000 acres; chaparral, yellow pine and red fir forests.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat meadows to steep ridges and canyons.
ACCESS: Highways 41, 49, 140 and 168. Also, there are many county roads into thearea.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: Sierra National Forest.
COMMENTS: California quail are found to about 5,000 feet elevation, with low
to moderate populations. Mountain quail are moderately to highly abundant
throughout the forest. They are usually found near water, meadow systems, new tree
plantations, and logged areas with good stands of mountain whitethorn. Mountainquail populations are good to excellent eight out of ten years. Hunting pressure ismoderate. There are numerous campground facilities available.
INFORMATION:
Bass Lake Ranger District
United States Forest Service
Post Office Box 10
Sierra National Forest
North Fork, California 93643
1600 Tollhouse Road(559) 877-2218
Clovis, California 93611-0532(559) 297-0706
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
High Sierra Ranger District
Fresno, California 93710
P. O. Box 559(559) 243-4005
Prather, California 93651(559) 855-5360

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 4-19
AREA: Temblor Mountain Range (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern and San Luis Obispo.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit andblack-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Atriplex scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: Gentle rolling hills to steep, rocky ridges and canyons.
ACCESS: Crocker Springs Road via Mocal Road via Highway 33, northwest of Fellows;
and Elkhorn Grade Road via Highway 33, south of Maricopa. Four-wheel drive isstrongly recommended for the entire area in wet weather.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Bureau of Land Management Surface Management
Status 30x60-minute Quadrangle: Taft. United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5minute Quadrangle: Maricopa, Elkhorn Hills, Fellows, Panorama Hills and Reward.
COMMENTS: California quail populations are highly variable, ranging from low,following dry years, to high following two or three wet years. They are found near
guzzlers before “green-up”; moderate in number during opening weekend, and low
to moderate thereafter.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
3801 Pegasus Drive
Fresno, California 93710
Bakersfield, California 93308-6837(559) 243-4005(661) 391-6000

NUMBER: 4-20
AREA: Walker Pass (BLM)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, black-tailed jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit
and mourning dove.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Pinyon-sage and creosote bush scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: From low elevation, flat ground to steep rocky mountains. Elevation
ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 feet.
ACCESS: Highway 14 on the east; Highway 178 on the north; and Kelso Valley Jawbone Canyon on the south. Many dirt roads, both 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel
drive. Scodie Mountains access is restricted to 4-wheel drive or motorcycle.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Some vehicle closures.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Ridgecrest. Walker Pass
Vehicle Access Map and Jawbone Canyon Vehicle Access Map available from theUnited States Bureau of Land Management. United States Geological Survey (USGS)
7.5-minute Quadrangle: Dove Springs, Cinco, Pinyon Peak, Cross Mountain, Horse
Canyon, Cane Canyon, Walker Pass, Onyx.
COMMENTS: California quail and mountain quail are moderately abundant, but annual numbers are variable. California
quail are found near springs and guzzlers in canyons. Mountain quail are found at higher elevations in pinyon-sage habitat.
Hunting pressure is moderate to high, especially on opening weekend.
INFORMATION:
United States Bureau of Land Management
300 South Richmond Road
Ridgecrest, California 93555-4436(760) 384-5400

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

73

NUMBER: 4-21
AREA: Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area (Lower Cottonwood Creek Unit and Upper
Cottonwood Unit) (DFG)
COUNTY: Merced.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit and black-tailed
jackrabbit.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 6,316 acres of oak grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to steep sloped ridges.
ACCESS: Foot access only. There are parking lots which are accessible from Highway
152.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only shotguns and archery equipment may be possessedor used on Lower Cottonwood Unit. Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses onState and Federal Areas for specific regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: United States Geological Survey 7.5-minute Quadrangle; San Luis
Dam, Pacheco Pass, Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Area Map.
COMMENTS: The quail are of low abundance on the area. The best hunting requiresconsiderable walking. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Los Banos Wildlife Area
Fresno, California 93710
18110 West Henry Miller Avenue(559) 243-4005
Los Banos, California 93635(209) 826-0463

NUMBER: 4-22
AREA: New Melones Lake - Peoria Ridge Wildlife Area (BOR, BLM).
COUNTY: Tuolumne.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, mourning dove and wild
turkey.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Approximately 2,500 acres of blue oak grassland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Ranges from rolling hills to rugged and very steep.
ACCESS: State Highway 120/108 to O’Byrnes Ferry Road and New Peoria Flat Road.
By boat from New Melones Reservoir.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No vehicles are allowed on the area. Contact BOR New
Melones Lake for further information on access, boundaries, lake conditions andregulations.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS Quadrangles, BLM Boundaries and Land Status maps
available from BLM. BOR New Melones Lake recreation map available at the visitors
information center.
COMMENTS: Contact BOR New Melones Lake visitors center for maps andadditional information to prevent potential trespass problems with adjacentprivate landholders. Quail populations range from locally abundant to scarce and are scattered, depending upon habitat
quality and water availability.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management
United States Bureau of Reclamation
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Folsom Field Office
New Melones Lake - CVP
Fresno, California 93710
63 Natoma Street
6850 Stud Horse Flat Road(559) 243-4005
Folsom, California 95630
Sonora, California 95370(916) 985-4474(209) 536-9094

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 4-23
AREA: Tuolumne and Mariposa Planning Unit (BLM)
COUNTY: Mariposa and Tuolumne.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Gray squirrel, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit,
mourning dove and wild turkey.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Approximately 90,000 acres in blocks of several sections tosmall scattered 40-acre parcels; primarily chaparral and oak grasslands vegetation.
TOPOGRAPHY: Ranges from rolling hills to rugged and very steep.
ACCESS: State Highway 49 and secondary roads. By boat from various reservoirs.
Mostly 2-wheel drive during dry weather, but high-clearance vehicles arerecommended.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: A no-shooting zone occurs in the entire Red Hills Area of
Critical Environmental Concern (along the road between Crimea House and ChineseCamp). No hunting is allowed on BLM lands along the lower Merced River inMariposa County. Consult with BLM for specific regulations in these areas.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS Quadrangles, BLM Unit Boundaries andLand Status maps available from BLM.
COMMENTS: Some lands are inaccessible due to being landlocked by private lands.
In some cases, boundaries are not marked or unclear and caution against trespassis advised. Quail populations range from locally abundant to scarce and are scattered, depending upon habitat quality andwater availability.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game
United States Bureau of Land Management1234 East Shaw Avenue
Folsom Field OfficeFresno, California 93710
63 Natoma Street(559) 243-4005
Folsom, California 95630(916) 985-4474(209) 532-8507

