Quail Hunting in Colorado: Eastern Plains Bird Hunting

Introduction to Bird Hunting

Bird hunting in Colorado is a thrilling experience, offering a variety of species to pursue, including pheasants, quail, and grouse. The state’s diverse landscapes, from the expansive eastern plains to the rugged Rocky Mountains, provide unique and exciting hunting opportunities. For those interested in quail hunting, Colorado is home to several species, including the elusive scaled quail and the more common bobwhite quail. Pheasant hunting is also a popular pursuit, with healthy pheasant populations found throughout the state.

To hunt in Colorado, individuals must obtain a small game license and a habitat stamp from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations, including specific quail seasons and pheasant hunting rules. Upland bird hunting requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and respect for the land and wildlife.

When hunting on private land, it’s crucial to obtain hunting permission from landowners and respect their property. Youth small game license holders can enjoy hunting with a mentor, while courteous and respectful hunting practices are essential for maintaining positive relationships with landowners.

In southeastern Colorado, scaled quail populations can be found in the arid grasslands and canyons. Pheasant call count surveys are conducted by CPW personnel to monitor pheasant populations. Small game hunting opportunities abound in Colorado, with dove hunting and prairie chicken hunting also available.

The core pheasant range in Colorado has seen a decline in pheasant populations due to habitat loss and fragmentation. However, undisturbed Conservation Reserve Program lands continue to provide essential habitat for upland bird species. Hunting dogs can be used to flush birds, but it’s essential to follow hunting regulations and respect private land.

In northeast Colorado, pheasant hunting is popular, with east central Colorado offering opportunities to hunt pheasant and quail. Kit Carson County has seen a decline in CRP acres, impacting quail populations. Quail forecast and pheasant populations are closely monitored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to ensure sustainable hunting practices.

Respectful hunting practices, including obtaining hunting permission and respecting private land, are vital for maintaining positive relationships with landowners. Fishing license holders can also enjoy small game hunting opportunities in Colorado. Hunt small game with a youth small game license and experience the thrill of upland bird hunting in Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides essential information on hunting regulations, habitat stamps, and small game license requirements. CPW personnel conduct pheasant call count surveys to monitor pheasant populations and ensure sustainable hunting practices. Upland bird hunting in Colorado offers exciting hunting scenes, from the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountains.

WIA hunting opportunities are available in Kiowa County, with private land requiring hunting permission. Quail forecast and pheasant populations are closely monitored to ensure sustainable hunting practices. Spring call counts and habitat stamps are essential for upland bird hunting in Colorado.

Hunting dogs can be used to flush birds, but it’s essential to follow hunting regulations and respect private land. Good brood habitat is crucial for pheasant populations, and permanent grass cover is essential for upland bird species. Predicting pheasant daily movements can help hunters succeed in the field.

Colorado pheasant and small game hunting opportunities abound, with private land requiring hunting permission. Kiowa County offers WIA hunting opportunities, while southern Yuma provides exciting hunting scenes. Respect landowners and their property, and always follow hunting regulations to ensure a positive and sustainable hunting experience in Colorado.

Grasslands and Brush Country Upland Action

Colorado’s eastern plains offer hidden gems for upland bird hunters in search of bobwhite and scaled quail. While better known for pheasant and big game, the open rangelands, creek bottoms, and shrubby grasslands of eastern Colorado deliver fast-flushing coveys and classic shotgun action when conditions are right. Notably, good habitat exists in certain areas, particularly around Walsh and Stonington.

In extreme se Colorado, the habitat and population trends of pheasants and quail are significantly impacted by drought and rainfall patterns. These conditions affect bird populations, with better habitats around specific areas leading to slightly improved populations compared to previous years.

Quail Species in Colorado

• Northern Bobwhite: Found mainly along riparian corridors, shelterbelts, and CRP lands in southeastern and east-central Colorado.

• Scaled Quail: Also called blue quail, they prefer dry prairie, yucca flats, and cholla cactus country in the far southeastern counties. Hunters can expect scaled quail populations to remain similar to previous years.

Season Dates and Licensing

Quail season in Colorado typically runs from early November through January. Hunters must possess a valid Colorado small game hunting license and a habitat stamp. Always check Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) regulations for current season dates, bag limits, and area-specific access rules. Greater sage grouse hunting is a specialized activity with unique regulations, emphasizing the bird's significance as a sought-after upland game species and the importance of habitat conservation.

