Texas Bobwhite Quail Forecast 2023-24


Perspective

Statewide surveys were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations — Historical survey data, 1978 to 2023. This index uses randomly selected, 20-mile roadside survey lines to determine annual quail population trends by ecological region. Comparisons can be made between the mean (average) number of quail seen per route this year and the 15-year mean for each ecological region. The following sections provide an overview of populations and habitat throughout the state, as well as trend and survey data by ecological region from 2009 to 2023.

Search for quail hunting opportunities on public and leased land with an Annual Public Hunting Permit.

Bobwhite Quail Season Overview

Overview — Bottom line, bobwhites in Texas made progress this year. It may not translate to birds flushing from every shrub or turn in the road, but as one of our biologists quipped, “the extreme optimist might even buy a dog or book a hunt.” Incremental gains can be expected across most of our ecoregions and while the summer heat dome dampened our recovery, excellent spring rainfall had a meaningful impact on the trajectory of bobwhite populations across the state. Regions with holdover nesting cover and birds (e.g., South Texas) were best positioned to take advantage, while slumping regions over the past few years (e.g., Gulf Coast Prairies, Rolling Plains) made the most of their opportunities. Statewide we are still far from where we would like to be, and September drought designations are a cause for tempering expectations. With that said, bobwhite populations are likely in their strongest position since 2018 and primed to grow if winter and spring conditions are favorable again in 2024.

We would like to thank all the TPWD biologists who cover over 3,300 road miles each August to help us develop our annual forecast and who provided valuable insights about hunting conditions. As always, connecting with these local biologists is a great way to learn more about bobwhite populations in a particular area, as our surveys only provide a representation of bobwhite numbers at the regional level. We would also like to thank the many partners, landowners, and local hunters who shared their thoughts and perspectives on the state of quail in 2023. Best of luck to all this hunting season!

Cross Timbers Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 0.20 compared to 0.23 last year; this count was below the 15-year mean of 1.38, and a continuation of recent trends.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable (i.e., good to excellent) to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. Biologists reported good annual forb production (e.g., American basket-flower, annual broomweed) and insect populations (e.g., grasshoppers), as well as an in increase in native warm season grasses. The region dried out entering the fall, limiting late season nesting activity. Reduced population numbers in past years have resulted in fewer hens being available for nesting, in turn dampening reproductive output; the summer heat compounded challenges. Bobwhites are present in most counties, but populations persist at low densities and therefore can be difficult to find. Long-term, habitat improvements bode well for birds, but quality hunting opportunity will likely be limited to small, isolated pockets in the near-term.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: no data reported for ecoregion (i.e., few hunters last year).
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 1,037; Days = 3,417; Harvest = 7,412.
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: poor to below average.

Edwards Plateau Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 1.00 compared to 0.11 last year; this count was below the 15-year mean of 2.78, and a marginal increase from 2022.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. Spring rainfall produced quality brood rearing cover, as well as a flush of insects, with conditions improving east to west across the region. Reduced population numbers in past years have resulted in fewer hens being available for nesting, in turn dampening reproductive output; the summer heat compounded challenges. This region has capacity to produce good bird numbers, but populations have been depressed for several years. While our survey numbers were up, they were heavily weighted by a single route in Kinney County and as such, we expect only scattered pockets of good hunting for bobwhites.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: Hunters = 3,342; Days = 13,674; Harvest = 17,305.
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 2,508; Days = 11,467; Harvest = 13,083
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: below average to fair.

Gulf Coast Prairies Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 9.60 compared to 2.50 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 7.81, and a substantial increase from 2022.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable (i.e., good to excellent) to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. The end of spring brought cool and wet conditions to coastal counites and a flush of ground cover. There were early concerns about too much moisture for nesting quail but as conditions dried out in the early summer months, the consensus amongst our biologists was that habitat was near optimal. Fast-forward and rainfall was near non-existent heading into the fall and extreme to exceptional drought conditions took hold. That said, despite the summer heat bobwhite numbers exceeded expectations. Bobwhites took advantage of early season nesting opportunities, resulting in our best survey results since 2015. Birds were abundant and widely distributed (e.g., Calhoun, Matagorda, Victoria, and Wharton Counties), indicating that the wet-dry cycle we experienced this year was beneficial along the coast. Young broods were observed into September (e.g., Mad Island Wildlife Management Area). While bobwhite populations are not robust in the region, and drought threatens progress in the short-term, for those with access to properties we expect fair to good hunting opportunities.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: Hunters = 608; Days = 1,164; Harvest = 6,682.
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 778; Days = 3,334; Harvest = 7,951.
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: fair, locally above average.

High Plains Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 3.44 compared to 0.78 last year; this count was below the 15-year mean of 6.29, but an increase from 2022.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. Rainfall north of I-40 resulted in quality ground cover, with areas south of I-40 receiving good spring rain but drying out later in the season. Much of region remained clear of any drought designations in the face of the record heat until the end of summer. As such, residual cover remained in many counties entering fall. Reduced population numbers in past years have resulted in fewer hens being available for nesting, with extended heat compounding challenges. Bird pairs were observed early and often, but brood sightings were few throughout summer. While we know the region produced birds, especially in the north and along our western border counties, it was only a modest bump. Notably, while our survey numbers were up, they were heavily weighted by a single route in Bailey County. As such, we expect hunting opportunity will be below average for most and county dependent.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: Hunters = 912; Days = 1,164; Harvest = 5,370.
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 1,421; Days = 5,366; Harvest = 11,026.
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: below average to fair.