NUMBER: 4-24
AREA: Canebrake Ecological Reserve Access (DFG)
COUNTY: Kern.
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail.
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit and black-tailed jackrabbits.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Canebrake Ecological Reserve Access is an “AccessOnly” to BLM property and it, in turn, adjoins national forest property. Vegetationconsists of chaparral, pinyon pine and mixed conifers.
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to very steep.
ACCESS: Approximately 25 miles east of Isabella Lake on Highway 178 on the northside of the road.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Hunting is not allowed on the State Ecological Reserve.
MAP OF AREA: Department of Fish and Game: Canebrake Ecological Reserve; BLM
Surface Management Status 30x60-minute Quadrangle: Isabella Lake; and U. S.
Forest Service: Sequoia National Forest.
COMMENTS: There is private property adjacent to the Ecological Reserve. No
hunting or trespassing is permitted on the private land. To access the BLM land,follow the trail from the Canebrake Ecological Reserve parking lot in a northerly
direction for approximately one mile to the BLM property.
INFORMATION:
California Department of Fish and Game1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710(559) 243-4005

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

75

REGION 5: SOUTH COAST REGIONNUMBER: 5-1
AREA: Angeles National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Los Angeles
QUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail, California quail, and Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, mourning doveand band-tailed pigeon.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 694,000 acres. Chaparral, foothill woodland, mixed
coniferous forest.
TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 10,064 ft. Generally mountainous.
ACCESS: Good; many unimproved roads where high clearance 2-wheel drive or
4-wheel drive is required; some weather-related seasonal closures.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Forest Adventure Pass required for each vehicle while
recreating on the Angeles National Forest. Fire permits needed for all areas outside
campgrounds and picnic areas. Wilderness visitor permits needed for Cucamonga
Wilderness Area and East Fork San Gabriel of Sheep Mountain Wilderness Area.
San Dimas Experimental Forest and 3,000 acres of Littlerock Canyon is closed toentrance.
MAP FOR AREA: Angeles National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are found throughout the forest and are moderately
abundant; populations are highly variable. Mountain quail are found in localized areas, are low to moderately abundant,
and populations are variable. Gambel’s quail can be found along the north edge of the forest but are of very low
abundance.
INFORMATION:Angeles National Forest
701 North Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006(626) 574-5200
NUMBER: 5-2
AREA: Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base (USDOD)
COUNTY: San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit, mourning doveand band-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, oak woodlands, streams
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to moderate
ACCESS: Contact the federal game wardens in May to apply for lottery drawing
during the month of May. Must also pass Camp Pendleton Hunter Safety test. Feefor permit. You should write to the address below for more information about theirsmall game program. Permits must be purchased during June, July or August.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Varies; please contact Camp Pendleton.
MAP FOR AREA: The base may provide you with one. USGS 7.5 minute quads:
Oceanside, Las Pulgas Canyon, Morro Hill, Fallbrook.
COMMENTS: Beginning of seasons can be very hot and dry, while the end of theseasons may be wet and muddy. Prepare accordingly. Fishing and camping permits
may also be available. There are moderate to high quail populations on the base.
They are moderately variable. Coveys are centered around areas with good cover near streams, Santa Margarita River,springs and guzzlers. Hunting pressure is high throughout the season. Most of the area is chaparral country, so be prepared
to wade through brush.
INFORMATION:
AC/S, Environmental Security
Resource Enforcement and Compliance Branch
P.O. Box 555008
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5008(760) 725-3360
76

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 5-3
AREA: Cleveland National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Orange, Riverside, San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit, band-tailed pigeon and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 430,000 acres. Chaparral, oak woodland, coniferous forest,
sage scrub, streams.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to mountainous with many valleys.
ACCESS: Generally good access, some areas are foot access only (locked gates andwilderness areas - see maps). There are seasonal fire closures to vehicle access formany of the areas in the Palomar and Descanso ranger districts.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, use of
firearms is not allowed. Bow hunting is allowed. Wilderness areas closed to vehicles.
MAP FOR AREA: Cleveland National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant in areas with water andsuitable cover. There are many guzzlers scattered throughout the forest. They areusually located just off the main dirt roads along some jeep trails. Populations arehighly variable. Hunting pressure is high during opening weekend, moderate to low
for the remainder of season. There are camping facilities throughout forest.
INFORMATION:
U.S. Forest Service
Cleveland National Forest
10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92127(858) 673-6180
NUMBER: 5-4
AREA: Hauser Mountain and San Ysidro Mountains Area (USFS, BLM)
COUNTY: San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral, meadows, oak woodland, streams
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling foothills and valleys
ACCESS: For Hauser Mountain: No public vehicle access; hunters may enter area byhiking in on the Pacific Crest Trail.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): El Cajon. USGS 7.5 minutequads: Morena Reservoir, Potrero, and Cleveland National Forest
COMMENTS: California quail are of high abundance in areas with good cover nearwater. Hunting pressure is low due to difficult access. There are no facilities. The
San Ysidro Mountains area is the Otay National Cooperative Land and Wildlife
Management Area. These areas were originally designated for hunting values.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Cleveland National Forest
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
Descanso Ranger District
63-500 Garnet Avenue
3348 Alpine Blvd.
North Palm Springs, CA 92258
Alpine, CA 91901(760) 251-4800(619) 445-6235
Bureau of Land Management
El Centro Field Office1661 South 4th Street
El Centro, CA 92243(760) 337-4400

