Quail hunting is one of America’s most beloved upland traditions—a sport that combines fast action, dog work, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re chasing bobs in Southern brush or scaling the plains for scaled and Gambel’s, one thing’s for sure: location matters.
So, where’s the best place to hunt quail in the U.S.?
While “best” can depend on what you’re after—bird numbers, terrain, or classic quail camp vibes—these five top states offer a consistent mix of opportunity, tradition, and access for today’s upland bird hunter.
🥇 1. Texas – The King of Bobwhite and Beyond
Why it ranks high: Texas isn’t just big in size—it’s big in bird numbers, too. With a mix of bobwhite, scaled, Gambel’s, and even Mearns quail in the far southwest, it’s easily the most diverse quail state in the country.
Best regions:
- Rolling Plains and South Texas Brush Country for bobwhites.
- Trans-Pecos and Panhandle areas for scaled quail.
Pros:
- Vast ranchlands with managed populations.
- Strong conservation programs (e.g., Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch).
- Lengthy season and generous bag limits.
Cons:
- Much of the land is private—hiring a guide or securing permission is a must.
Hot Tip: Go after scaled quail (aka blue quail) for fast-paced flushes in wide-open terrain—your dogs will love the chase.
🥈 2. Arizona – A Desert Upland Paradise
Why it ranks high: Arizona offers a unique triple-threat: Gambel’s, scaled, and the elusive Mearns quail—all in one season. It’s rugged, remote, and incredibly rewarding for hunters willing to put in the miles.
Best regions:
- Southeast Arizona (near Patagonia and Nogales) for Mearns.
- Central and western desert basins for Gambel’s.
- Eastern plains near New Mexico for scaled.
Pros:
- Public land is abundant (BLM, national forests).
- Mild winter weather—perfect for long days afield.
- Dogs get a serious workout in varied terrain.
Cons:
- Requires hiking, high elevation legs, and GPS navigation in remote spots.
Hot Tip: Time your Mearns hunt for after the first few winter storms—tracks and scenting conditions improve dramatically.
🥉 3. Georgia – Southern Hospitality and Classic Bobwhite Hunts
Why it ranks high: Georgia has invested heavily in bobwhite restoration, with vast Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), private plantations, and strong habitat work under the Georgia Bobwhite Quail Initiative.
Best regions:
- Southwest Georgia (Albany, Thomasville) for classic pineywoods hunting.
- Middle Georgia WMAs for solid public access.
Pros:
- Deep cultural roots in quail hunting.
- Plantation-style hunts with horseback and pointing dogs.
- Public land improvements for DIY hunters.
Cons:
- Wild birds exist but often mixed with released populations.
- Brush density can vary by region—scouting is key.
Hot Tip: Book a guided hunt on a classic Southern quail plantation for a once-in-a-lifetime wingshooting experience.
4. Kansas – The Midwest’s Sleeper Quail State
Why it ranks high: Often overshadowed by pheasants, Kansas is quietly one of the best bobwhite quail producers in the country. Thanks to CRP fields and private land enrolled in public walk-in programs, it’s a quail hunter’s dream.
Best regions:
- Southeast and south-central Kansas—especially counties like Lyon, Chautauqua, and Barber.
Pros:
- Vast acreage of accessible private land via WIHA (Walk-In Hunting Access).
- Excellent mixed-bag potential (pheasants + quail).
- Friendly landowners and easygoing hunting culture.
Cons:
- Cold snaps can impact late-season bird numbers.
- Crop rotations may impact habitat from year to year.
Hot Tip: Hunt the edges of native grasslands and timber strips in the morning, switching to crop field fringes by afternoon.
5. Oklahoma – Big Surprises in Bobwhite Country
Why it ranks high: Oklahoma’s rolling grasslands and cross-timbers habitat offer ideal bobwhite country—and bird numbers have bounced back in recent years thanks to habitat efforts.
Best regions:
- Western and southern counties—especially near the Texas border.
- Black Kettle WMA and Packsaddle WMA are public land gems.
Pros:
- Very hunter-friendly regulations.
- Less pressure than neighboring states.
- Affordable licenses and long seasons.
Cons:
- Weather swings can make or break a season.
- Terrain can be surprisingly thick—bring a GPS for dogs.
Hot Tip: Team up with friends and a brace of dogs to cover ground efficiently—quail here often covey and flush in unpredictable directions.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Quail Adventure
Whether you’re into Southern-style bobwhite traditions or desert flushes of Gambel’s and Mearns, the U.S. has a quail destination for every kind of hunter.
Here’s a quick recap:
| State | Best Quail Types | Access Quality | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Bobwhite, Scaled, Gambel’s | Private (Guide Ideal) | Big, bold, diverse |
| Arizona | Gambel’s, Mearns, Scaled | Excellent Public | Rugged, scenic, unique |
| Georgia | Bobwhite | Good Public + Private | Classic Southern charm |
| Kansas | Bobwhite | Excellent Walk-In | Midwest sleeper hit |
| Oklahoma | Bobwhite | Great Mix | Underrated gem |
Wherever you head this season, remember: quail hunting is more than just the birds—it’s about the dogs, the land, and the camaraderie. So grab your shotgun, lace up your boots, and go make memories in the uplands.
The birds are waiting. 🐦
