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Quail season opens statewide on October 28 and ends February
25, 2018. The daily bag limit for bobwhite, scaled (blue) and Gambel's quail is
15, and the possession limit is 45. Legal shooting hours for all quail are 30
minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
 Overall quail numbers are strong, though this season is down from the boom numbers of last year. Forecasts by region:
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Rolling Plains: above average
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Trans Pecos: good
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S. Texas Plains: good
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Gulf Prairies: below average, up from last year
More information about the quail outlook in individual regions can be found in the quail forecast. Some regions also have suggested Public Hunting Lands with good prospects for quail this season. Over one million acres of this huntable land is available to you with a $48 Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit.
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 You must carry 3 things when you hunt quail in Texas:
- Proof of Hunter Education
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Valid hunting license
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Upland Game Bird Endorsement.
Every hunter born after Sept. 1, 1971, including those from out-of-state, must carry proof of Hunter Education on their person while hunting. Keep the proof in your pocket! If you’ve misplaced your certification card, go online and print a replacement for free. You can also purchase your license and endorsement online. Your purchases go toward supporting the wildlife and habitat management that help bolster populations of quail and other game animals.
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 The quail boom of 2016 was exciting, but these iconic birds still face
a rocky future. Bobwhites have been in serious decline for the past 25 years
due to loss of their grassland habitat.
Today, different groups are working on solutions for a long-term quail comeback. These include landowners who are planting native grasses that conserve
moisture, improve land health and create habitat
for quail and other grassland birds.
If we can rebuild grasslands, the birds will come. If you have land and want to help, this magazine article has a list of organizations offering support. Watch this video to learn more about quail habitat restoration across the state.
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 One of the most common errors in hunting is swinging on game outside of a "safe zone of fire” – that specific area in which a hunter can safely fire a shot. You should
always establish and stick to a safe zone and never shoot outside it.
Be aware of the locations of your companions and the dogs with every step you take. If in doubt, don't take the shot! You can refresh your knowledge of shooting sports safety with this short video.
Quail hunting is a Texas tradition that creates a lifetime of shared memories. Don't spoil yours with a preventable accident in the field.
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