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

77

NUMBER: 5-5
AREA: Los Padres National Forest (USFS)
COUNTY: Santa Barbara, Ventura
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Band-tailed pigeon, cottontail rabbit and wild turkey
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,700,000 acres. Primarily chaparral with some oak andpinyon/juniper woodlands.
TOPOGRAPHY: Some flat to moderate but mostly rugged terrain
ACCESS: Many paved roads. High-clearance 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
recommended for many of the back-country dirt roads.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: There are a few areas in which the discharge of firearms
is prohibited (see Forest Service map). Certain areas are subject to special area
closures for resource protection (contact Forest Service office).
MAP FOR AREA: Los Padres National Forest. AAA Ventura and Santa Barbara county
map.
COMMENTS: Both California quail and mountain quail are moderately abundant
throughout the forest, with the California quail populations highly variable and themountain quail moderately variable. Hunting pressure can be high during the earlypart of the season and moderate for the remainder. Some areas that can be goodinclude but are not limited to Frazier Mtn., areas accessible from County Road 090100 between Ozena and Lockwood Valley,
and Forest Service roads 8N06 and 9N09. Numerous campgrounds are available throughout the forest (see Forest Service
map).
INFORMATION:
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Avenue, Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117(805) 968-6640
NUMBER: 5-6
AREA: McCain Valley and Jacumba National Cooperative Land and Wildlife
Management Areas (BLM)
COUNTY: San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral and desert scrub
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat, broad valleys with rolling hills and rugged ridges between valleys
ACCESS: McCain Valley is located 60 miles east of San Diego. Take Campo off-ramp
from Interstate 8 to old Hwy. 80, then east 2 1/2 miles to McCain Valley Rd. Turn northto signed entrance of management area. Jacumba area is reached by taking old Hwy.
80 to about 4 miles east of town of Jacumba. Take dirt road north under Interstate 8
and go about 2 miles. High-clearance 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive is advised.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): mostly El Cajon; western edge
on El Centrol map. For McCain Valley: USGS 7.5 minute quads: Live Oak Springs,
Jacumba, Sombrero Peak, Agua Caliente Springs, Monument Peak. For Jacumba: USGS 7.5 minute quad: Jacumba. AAA San Diego County.
COMMENTS: Both quail have moderate populations in areas with good cover near water. This includes springs and 12
guzzlers on the area. The populations are highly variable, doubling or tripling in “wet” years. Hunting pressure can be highduring opening weekend and moderate to low for the remainder of the season. There are two campgrounds, picnic sites
with tables, fireplaces, chemical toilets and potable water.
Bureau of Land Management
INFORMATION:
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
63-500 Garnet Avenue
El Centro Field Office
North Palm Springs, CA 92258
1661 South 4th Street(760) 251-4800
El Centro, CA 92243
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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 5-7
AREA: San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, black-tailed jackrabbit, and cottontail
rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1,650 acres. Acacia scrub and chaparral upland. Desert
riparian woodland.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat valley floor to steep mountains
ACCESS: Foot access only. County Highway S-2 bisects the length of the wildlife
area and provides public access.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult “Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas” for specific area regulations.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Borrego Valley. Departmentof Fish and Game Wildlife Area map; USGS 15 minute quads: Julian and Ranchita.
COMMENTS: California quail populations are highly variable. Quail are moderately
abundant along San Felipe Creek and in areas with water and suitable cover.
Hunting pressure is high opening weekend and moderate for the remainder of theseason. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management
Department of Fish and GameEl Centro Field OfficePalm Springs-South Coast Field Office4949 Viewridge Avenue
1661 South 4th Street
63-500 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92123
El Centro, CA 92243
North Palm Springs, CA 92258(858) 467-4201(760) 337-4400(760) 251-4800

REGION 6: EASTERN SIERRA AND INLAND DESERTS REGIONNUMBER: 6-1
AREA: Beauty Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: Riverside, San DiegoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Chaparral
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountainous
ACCESS: No Vehicle access. California Riding and Hiking trail traverses area from
north to south.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Borrego Valley. Cleveland
National Forest. USGS 7.5 minute quad: Beauty Mountain.
COMMENTS: Quail are of moderate abundance and are found near springs andsmall reservoirs on the area with sufficient cover. Hunting pressure is low due todifficult access. There are no facilities available.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
California Desert District
63-500 Garnet Avenue
6221 Box Springs BoulevardNorth Palm Springs, CA 92258
Riverside, CA 92507(760) 251-4800(909) 697-5200

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

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NUMBER: 6-2
AREA: Colorado River (BLM)
COUNTY: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Black-tailed jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, and white-winged
and mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote scrub desert, riparian
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to rolling hills to rugged canyons
ACCESS: Access is good but limited due to new Wilderness Areas. There are many
2-wheel drive roads. Travel along or in washes should only be attempted in 4-wheel
drive. Hunting on Indian reservation requires permit.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: To hunt on Indian reservation land a season permit isrequired for upland game ($25 in 2002). These permits are available at the Indian
office in Parker. Permit allows hunting on Indian lands on both the California andArizona sides of the river (without need of an Arizona license).
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Needles, Parker, Blythe, Trigo
Mountains, and Yuma. Good maps for the area include the AAA Colorado River Guide, AAA county maps, as well as BLM
wilderness area maps showing routes of travel as well as the wilderness boundaries themselves for those wilderness areas
found within this hunting area.
COMMENTS: Gambel’s quail populations are highly variable in this area. Lots of rain usually means lots of quail. This isgood quail hunting country. The washes are usually the best places to hunt. Some of the best quail habitat left is on Indian
reservation lands along the river. Some of this stuff is thick and hard
Bureau of Land Management
to hunt, but there are usually lots of quail. There are facilities in the
El Centro Field Officecommunities along the river.
1661 South 4th Street
INFORMATION:El Centro, CA 92243
BureauofLandManagement
Department of Fish and(760) 337-4400
Palm
Springs-South
Coast
Field
OfficeGame63-500GarnetAvenueP.O. Box 2160
For questions regarding public land along the river
North Palm Springs, CA 92258
Blythe, CA 92225
call: (602) 726-6300(760) 251-4800(760) 922-4686
For hunting on Indian reservation call: (602) 6699285
NUMBER: 6-3
AREA: Imperial Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Imperial
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 7,930 acres
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: Five miles northwest of Niland on California Highway 111
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
Imperial Wildlife Area
8700 Davis RoadHCO 1, Box 6
Niland, CA 92257(760) 359-0577

