Mountain Quail

Dani

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Alrighty, I am beginning the research for this years' trip. I am hoping to be able to talk my bosses into allowing me to be off work for two months at the end of the year. We shall see on that. But here are my plans:

Steve, Roy (a friend who lives in AZ and who we hunt with in MT quite a bit and who currently has 12 English Setters) and I started talking about doing all of the US quail in one season. Last year, Roy had a litter of six Setter pups and it was Belle's first season and B had never hunted any quail other than bobwhites. So it was going to be planned as an adventure as much for us peoples as it was adding a bunch of new species to the dogs' list. We had hoped to do it this past year but personnel shortages at work prevented me from doing a great many things. When Steve died, Roy and I decided that we would like to do it this year in memory of Steve. So I have begun my research.

AZ has three species that can be hunted fairly easily and Roy has those areas nailed down pretty good since he has lived there for over 20 years. He also has good areas to go to in KS and OK for bobwhites but mountain quail will be the toughest on the list because neither one of us has any real experience with them. I have family in the Medford and Klamath area of Oregon and I know that Mountain Quail and Valley Quail can be found in those general areas based on the Oregon species map on their ODFW website. I think we are going to try to avoid California for the Mountain and Valley quail because of the potential logistical issues of having more ammunition than you are allowed and most of it would be lead etc etc etc. So, I think that pretty much narrows it down to Oregon for Mountain and Valley quail.

Has anyone here ever hunted Mountain Quail in Oregon? Any tips or places to start? If my two months is approved, I'd probably be looking at early/mid November for when we would start hunting them though I don't have concrete dates yet. The trip would find us starting with Mountain and Valley quail, move to AZ for Gamble, Scaled and Mearns and then head to probably KS or OK for bobwhites.

Thanks a lot

Dani
 
WOW Dani, that's a fabulous plan. I can't help with logistics but 2 thumbs up for your plan.
I'll likely be in Arizona in January for bow Javelina & deer, plus gamble's quail, doves and maybe even ducks. Wooohooo.
 
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Dani, I haven?t hunted them but I can put you in touch with biologists who might be able to get you started. Having family in SW Oregon would be a good place to start. I?ll shoot you a PM.
 
No help on the mountain quail, those are the ones I haven?t hunted. That will be a great trip for you, what fun. Keep us posted on the plan as it evolves.
 
Thanks guys! I have my fingers crossed that I can figure out a way to sell this to the bosses as a good idea. I am trying to figure out the best way I can do that right now. If anyone has any ideas, I'd surely listen.

Thanks Brad.

I am really looking forward to this adventure and will for sure keep y'all posted on how this evolves.

Dani
 
Dani said:
Thanks guys! I have my fingers crossed that I can figure out a way to sell this to the bosses as a good idea. I am trying to figure out the best way I can do that right now. If anyone has any ideas, I'd surely listen.

Thanks Brad.

I am really looking forward to this adventure and will for sure keep y'all posted on how this evolves.

Dani

Dani,
If you can't sell it to your boss, all is not lost. I'm sure you can find a stand-in for the trip. [whistle][whistle] just saying.
 
Dani,

Since you have contacts in Medford, you are far ahead of the game. There are a lot of mountain quail in the hills around Medford. I have taken several guys who wanted to shoot some there. And you have another ace due to Mike Kaiser guiding Steve for turkeys. He knows where the quail are. I haven't been in touch with him for the past three or so years, so don't know how he is getting along. But would be willing to bet he would offer help if able. A late season hunt is good due to the birds will be in full plumage. During the first of the season many don't have the full top knot. Be aware that the cover is thick and the birds tend to run. Having said that, Mike once guided a fellow from an eastern state who brought a pointing dog and did well. Finally, be well prepared for poison oak!! There is a remarkable amount of that in those hills, and frequently the quail are right in the middle of giant patches! Also there are good numbers of valley quail in the low areas below the mountain quail. So you could likely get both species. Hope you are able to bag some, as those mountain quail are a very impressive bird. Best, Worth
 
Dave, I'll be sure to let everyone know if the trip isn't possible and maybe I'll auction my spot off in the hunt. Proceeds would go to help me not mope around....maybe a new puppy [sly] so make sure your checkbook is ready
 
Worth, I had forgotten about Mike Kaiser. I know that he has pretty much given up hunting and for sure is done with the guiding for health reasons. I believe Steve had said his back had gotten really bad the last time he talked with him. But maybe Mike could point me in the right direction for places to start. Thanks for that idea

Dani
 
There are quite a few mountain quail in the hills near me. Unfortunately that means they are in communist Kalifornia. If you can't find any in a more reasonable state, let me know and I'll help you out. Good luck.
 
Never shot one in the States so YUP! Thanks again

I will keep you posted
 
Good Afternoon Dani,

You also might look at New Mexico, lots of Forest Service & BLM land to chase quail.

Mountain, Gamble, Scale Quail in the state. Late season for down south around Carlsbad, Deming, Lords-burg NM due to snakes.

Our season runs to Feb. 15th.

Check out New Mexico G&F web site.

Dennis S.
 
Medford area is a good bet. My college roommate lives in Roseburg and they are pretty common in that area as well. I have hunted them from Mary's Peak near Corvallis towards Waldport. Much higher numbers in southern Oregon.
 
Dani,
There are some places up out of Ashland towards Howard Prairie Lake Behind Grizzley Peak. There are Berry patches that hold Quail there. I've not been this year because I am over in Thailand still. Good luck if you go.
 
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