Each year many hunters make a choice to forgo hunting bobwhite or scaled quail in favor of pursuing whitetail or mule deer.  That means some great upland bird hunting will be missed during the early season.

Quail surveys found in this issue provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department indicate both quail species are doing well.  Blue quail are showing strong numbers in Trans-Pecos and High Plains parts of the Lone Star State while bobwhite quail are just down slightly from record recruitment last season, but still above the long-term average.

However, the harvest is incidental to the field-experiences for most veteran quail hunters.  There’s more to the hunt than a limit.  Most times it is the camaraderie with similarly passionate hunters and observing special dog work.

German shorthair pointers, English Setters, Brittany Spaniels or loveable Vizsla.  To the nose-sensitive pointers that are excellent retrievers, specialists are added.  Boykin Spaniels and Labradors will find birds but shine by flushing and retrieving.

When it comes to bobwhite habitat hunted, South Texas Brush Country takes top billing, however north Texas and just off the Caprock is some great quail country.  Think the rolling plains of Texas for a change of pace.

Blue quail used to inhabit South Texas, but their numbers today are very low.  Those pursuing scaled quail are youthful or young-at-heart gun-toting brush-busters that chase these birds that would prefer to run than flush.

This month’s cover art is a commission entitled “Motte Magic” by popular Texas wildlife and sporting artist Chance Yarbrough and is dedicated to bobwhites.  A pair of hunters, dog handler and a brace of pointers work into the wind so the dogs’ sensitive noses can sniff out their quarry.  Getting close the dogs get “birdy,” start to slow their creep as the scent increases and finally the lead pointer locks on point.  The other dog backs by honoring the point.

As the hunters and handler continue up to the birddog the quail finally loses their nerve to hold and explode with a feathered wingbeat whirling sound as a covey of bobs take flight.  Instinctively the hunters mount their shotgun, lead a bird and a shot pattern puts another quail on the ground.  The dog finishes this music-less orchestrated-like hunt by retrieving the feathered prize that is then placed into the gamebag.  It’s a satisfied moment that brings smiles to hunters and maybe even the muzzles of the four-legged hunters.  Then it’s time to find another covey and recreate a similar scene.

For more information on “Motte Magic,” plus other fine works of art or commissions by Chance Yarbrough, visit www.chance-yarbrough.com, email cyarbrough84@yahoo.com or call (254) 424-3171.  — Bill L. Olson

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