80

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

NUMBER: 6-4
AREA: Inyo Mountains, Nelson Range, Panamint Range, Sierra Nevada Mountains,
Argus Range, Coso Range, Lower Centennial Flat (BLM)
COUNTY: InyoQUAIL SPECIES: Mountain quail, California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote bush scrub, Great Basin sagebrush, Joshua Treeand Pinyon/juniper woodland
TOPOGRAPHY: Valley floor to steep mountains
ACCESS: Most of the areas are accessible on 2-wheel drive dirt roads. However,
4-wheel drive recommended for backcountry. Access is limited to the western
portion of the Coso Range and the eastern portion of the Argus Range becauseof China Lake Naval Weapons Center - no public access. Boundary is vigorously
enforced.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No public access on China Lake Naval Weapons Center. No
hunting in Death Valley National Monument (eastern slopes of Panamint Range).
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Saline Valley and Darwin
Hills. USGS 15 minute quads: For Panamint Range - Panamint Butte, Emigrant Canyon, Telescope Peak, Marble Canyon,
Manly Peak. For Coso Range - Coso Peak, Keeler, Haiwee Reservoir, Darwin. For Argus Range - Coso Peak, Maturango Peak,
Panamint Butte, Darwin. For Sierra Nevada Mountains - Olancha, Haiwee Reservoir, Monache Mountain, Searles Lake,
Lamont Peak. For Nelson Range - Ubehebe Peak. For Inyo Mountains - Waucoba Mountain, Waucoba Wash, Independence,
New York Butte, Darwin, Ubehebe Peak, Keeler. For Lower Centennial Flat - Darwin, Keeler, Coso Peak.
COMMENTS: The abundance of California quail is low to moderate around the springs, creeks, and guzzlers along valley
floors and foothills. Mountain quail are of low to moderate abundance in higher elevations around water. The populationsof both are highly variable. There are populations of chukar partridge scattered throughout the area. Abundance is highlyvariable. Hunting pressure is low in the more remote areas, and moderate in those areas in and around the Owens Valley. No
facilities. Primitive dry camping.
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management
INFORMATION:
Bishop Field Office
Ridgecrest Field Office
Department of Fish and Game
785 N. Main Street, Suite E
300 S. Richmond Road
407 W. Line St.
Bishop, CA 93514-2471
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Bishop, CA 93514(760) 872-4881(760) 384-5400
NUMBER: 6-5
AREA: Inyo National Forest and BLM Bishop Field Office (USFS, BLM)
COUNTY: Mono, InyoQUAIL SPECIES: California quail and mountain quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove and cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sagebrush flats to juniper/pinyon pine forests
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat to extremely rugged and steep (bajadas, canyons, etc.)
ACCESS: Many 2-wheel drive roads; however, 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles
recommended for most access routes.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Benton Range, Bishop, andMount Whitney. Inyo National Forest.
COMMENTS: This area has only limited populations of quail. Mountain quail canbe found up on some of the mountains near springs. California quail can be founddown in the Owens Valley where cover and water exist on BLM and LA city lands.
However, the area is best known for its chukar hunting. They are found in the lower
canyons and ridges of most mountain ranges of the U. S. Forest Service and BLM
Bureau of Land Management
lands.
Department of Fish and Game
Bishop Field Office
INFORMATION:
407 W. Line St.
785 N. Main Street, Suite E
Inyo National Forest
Bishop,CA
93514
Bishop, CA 93514-2471
873 North Main Street(760)
872-1171(760) 872-4881
Bishop, CA 93514(760) 873-5841

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

81

NUMBER: 6-6
AREA: Mojave Desert (BLM,NPS)
COUNTY: San Bernardino
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, cottontail rabbit, black-tailed jackrabbit,
and mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Creosote scrub, catclaw washes, pinyon/juniper forest,
mixed cholla
TOPOGRAPHY: Desert washes to rugged canyons
ACCESS: Many areas are accessible by 2-wheel drive; however, most of area
requires 4-wheel drive. The designation of wilderness in 1994 has closed manyroads which makes access more difficult in some areas. See maps for getting to
specific sites.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: None
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access
Guides for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership,
50-meter contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Ridgecrest,
Cuddeback Lake, Owlshead Mountains, Soda Mountains, Newberry Springs, Mesquite Lake, Ivanpah, Amboy, Dam and
Needles. AAA - San Bernardino County. Specific USGS 7.5 and 15 minute topo maps.
COMMENTS: Gambel’s quail are low to moderately abundant near springs, guzzlers, and desert washes in the following
areas: Opal Mtn. and Black Canyon, Red Mountain - Spangler Hills, Stoddard Mtns., Ord Mtns., Newberry Mtns., Rodman
Mtns., Old Dad Mtns., Bristol Mtns., Granite Mtns.- east, Marble Mtns., Providence Mtns., Clipper Mtns., Piute Range, Castle
Mtns., New York Mtns., Hackberry Mtns., Midhills, Ivanpah Mtns., Mescal Range, Clark Mtn., Shadow Mtns., Kingston Range,
and Avawatz Mtns. Generally the hunting pressure is low to moderate depending on quail production of the previous
nesting season based upon adequate precipitation of the prior fall and winter. There are almost no facilities, and plenty ofwater should be carried. This can be hostile country and one should be prepared for extremes in both hot and cold.
INFORMATION:
National Park Service
Mojave National Preserve
222 East Main Street
Barstow, CA 92311(760) 255-8800

Department of Fish and Game
407 W. Line St.
Bishop, CA 93514(760) 872-1171

Bureau of Land Management
Barstow Field Office2601 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311

Bureau of Land Management
Needles Field Office
101 West Spikes Road
Needles, CA 92363(760) 326-7000

NUMBER: 6-7
AREA: Picacho State Recreation Area, SE Chocolate Mtns., Palo Verde Mtns.,
Chuckwalla Mtns., Little Chuckwalla Mtns., Mule Mtns., Orocopia Mtns (BLM, DPR)COUNTY: The first three areas are in Imperial, the last four are in Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Sonoran desert scrub and desert washes
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat washes to steep and rugged mountains
ACCESS: High-clearance 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive recommended for off-roadtravel. Access is good but limited due to new wilderness area.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Only migratory game birds and quail may be hunted
on Picacho State Rec. Area. Most of Chocolate Mountains closed to public, only
southeast corner open.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Eagle Mountains, Salton Sea,
Blythe, Trigo Mountains and Yuma. USGS topo maps are highly recommended. AAA
county maps are useful.
COMMENTS: Quail are generally in moderate abundance, available to the hunter who is willing to work for them.
Populations are variable, being best following a “wet” winter/spring. In general quail are found in desert washes, particularlyin the vicinity of water and closer to mountain canyons, but certainly not limited to those areas. In the Imperial Valley,
washes leading to the Coachella and East Highline Canals and the Colorado River are popular quail hunting areas. Huntingpressure is high to moderate during opening weekend, especially along the Coachella Canal and the Colorado River. These
areas also receive moderate pressure for the remainder of the season. The majority of the desert receives only minor
82