Rolling Plains Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 3.43 compared to 0.86 last year; this count was well below the 15-year mean of 11.09, but an increase from 2022.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable (i.e., good to excellent) to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. Areas within the Canadian River watershed benefited from good spring rainfall, as did the core counties from May through June (e.g., Cottle County). There were only scattered and intermittent rain showers after July, but good vegetative cover remained for nesting birds. Nesting activity began early in some areas (e.g., Fisher County) but was slow to pick up elsewhere, perhaps due to a combination of the summer heat and a lack of nesting cover. Reduced population numbers in past years have resulted in fewer hens being available for nesting, but our survey numbers and reports from biologists reflected a bump in many counties (e.g., Collingsworth, Hardeman, Oldham, Wheeler). While the region is recovering from several years of drought, modest gains and good ground cover bode well for 2024. We expect only scatted pockets of good hunting this year, improving as you head north and west throughout the region.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: Hunters = 6,077; Days = 25,311; Harvest = 18,498.
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 6,870; Days = 35,584; Harvest = 44,750.
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: below average to fair.

South Texas Forecast

  • Survey Results — average number of bobwhites seen per route was 9.59 compared to 5.26 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 9.21, and the continuation of a positive trend.
  • Regional Outlook — habitat conditions were favorable (i.e., good to excellent) to begin the spring but diminished in quality as we entered the summer. Excellent spring rainfall east of I-35 (e.g., Kleberg County) set the stage for the nesting season, with counties west of I-35 following suit shortly thereafter. The remainder of the summer was hot and dry, desiccating most cover resources for quail. Despite the heat, the region made significant gains early on and was buoyed by late rain showers in August. Nesting and brood reports came in steadily throughout the summer (e.g., Atascosa, Bee, Jim Hogg, and McMullen Counties) and bumblebee size chicks were spotted into July and August (e.g., Kenedy and Kleberg Counties), suggesting an extended nesting season; brood sightings continued into September. Unlike other parts of the state, South Texas had residual bird numbers to begin the year and therefore a foundation from which to build. Although hunting slowed last season, we expect an uptick this year and hunting opportunities should be plentiful across the region.
  • 2022-23 Harvest Report: Hunters = 14,280; Days = 47,713; Harvest = 144,108.
  • 5-Year Harvest Average (2018-2022): Hunters = 17,460; Days = 81,842; Harvest = 225,802.
  • 2023-24 Hunting Outlook: fair to above average; expect counties with very good hunting.

Bobwhite Quail 15-Year Trend Data

Bobwhite Quail 15-Year trend data showing the number of Bobwhite quail per Ecological Region in Texas.
Year Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Gulf Prairies High Plains Rolling Plains South Texas Plains
2009 1.11 0.75 5.67 3.44 6.64 4.87
2010 0.74 1.94 4.56 2.43 8.02 8.42
2011 2.06 1.06 19.44 1.78 5.32 8.03
2012 0.23 5.13 8.00 0.11 3.48 7.74
2013 0.60 1.13 9.70* 0.78 2.80 6.13
2014 1.34 4.81 19.90 5.89 7.52 13.77
2015 1.06 6.44 14.90 15.00 38.84 24.55
2016 6.14 11.67 4.60 33.22 52.52 13.97
2017 4.03 4.17 7.30 9.22 23.16 10.16
2018 0.17 0.83 1.30 9.22 3.66 5.06
2019 0.40 0.94 2.33 4.11 5.34 13.77
2020 1.83 0.72 3.00 2.56 3.25 3.77
2021 0.51 1.00 4.40 2.33 1.50 3.10
2022 0.23 0.11 2.50 0.78 0.86 5.26
2023 0.20 1.00 9.60 3.44 3.43 9.59
15-Year Mean 1.38 2.78 7.81 6.29 11.09 9.21

Bobwhite Quail Survey Data by Ecoregion

Cross Timbers and Prairies

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 0.20 compared to 0.23 last year. This was below the 15-year mean of 1.38. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

Cross Timbers Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Cross Timbers Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

Edwards Plateau

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 1.00 compared to 0.11 last year. This was below the 15-year mean of 2.78. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

Edwards Plateau Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

Gulf Prairies

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 9.60 compared to 2.50 last year. This was below the 15-year mean of 7.81. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

Gulf Prairies Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Gulf Prairies Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

High Plains

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 3.44 compared to 0.78 last year. This was below the 15-year mean of 6.29. Public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

High Plains Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the High Plains Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

Rolling Plains

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 3.43 compared to 0.86 last year. This was well below the 15-year mean of 11.09. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Gene Howe and Matador Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). We expect these WMAs to provide below average to fair hunting conditions. For the third year in a row TPWD is offering a Private Lands Quail Hunt in Lipscomb County – applications are due October 15th. Additional hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

Rolling Plains Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Rolling Plains Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

South Texas Plains

The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 9.59 compared to 5.26 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 9.21. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Chaparral and James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). We expect these WMAs to provide fair to above average hunting conditions. Additional hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.

South Texas Plains Bobwhite Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the South Texas Plains Ecoregion from 2009 to 2023. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.