Mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) are a popular upland game bird for hunters in California. They are found in brushy foothill areas across much of the state. Here is a look at some of the top places to hunt mountain quail in California and key information for a successful hunt.
When is mountain quail season in California?
The general mountain quail season in California runs from the second Saturday in September through the last Sunday in November. However, season dates and bag limits can vary in different areas, so be sure to consult the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the zone you’ll be hunting in.
Where are mountain quail found in California?
Mountain quail are found along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as in coastal mountain ranges like the Santa Lucia Mountains. They prefer brushy cover at elevations between 500-9,000 feet. Here are some of the best areas to find mountain quail in California:
- Northern Sierra Nevada
- Southern Cascades
- North Coast Ranges
- Central Coast Ranges
- Southern California mountains and foothills
Top places to hunt mountain quail in California
Plumas National Forest
The Plumas National Forest provides excellent mountain quail habitat along the northern Sierra Nevada. Quail can be found along brushy slopes, ridges, and canyon floors. Popular areas include Antelope Lake, McCabe, and Crocker. A free forest access permit is required.
El Dorado National Forest
The rolling foothills of the central Sierra Nevada in El Dorado National Forest hold good numbers of mountain quail. They are often found near water sources. Try areas around Georgetown, Greenwood Creek, and Ice House for your best shot.
Tahoe National Forest
Mountain quail abound in the mosaic of brush fields and woodlands in Tahoe National Forest west of Lake Tahoe. Grouse can often be found along forest roads. Try areas near Cisco Grove and north of Highway 80.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
The wide brushy canyons along the Trinity River provide prime quail habitat within Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Hunters will find birds near the river bottoms and brushy side slopes and benches. Access is excellent along the river road.
Mendocino National Forest
The North Coast offers mountain quail hunting opportunities in Mendocino National Forest. Quail frequent the brushy clearcuts and canyons along the western slopes. Try areas northwest of Covelo near Doty Flat and Ten Bear Valley.
Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest provides quality mountain quail habitat among the coastal ranges near Santa Barbara. Hunters will find quail along the brushy mountain slopes and canyon bottoms. Try areas east of Cuyama Valley and around Buckhorn and Mono Deer Camp.
Angeles National Forest
Mountain quail can be found along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains inside Angeles National Forest. Quail frequent the many canyon bottoms lined with oak woodlands and brush. Try areas near Chilao and Charlton Flats.
San Bernardino National Forest
The slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains hold good populations of mountain quail. The brushy terrain around Baldwin Lake, Holcomb Valley, and Doble provides excellent habitat. A free adventure pass is required to park in the forest.
Tips for mountain quail hunting in California
Here are some tips to increase your success while hunting mountain quail in California:
- Get an early start – Be ready on stand or walking well before sunrise when quail begin moving from roost sites.
- Use a dog – Well-trained bird dogs excel at flushing mountain quail in thick brush.
- Target brushy slopes – Focus on brush-lined canyon floors and slopes near water sources.
- Watch for dusting spots – Disturbed dusty patches under brush mark prime areas to find quail.
- Stay quiet and move slowly – Loud noises will spook quail so move stealthily through terrain.
- Aim uphill – Quail almost always flush and fly uphill when startled.
- Try rattling – Imitate the scolding call of a mountain quail hen to attract birds.
Required gear and equipment
Having proper gear and equipment will help make your mountain quail hunt safer and more successful. Important items include:
- Hunting license and upland game bird stamp
- Blaze orange hat and vest
- Sturdy boots with ankle support
- Lightweight camo clothing
- Shotgun – 12 or 20 gauge with improved cylinder or modified choke
- Shooting or safety glasses
- Extra shotgun shells
- Small daypack to carry gear
- Topo map of hunting area
- Cooler and ice for harvested birds
- Dog gear – whistle, collar, leash, dog boots, water bowl
How to clean and care for mountain quail
Properly caring for your harvested mountain quail will ensure delicious table fare. Follow these steps:
- Field dress quail as soon as possible after harvesting using a sharp knife.
- Remove the entrails, crop, liver, heart and gizzard.
- Rinse the body cavity out with water.
- Place quail in a cooler on ice if it will be longer than 2 hours before processing.
- Once home, pluck feathers or skin the bird.
- Rinse the bird again and pat dry.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in resealable plastic bags.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze (if freezing, wrap in freezer paper or foil).
How to cook and eat mountain quail
Mountain quail have delicate white meat and make fabulous table fare. They can be prepared many ways including:
- Roasted whole – Baste with butter, seasonings, then roast uncovered at 400 F degrees until done.
- Grilled – Split or butterfly birds and grill over medium heat, basting with sauce.
- Sous vide – Vacuum seal seasoned birds and cook for 1-2 hours in a 170 F degree water bath.
- Fried – Fry split and breaded birds in 3-4 inches of oil until golden brown.
- Simmered – Simmer whole birds in soups, stews or wine sauce until fully cooked.
Try serving roast mountain quail with wild rice pilaf and grilled asparagus. Leftovers are great for quail salad sandwiches or in breakfast burritos or quiche.
Conclusion
Mountain quail provide a challenging upland bird hunt amid beautiful scenery. Their range extends across California’s foothills and mountains. With proper planning and preparation, a mountain quail hunt in the Golden State promises to provide an excellent outdoor experience along with delicious wild game for the dinner table. Just be sure to confirm season dates and regulations for the area you’ll be hunting.