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

pressure during most years. The desert can be very hostile country; bring plenty of water and be prepared for extremes of
hot and cold weather.
Department of Fish and GameINFORMATION:
Picacho State Recreation Area
P.O. Box 848
Winterhaven, CA 92283(760) 996-2963

Bureau of Land Management
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office63-500 Garnet Avenue
North Palm Springs, CA 92258(760) 251-4800

Bureau of Land Management
El Centro Field Office1661 South 4th Street
El Centro, CA 92243(760) 337-4400

P.O. Box 2160
Blythe, CA 92225(760) 922-4686

NUMBER: 6-8
AREA: Riverside, Big Maria, Coxcomb, Eagle, Granite, Little Maria, McCoy, and Palen
mountains. (BLM)
COUNTY: Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, and black-tailed
jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Ironwood/Palo Verde washes
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat washes, rolling hills, steep canyons
ACCESS: Most access limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles. See AAA map of Riverside
Co. for 2-wheel drive access. Access is limited due to new wilderness areas.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Colorado River Indian Tribe land along the Colorado Riverrequires a license from the tribe.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access
Guides for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50meter contours, and key visitor information (north to south): primarily Parker and Blythe with small portions on Sheep Hole
Mountains and Eagle Mountains. AAA - Riverside County. USGS 7.5 and 15 minute quads: For Big Maria Mtns.- Big Maria
Mtn.; For Little Maria Mtns. - Midland; For McCoy Mtns. - Midland, McCoy Springs; For Palen Mtns. - Palen Mtns.
COMMENTS: Generally the quail populations are low to moderate in the mountain ranges themselves, moderate in thewashes near water (guzzlers, springs, aqueduct), and high along the Colorado River. Populations are highly variable.
Hunting pressure is low to moderate. Good places to start include Palen Pass, McCoy Wash, and along the Colorado River
Department of Fish and Game Bureau of Land Management
Aqueduct. There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
4775 Bird Farm Road
Chino Hills, CA 91709(909) 597-9823

P.O. Box 2160
Blythe, CA 92225(760) 922-4686

Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office63-500 Garnet Avenue
North Palm Springs, CA 92258(760) 251-4800

NUMBER: 6-9
AREA: San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains (USFS, BLM)
COUNTY: San Bernardino, Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail, mountain quail and Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar partridge, mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, andband-tailed pigeon
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 600,000 acres (San Bernardino National Forest). Quite varied:
Yellow pine forest, chaparral (can be very thick), desert brush scrub.
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat valleys to rugged mountains
ACCESS: Good access throughout forest for 2-wheel drive. More remote areas highclearance 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive recommended. In wet weather 4-wheel
drive in many locations.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting on State Game Refuge 4-G (located around Mt.
San Jacinto and only shown on Forest Service map) and refuge 4-D (located directly
south of Cathedral City). All of the forest land outside the game refuges and San
Jacinto State Park are open to hunting with shotgun. Some areas of the forest areclosed to rifle hunting and most of the forest is closed to target shooting. Check with
the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for additional specifics on firearms
restrictions. Calls will be directed to local sheriff’s office(s) for local, area-specific  information.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides for the area show roads, wilderness
boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter contours, and key visitor information (west to east to south): San Bernardino, Big

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

83

Bear, and Palm Springs. San Bernardino National Forest.
COMMENTS: California quail are moderately abundant and mountain quail are low to moderately abundant. California quail
populations are moderately variable. Mountain quail populations are stable. Look for areas that have burned within thelast 5 years, near water and below 5,000 ft. elevation. Hunting pressure is moderate to high, especially early in the season.
Some areas to try in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain Area are: Cleghorn Ridge, north of The Pinnacles, northof Stove Flats, Carbine Flat, Cajon Wash, Crowder Canyon and White Mountain. There are considerable BLM land holdings
all around the northern and eastern edges of this forest and west and south of the San Jacinto Mountains. Mountain quail,Gambel’s quail, and California quail can be found in the washes and hills of these lands. Some areas that can be goodinclude: Round Mountain, Rattlesnake Canyon, and Whitewater River. Access to BLM land around the Whitewater River islimited to foot or horse along Pacific Crest Trail (Wilderness permit needed). In the San Jacinto-Santa Rosa Mountain area:
Rouse Ridge, Garner Valley (see forest service map for location of private inholdings), Butterfly Peak, Diego Flat, and Santa
Rosa Spring. Just to the outside of this forest is some BLM land called the North Mtn. Experimental Area that has California
quail.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Bureau of Land Management
INFORMATION:
Public Affairs
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
San Bernardino National Forest
655 East Third Street
63-500 Garnet Avenue
1824 S. Commerce Center Circle
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0061
North Palm Springs, CA 92258
San Bernardino, CA 92408(909) 387-0682(760) 251-4800(909) 884-6634
NUMBER: 6-10
AREA: San Jacinto Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Ring-necked pheasant, mourning dove, common snipe,
cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 9,000 acres
TOPOGRAPHY: Flat
ACCESS: In western Riverside County east of Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Checking station is on Davis Road 2 1/4 miles north of Ramona Expressway, or 5
miles south of California Highway 60 (take Theodore Street exit and proceed south
onto Davis Road). Davis Road may be impassible after heavy rain. Four-wheel drive
necessary.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult “Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas” for specific regulations.
INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
17050 Davis Road
Lakeview, CA 92567(909) 928-0580
NUMBER: 6-11
AREA: Santa Rosa Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Black-tailed jackrabbit and mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Desert scrub
TOPOGRAPHY: Moderate to steep ridges, washes
ACCESS: Unmarked dirt roads from Hwy. 86. Scattered parcels of private land
makes access difficult. Suggest use of BLM Surface Management map and USGS
topo map for guidance. Four-wheel drive necessary.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: No hunting in the state game refuge in the northern partof the Santa Rosa Mountains or in Anza Borrego State Park.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access
Guides for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50meter contours, and key visitor information (north to south): Palm Springs andBorrego Valley. USGS 7.5 minute quads: Rabbit Peak, Martinez Mtn., Clark Lake,
and Valerie.
COMMENTS: Gambel’s quail are moderately abundant in the lower elevations near
84