Best Areas for Quail Hunting

• Southeast Colorado: Counties like Baca, Prowers, Las Animas, and Bent offer the best scaled and bobwhite quail hunting.

• Walk-In Access Program Lands: Colorado’s Private Land Walk-In Access (PLWIA) areas open private fields and creek bottoms to public hunting.

• State Wildlife Areas (SWAs): SWAs along the Arkansas River and its tributaries offer good cover and access.

• South Platte River: The South Platte River is a vital area for bobwhite quail hunting due to its unique combination of riparian zones and agricultural lands.

• South Platte River Corridor: The South Platte River Corridor in northeastern Colorado is renowned for its mixed habitats that support upland bird species, particularly pheasants and bobwhite quail.

Focus on habitat with a mix of native grasses, weedy edges, brush patches, and access to water.

Best Time of Day to Hunt Quail

Mornings and evenings when temperatures are cooler and birds are feeding are the best times. Coveys are more active and likely to hold during these windows. The timing of the corn harvest can affect bird visibility and hunting opportunities, as the harvest progress and conditions influence wildlife visibility and hunter safety. Additionally, the impact of the wheat harvest on bird activity and visibility is significant, with dry conditions during the harvest exacerbating the decline in pheasant numbers.

Tactics for Success

• Dog Work: Pointing breeds excel at locating and holding coveys, especially in open country.

• Walking Edges: Hunt the margins of thickets, fencerows, and grass-to-brush transitions.

• Working Water Sources: In dry seasons, birds concentrate near streams, stock tanks, or lowland brush with shade and moisture.

After a covey flush, work the area carefully for scattered singles and doubles. Nest success significantly impacts bird populations and hunting outcomes, as poor nest success due to environmental conditions can lead to fewer birds. Additionally, severely restricted bird numbers caused by habitat loss and drought conditions have led to a noticeable decline in hunting success.

Gear for Colorado Quail Hunting

• Firearms: Lightweight 20 or 28 gauge shotguns with open chokes are ideal.

• Clothing: Brush pants, an upland vest, and blaze orange for visibility. Dress in layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons.

• Footwear: Durable boots with good ankle support for navigating mixed prairie and sand. The small game manager provides valuable insights on essential hunting gear and conditions, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for varying weather and terrain.

Meat Care and Handling

Field dress birds promptly, especially on warm days. Quail meat is tender and flavorful, great for pan frying or baking. Keep the meat cool and clean for the best results. In recent seasons, hunters harvested fewer birds, making proper meat care even more crucial.

Conclusion

Quail hunting in Colorado’s eastern plains is an overlooked but rewarding upland opportunity. With long walks, big skies, and the sudden burst of wings from a tight-holding covey, it’s a satisfying way to connect with wild places and classic bird hunting tradition. Whether you’re chasing scaled quail through yucca flats or easing down a creek bed for bobwhites, Colorado delivers the real deal for upland hunters who seek it out. However, ongoing pheasant declines due to habitat loss and drought conditions continue to challenge hunters. Certain practices, such as stripper head harvested wheat stubble, have helped slow pheasant declines despite these ongoing challenges.

FAQs

What license do I need to hunt quail in Colorado?

A Colorado small game license and a habitat stamp are required.

Additionally, hunters must obtain a $5 band-tailed pigeon permit specifically for hunting band-tailed pigeons and complete a HIP survey at the season's end.

When does quail season open in Colorado?

Typically early November through January.

What guns are best for quail hunting?

Lightweight 20 or 28 gauge shotguns are ideal.

Where can I find public land for quail hunting?

PLWIA areas, State Wildlife Areas, and BLM lands in the southeastern plains. Kiowa counties offer excellent hunting opportunities, particularly for light goose hunting, due to the specific enrollment of walk-in access areas for this purpose.

Is blaze orange required?

Blaze orange is recommended and required during overlapping big game seasons.

What time of day is best for hunting quail?

Early mornings and late afternoons are best.

How should I care for quail meat?

Field dress quickly, cool immediately, and cook thoroughly.

Are quail abundant in Colorado?

Populations vary annually but can be strong after wet springs and good brood habitat. In addition to quail, Colorado offers unique opportunities for greater sage grouse hunting, a specialized activity that highlights the significance of sage grouse as a sought-after upland game species.

Can I hunt quail without a dog?

Yes, but a good bird dog increases your odds and enjoyment.

Is quail hunting beginner-friendly?

Yes, it’s a great way to learn wingshooting and spend time outdoors.