Hunting tips: A quail call investment will save boot leather

A quail call investment can save you lots of boot leather. The season dates are Oct. 7 to Feb. 6 for Gambel's quail. Be sure to stock up on lots of shotgun shells. Although quail numbers did not explode like biologists and hunters alike had wanted this year, it will still be a good year to hunt quail. Biologists also say that it is possible, with some scouting, to find areas with excellent quail numbers. The department has also put together an extensive small game outlook that even includes information on a unit-by-unit basis. Randy Babb, a Game and Fish biologist, says Gamble's quail rely on winter and early spring rains for good reproductive success. "This year's generally good winter rains should make for some decent quail hunting over most of central Arizona." However, he says, low bird numbers going into the reproductive season were not as good as desired. "Hunters can expect good to average bird numbers in most places they visit in central Arizona. Gambel's quail numbers will generally be good, but really good hunting could be spotty," Babb says. A bright note is that biologists have noted quail hatches of 20 or more chicks in some areas, but they have also seen late season broods, which are not typical in a good quail year. Late hatches typically are an indication that not all the hens produced in the spring. "Try starting your quail hunt early in the morning when it's cooler. Birds will be vocalizing and will also be moving about more. Try using a quail call. Listen for coveys to answer. This will save you walking time," Babb recommends. "When you are in the field, listen to the quail calling, then mimic those calls," Babb advises. Quail calls can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, or online from the sporting goods catalog stores. Once birds are found, attempt to split the covey up and work cover for single birds. "This process is how you will likely get most of your birds," Babb says. For birds that run ahead of you, Babb recommends putting pressure on them. "Unload your shotgun, then try trotting after the birds until you have flushed the covey enough times for the birds to be sufficiently scattered. Then they will hold. Then work the area for singles," he says. Work the area in a zigzag pattern, occasionally pausing for a few seconds. Quite often, quail will flush while you are standing still - that can make them nervous. "Attempt to read the cover and terrain to predict where the birds might be hiding. Groups of closely growing shrubs, shallow draws lined with dense vegetation or low thickets should be investigated," Babb suggests. Avoid hunting areas with limited ground cover. In sparsely vegetated areas, quail tend to run and flush at excessive distances. When hunting during inclement weather, keep in mind that quail will often hold tighter to cover during storms.