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

water early in the season, especially in the washes. Populations are highly variable. Hunting pressure is low to moderate.
There are no facilities.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
690 West Garnet Avenue
North251-4800
Palm Springs, CA 92258(760)
NUMBER: 6-12
AREA: Santa Rosa Wildlife Area (DFG)
COUNTY: Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 103,229 acres.
ACCESS: Approximately fifteen miles southwest of Indio. Approximately ten miles
south of Indio on California Highway 86. Take the trail west to Martinez Canyon.
MAP FOR AREA: USGS 7.5 minute quads: Rabbit Peak, Martinez Mtn., Clark Lake,
and Valerie.
INFORMATION:
Bureau of Land Management
Department of Fish and Game Palm Springs-South Coast Field
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
Office17050 Davis Road
690 West Garnet Avenue
Lakeview, CA 92567
North Palm Springs, CA 92258(909) 654-0580(760) 251-4800

NUMBER: 6-13
AREA: Whipple, Chemehuevi, Piute, Old Woman, Turtle, and Sacramento Mountains (BLM)
COUNTY: San Bernardino
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove and black-tailed jackrabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Palo verde and catclaw washes
TOPOGRAPHY: Large to narrow washes with rolling hills to steep mountains.
ACCESS: Limited 2-wheel drive access to most of these areas. 4-wheel drive highly
recommended for most of the dirt roads. Indian lands near Chemehuevi and theWhipple mountains require hunting permit from the tribe. Access is limited due towilderness areas.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Indian lands require permit available from tribe.
MAP FOR AREA: The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle Desert Access Guides
for the area show roads, wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, 50-meter
contours, and key visitor information (west to east, north to south): Amboy, Sheep
Hole Mountains, Needles, Parker. The following BLM 30x60-minute quadrangle
Desert Access Guides (Surface Management Status [maps]) for the area show roads,
wilderness boundaries, agency ownership, topography, 50-meter contours, andkey visitor information (west to east, north to south): Amboy, Davis Dam, Needles,
Parker, and Sheep Hole Mountains. Surface Management 30x60 minute quads:
Davis, Needles, Parker. AAA - San Bernardino County. USGS 7.5 minute quads: For
Sacramento Mountains - Flattop Mtn., Needles SW, Monumental Pass; For Chemehuevi Mountains - Whale Mtn., Topock,
Chemehuevi Peak, Castle Rock, Savahia Peak NE, Havasu Lake; For Whipple Mtns. - Savahia Peak, Whipple Mtns. SW, Whipple
Wash, Vidal Junction, Parker NW, Parker; For Turtle Mountains - West of Mohawk Springs, Mohawk Springs, Martins Well,
Mopah Peak, Sablon, Horn Spring; For Piute Mountains-Fenner Spring; For Old Woman Mountains - Old Woman Statue,
Painted Rock Wash, Sheep Camp Spring, Wilhelm Spring, Milligan, East of Milligan.
COMMENTS: Gambel’s quail are of low to high abundance depending upon the year. The best areas to look for coveys aremajor washes associated with the Colorado River, and areas near permanent water. Hunting pressure is low to moderate
during the first two weeks of the season and low for the remainder. Hunting pressure around the Sacramento, Chemehuevi,
and Whipple Mountains can be moderate to high during the beginning of the season and remain moderate through theremainder. The only facilities are along the Colorado River.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

85

INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
4775 Bird Farm Road
Chino Hills, CA 91709(909) 597-9823

Department of Fish and Game
407 W. Line St.
Bishop, CA 93514(760) 872-1171(760) 240-1372

Bureau of Land Management
Needles Field Office
101 West Spikes Road
Needles, CA 92363(760) 326-7000

NUMBER: 6-14
AREA: Lake Perris Reservoir State Recreation Area (DPR)
COUNTY: Riverside
QUAIL SPECIES: California quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Mourning dove, common snipe, cottontail rabbit
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling hills
ACCESS: This area is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Perris in westernRiverside County. From Highway 60 east, take Moreno Beach Drive south 3 miles to
Via Del Lago. Continue east one mile to Lake Perris entry gate. After entry gate, takefirst road to the left to the designated upland game parking lot.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting and Other Public Uses on State andFederal Areas for specific regulations.
INFORMATION:
Department of Fish and Game
San Jacinto Wildlife Area
17050 Davis Road
P.O. Box 1254
Lakeview, CA 92567(909) 928-0580
NUMBER: 6-15
AREA: Providence Mountains State Recreation Area (DPR)
COUNTY: San Bernardino
QUAIL SPECIES: Gambel’s quail
OTHER UPLAND GAME: Chukar and mourning dove
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 5,900 acres. Variety of Mojave Desert habitats ranging
from lowland sage to pinyon - juniper complex.
TOPOGRAPHY: On the east slope of the Providence Mountains, the area sweeps up
from the Clipper Valley to heavily weathered rhyolite crags exceeding 7,000 feetelevation.
ACCESS: This area is located approximately 23 miles northwest of Essex and 33
miles west of Goffs in eastern San Bernardino County.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS: Consult Hunting Regulations for Resident and Migratory
Upland Game Birds for specific regulations. DPR is fairly restrictive on hunting
activities on recreation areas. Contact the recreation area prior to going hunting
for a map and information on what sections are currently open for hunting. DPR
offices are generally closed on weekends during the fall and winter.
MAP FOR AREA: BLM Surface Management 30x60 minute quads: Amboy andIvanpah, and USGS topo maps are highly recommended. AAA county maps areuseful.
COMMENTS: The desert can be very hostile country. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for extremes of hot and cold
weather.
INFORMATION:
Department of Parks and Recreation
Department of Fish and Game
Department of Fish and Game
Providence Mountains State Recreation Area
407 W. Line St.
4775 Bird Farm Road
P. O. Box 1
Bishop, CA 93514
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Essex, CA 92332(760) 872-1171(909) 597-9823(760) 928-2586(760) 240-1372
86

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

CHAPTER V.

CARE OF BAGGED QUAILHOW TO HUMANELY KILLWOUNDED QUAIL
Most hunters have developed some method tohumanely kill a crippled bird. For those that are notsure, here is an easy-to-learn method that is quick andhumane.
1) Place right or left thumb on base of neck where
it hits the skull. Wrap the index finger underneath andgrasp firmly.
2) With other hand, place a finger under the billand lift sharply back toward your thumb. This breaks
the neck.
FIELD DRESSING AND CARE
The quail should be dressed (gutted) as soon as
possible. It is a good idea to dress them as soon as
there is a lull in the action. The basic method goes asfollows:
1) Hold or place the quail belly side up and pluck
the feathers from between the vent (anus) and thebottom of the breast bone. Pluck a few feathers at atime by pulling with sharp jerks toward the tail. Caution, the skin tears easily.
2) Make a small cut through the skin across thearea you just plucked. Make sure not to cut the intestines.
3) With a small gutting hook or your finger reachup into the body cavity (toward the head) and gently
pull out the intestines. Pull or cut off the intestine andthe vent.
4) Be sure to remove the lungs (the red-pinkspongy stuff up in the body cavity). Also wipe or rinseout any blood. If you wash the body cavity out be sure
Guide To Hunting Quail in California

to wipe it dry.
5) Next remove the crop. With the bird on its back,you will find a lump at the front of the breast at thebase of the neck. Slit the skin and you will find a thinleathery pouch about the size of a large marble. It
may be filled with seeds, grass, insects, and water, or
nothing at all. Pull it out and discard.
You are done with the field dressing. This allows
the bird to cool as quickly as possible, and removes as
many sources of bacteria as possible.
It is always important to get the birds cooled
down and kept cold as soon as possible. It is especiallyso during the early part of the season when it can bequite hot. So get the birds on ice quickly. It is also important not to let them get wet in the ice chest. Water
promotes the contamination and growth of bacteria.
ALWAYS KEEP THE BIRDS AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE DIRT AND FLIES INCREASE CHANCES OF SPOILAGE.
DO NOT LEAVE QUAIL IN GAME BAG, TRUNK OR
DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
When you get home, remove all internal organs
that may still be in the bird. This includes the heart,kidneys, and the wind pipe. The next task is to pluck
the birds. The bird can be skinned very easily, but theskin should be left on because it adds flavor and helps
keep the meat moist when cooking.
There are two methods of plucking quail. The dry
method involves simply pulling a pinch full of feathers
at a time toward the tail of the bird (with the grain).
However, it is not uncommon to tear the skin when
doing this. The second method, wet plucking, makes
it easier to pluck without tearing the skin.
87

To wet pluck you need a good sized pot of hot water (about 130-140° Fahrenheit) filled about half way.
The water should be deep enough to allow complete
immersion of the quail. Dunk one quail at a time forabout one minute. Remove from the water and pluck
the feathers. Wipe both the outside and inside of thebird dry. Cut off the feet at the first joint above thefeet, and the head. Place in refrigerator if you are going to eat it soon, or freeze it.
If you dry pluck, wipe the body cavity dry if internal organs were not ruptured by shot. If they were,
you should rinse out the body cavity with water andwipe dry.

STORAGE

If the quail are not going to be eaten within abouta week, they should be frozen using one of the following methods:
1) Freeze them in water. For example: Place 5-6
cleaned quail in a half gallon milk carton. Fill withwater to within 1/2 - inch of the top crease of the flatsides. Staple the top shut and label with contents anddate frozen. They will keep this way almost until next
season.
2) Ziplock bags - place cleaned birds in bag andsqueeze out the air and seal. Warning: if water gets
onto the seal it may fail when freezing. This will resultin freezer burn. You should check to see if the seal
held.
3) Tightly double wrap several quail in heavy
butcher paper and label with date and contents.
If they are going to be consumed immediately or
within a week the cleaned and dry quail should beplaced in a sealed container in the refrigerator (plastic
wrap or re-sealable plastic container).

AGING

You do not have to age quail to have a fine meal,
but to get the most out of them and if you like flavorful, tender game you should age it. It has been foundthrough taste tests on game that well aged meat wasalways rated the highest for taste, texture and ten-88derness. The gamey taste and tenderness of meat iscaused by the breakdown of muscle tissue by certain
bacteria. These same bacteria will cause spoilage ofthe meat if they become too numerous. This is usually
recognized by a strong off-odor. The French do notconsider their game sufficiently aged until it is in acondition most of us would consider rotten. Anothertype of bacteria can cause food poisoning, but does
not grow in cold places like your refrigerator. Therefore, so long as you age your quail in the refrigerator you don’t have to worry very much about foodpoisoning.
Aging of upland game can be done nicely inyour refrigerator. Place cleaned - dry quail in a sealedcontainer into the refrigerator (plastic wrap or other
air-tight container). They can be left there up to about
7 days (at 47° Fahrenheit or less). The longer you leave
them, the more gamey the taste. Birds left over 7 days
may become too ripe. How long it takes to get to yourfavorite level of gaminess depends upon several factors:
1) How warm it was in the field - In hot weather
they can spoil in a day.
2) How quickly you cooled them down - The fasterthe better.
3) How well they were cleaned and how badly
they were shot up - Poorly cleaned or badly shot-up
quail will age very quickly. Whenever shot has passed
through the gut and into the meat aging will occur
much more quickly there. These quail should not beaged more than three or four days before eating.
4) The temperature at which they were aged - thehigher above freezing, the faster they age.
The aging process begins as soon as you killthem. Therefore, birds bagged, cleaned, and placedin the refrigerator all on the same day will take longer
to age, or keep in the refrigerator longer than one
bagged Saturday, cleaned and put in the refrigerator
on Sunday night. The best way to tell when the gamehas reached a desired level of aging is by smell. It willtake some experimentation to familiarize yourself
with the smell of meat that has aged to your liking.

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

RECIPESQUAIL KABOBS
2 quail, deboned
1 large bellpepper
8 mushrooms
1 small to medium onion
1 can pineapple chunks or fresh pineapple
8 cherry tomatoes
1/4 lb. baconyour favorite seasoning or marinade
Debone whole quail by fileting out the breast, wing,
and leg muscles. Cut meat into about 1" cubes. Wrapeach piece with half a strip of bacon. Cut bellpeper,
onion, and pineapple into about 1" chunks. On eachskewer place 2-3 pieces of wrapped meat, 2 mushrooms, 2 pieces of onion, 2 cherry tomatoes, 2-3
pieces of bellpepper, and 2 pieces of pineapple. Alternate the pieces when you put them on the skewer
and make sure that no piece of meat or tomato is an
end piece (the meat will dry out, and the tomato will
fall off). Season or marinade the kabobs to your liking. Place over coals and turn every few minutes until
done. Serves 2.
QUAIL VINO
2 quail per person
Sliced mushrooms - at least 2 cups
1/4-1/2 cup chopped green onions
Wild rice
2 tbsps. lemon juice
Salt - to liking
Ground pepper
Dry white wine - at least 1 cup
1/2 cup butter or margarine
Brown plucked quail in butter; remove from pan andset aside. Saute mushrooms and onion in pan. Place
quail, mushrooms, and onion in a shallow pan andcover with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake at 350° for
40 minutes. Remove foil and add wine, lemon juice,a little salt, and pepper. Cook for another 15 minutes
or until brown, basting often. Serve hot over cookedwild rice.
QUAIL SALSA
2 quail per person
sliced mushrooms
sliced bellpeppers
sliced tomatoes
salsa - preferably fresh and mild temperature (hot for                                                                                       Guide To Hunting Quail in California

those craving a zinger of a meal)
sliced red onion
garlicground pepper
butter or margarine
1 can tomato sauce
Split quail (with or without skin) in half (lengthwise),place in large skillet with butter, grated garlic, and tomato sauce. Bring to simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Add sliced mushrooms, bellpeppers, tomatoes andred onion, and salsa. Simmer for 30 minutes or until
done. Can be served as is or on toast or rice.
QUAIL TOAST - CALIFORNIA STYLE
2 quail per person
small to medium red onion
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup white wine
All-purpose flour
peppersalt
1 clove garlic
2 slices thick sourdough toast per person
Sprinkle the quail inside and out with a mixture offlour salt and pepper. Brown quail in large skillet withbutter or margarine and grated garlic. Add mushrooms, sliced onion and wine, cover and let simmer
over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir and simmer for
another 15 minutes uncovered. Serve quail on toast
with sauce poured over quail.
QUAIL WITH PLUM SAUCE
1 cup plum jelly
2 tbsps catsup
2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
4 tbsps soy sauce
6 quailby Keith Sitton
Arkansas Wildlife
Preheat oven to 375°. While the oven is heating, makeplum sauce by thoroughly mixing all condiments andspices. Place quail in a glass baking dish, and roast,
uncovered, 15-20 minutes. Brush with plum sauce,and roast 10 minutes more. Serve with the remaining
plum sauce, heated and presented in a gravy boat.
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CHAPTER VI.

PERSONAL QUAIL MANAGEMENTDO:

BECOME INVOLVED.
Join local sportsman’s clubs or “Quail Unlimited”
chapter.
CONTACT REGIONAL FISH AND GAME OFFICE.
Ask what you can do to help in your area.
REPORT POACHERS.
To turn in a poacher call toll free
1 (800) 952-5400 24 hours.

LITTER.

DON’T:CAMP NEAR SPRINGS OR GUZZLERS.
It is illegal to camp, rest, picnic, or park for more than
30 minutes within 200 yards of any manmade wildlife
watering place (guzzlers, horizontal wells and small
impoundments of less than one surface acre in size)on public land. This is very important so that wildlife
in the area can get a drink when they need it.
HUNT THE SAME COVEY ALL DAY LONG.
This is unproductive and does not allow them toeat, drink, or rest.
FLOCK-SHOOT QUAIL.
It is unsportsmanlike and can result in many lost
cripples.
HUNT COVEYS OF LESS THAN EIGHT BIRDS.
Leave birds to produce next year’s coveys.
HUNT QUAIL AFTER SUNSET.
Let them find a safe roost together. It is illegal to hunt uplandgame birds after sunset in California.

Above: Volunteers assist DFG
personnel on a guzzler construction
project to provide an additional
water source for quail and otherdesert wildlife. Below: Project
benefit is realized, as a large flockof California quail drink at acompleted guzzler. DFG file photos.

90

Guide To Hunting Quail in California

REFERENCES
Christensen, G. C. 1970. The chukar partridge: its introduction, life history, and management. Nevada Department of Fish and Game biological bulletin no. 4.
Emlen, J. T., Jr., and Glading, B. 1945. Increasing valley quail in California. University of California Agricultural
Experiment Station bulletin 695.
Glading, B.; Selleck, D. M.; and Ross, F. T. 1945. Valley quail under private management at the Dune Lakes Club.
California Fish and Game 31:166-183.
Gorsuch, D. M. 1934. Life history of the Gambel’s quail in Arizona. University of Arizona biological science bulletin
2.
Gullion, G. W. 1956. Let’s go desert quail hunting. Nevada Fish and Game Commission biological bulletin no. 2.
Harper, H. T.; Harry, B. H.; and Bailey, W. D. 1958. The chukar partridge in California. California Fish and Game 44:550.
Johnsgard, P.A. 1973. Grouse and Quails of North America. Univ. Nebraska Press, Lincoln. 553 pp.
Leopold, A. 1933. Game management. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.
Leopold, A. S. 1977. The California Quail. Univ. California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. 281 pp.
Sitton, Keith. 1993. Arkansas Wildlife. A conservation publication of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Sumner, E. L. 1935. A life history study of the California quail, with recommendations for its conservation andmanagement. California Fish and Game 21:167-253, 275-342.

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HUNT AREA LOCATION
MAP

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CENTRAL CALIFORNIAHUNT AREA LOCATION MAP

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HUNT AREA
LOCATION MAP

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Guide To Hunting Quail in California

THE QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA
California (Valley) QuailThis bird was selected by the California Legislature in 1931
as the official state bird. Males are about 9½ to 11 inches
long, and are more colorful than females. Males have a black
throat circled with a white line; the top of the head is darkbrown with a plume of short black curved feathers set at a
cocky angle. A chestnut patch is in the middle of the stomach, the breast is scaled, and flanks are brownish gray sharply

Mountain QuailThis is the largest native quail in North America. Both sexes
look alike. They have a long, slender, erect black plume of
two feathers; the throat is chestnut bordered with white; thebreast, upper back and head are bluish gray; and flanks arechestnut with broad white stripes.

Gambel’s (Desert) QuailThis bird is a close relative of the California quail
but occurs only in desert areas. The male, often
referred to as a “redhead quail,” has a rust-red cap
with long black plume, black throat with a whiteborder, gray upper breast, black stomach patch,and chestnut flanks sharply streaked with white.
Females look similar, but lack the black throat andstomach patch and have a shorter plume.

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