How is the late season hunting?

[johnr060]

 Early season was good to us in our usual areas this year. But I haven't been back over since mid November. Thinking about heading over with the dogs for a short 3 day trip mid next week. I hunt from Walla Walla to the Pomeroy area. Is there still some birds around on the public land? Or is it shot up pretty bad from the holidays and being towards the tail end of the season? Got two new tri tronic collars for the dogs that im itching to try out. If anyone is available next week? I might need a partner!

[GoBeavs85]

I shot this young rooster on Saturday but it was only 1 of 2 pheasants that got up in range. The other was a hen. Saw 5 pheasants total which is way down from early season(30+ in a day). Friday resulted in one small covey of quail and one small covey of Huns. Some of my spots are producing zero flushes. Others still have some birds but they are very skiddish. Was much better for me in November. My dad canceled a trip over here after  hearing my recent reports.

Still seems better than last year but maybe I'm just learning better areas.

Good luck if you come over! This cold snap sure might help! I'm not giving up, giving it another go on New Year's Day.

[L-ofalab]

I got 2 roosters and had opportunities for 2 more, I should have followed the dog! My partner got 1 and a mallard. We hunted 2 different spots but saw many birds at each. The last time we hunted the second spot we didn't see any birds but heard coyotes howling as soon as we got out of the truck. I guess they hunted it before us. I'm not going again till it warms up some. We were surprised how close we got to most of them, it might have been the 1 inch of snow and wind at 15-20 mph.

[johnr060]

Thanks for the replies guys! Im still headed over. Probably Monday night, and hunt Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Hopefully we will at least get into some quail. I have some private property to hunt on Tuesday. I will post pictures and report then.

[JayBird02]

Late season has been good where I am.

[lonedave]

Still OK for me as of yesterday....

[wonder]

JayBird02,
Are those Mountain Quail?

[Birdguy]

JayBird02,
Are those Mountain Quail?

Nope all valley quail in the first picture, Hungarian partridge in the second and valleys, chukar and hun in the third picture.

[wonder]

I would get someone to take a look at those pictures.  Valley Quail top notches always lay forward with a nice arc.  These birds notches are straight and leaning backwards?

Not trying to give you a hard time just wondering what a game expert thinks?

[JayBird02]

I would get someone to take a look at those pictures.  Valley Quail top notches always lay forward with a nice arc.  These birds notches are straight and leaning backwards?

Not trying to give you a hard time just wondering what a game expert thinks?

You have got to be kidding me Wonder. These are all valley quail shot in Eastern Washington. We don't even have Mountain Quail where I hunt. Great job at trying to stir the pot.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Good shooting!

[merkelman]

I would get someone to take a look at those pictures.  Valley Quail top notches always lay forward with a nice arc.  These birds notches are straight and leaning backwards?

Not trying to give you a hard time just wondering what a game expert thinks?

Having harvested many many mtn quail I can tell you those are valley quail. Here is a photo of one from my collection. I have two, a male and female. I know Natches is Jealous! Lol.

[merkelman]

I would get someone to take a look at those pictures.  Valley Quail top notches always lay forward with a nice arc.  These birds notches are straight and leaning backwards?

Not trying to give you a hard time just wondering what a game expert thinks?

You have got to be kidding me Wonder. These are all valley quail shot in Eastern Washington. We don't even have Mountain Quail where I hunt. Great job at trying to stir the pot.

Jaybird.02, you have had a good season. Don't let a troll get to you.

Lol. Look who chimmed in...he's alive!

[merkelman]

It has been great except for the crappy weather. Could have shot more but fog and snow made it tough plus my youg GSP is sort of a moron...needs more training!  Thank goodness the 12 year old can still get it done!

[JayBird02]

Few more Valley Quail (Mountain Quail) haha to end the season for these Britts

[JayBird02]

Careful there Jaybird, keep shooting all those mountain quail and someone else might narc on you to the gamies.  And folks wonder why some people don't post pictures...

Oh I've learned my lesson on posting pictures. Had a guy in a similar forum send me a message asking me where I've been hunting chukar at today. What ever happened to putting rubber on the ground and hunting or scouting. I've shared spots with people but they usually have a place and we trade info or we hunt together.

[JayBird02]

Careful there Jaybird, keep shooting all those mountain quail and someone else might narc on you to the gamies.  And folks wonder why some people don't post pictures...

Oh I've learned my lesson on posting pictures. Had a guy in a similar forum send me a message asking me where I've been hunting chukar at today. What ever happened to putting rubber on the ground and hunting or scouting. I've shared spots with people but they usually have a place and we trade info or we hunt together.

Where did you shoot the mountain quail today?? .

My best spots are kept secret and dont know anyone who is willing to walk 7 miles to get to them.

Haha Naches. My spots are the same I only know a few other people willing to hike in and hunt the birds. Forget the hunters though not to many dogs can hunt like that either.

[JayBird02]

I'm the same way. I've put more time in for scouting chukar, quail, and huns than I ever did for deer. After this season I'm excited to go out this spring and check out the hatch.

[merkelman]

Perhaps a beer and cigar in Naches is necessary this spring, I'll supply both!!!

[Birdguy]

Thanks for posting the real mountain quail pictures merlelman  .

Wonder, while I certainly claim no status as an expert having raised several thousand valley quail and several hundred mountain quail I assure I know the difference. One thing to keep in mind is that dead birds packed in a vest for a while may not be in the best shape for judging. A well manicured quail will certainly look as you described but once shot all bets are off. At that point look for feather color patterns and size characteristics.

[merkelman]

No problemo señor😀.  I agree with you as I believe most would. I bet if you asked a few other forum members on this post that some chops were being busted in jest. Go Hawks!

[wonder]

OK, OK, you guys have had your fun.  My apologies.  Should have known better but I didn't before putting something out there that sounds accusatory.  I do appreciate and enjoy seeing how some people are doing out there and don't comment much and haven't hunted for Mountain Quail since the late 70's or early 80's.  A PM would have probably answered my question.

Enjoy the next adventure

[merkelman]

It's all good. But you may need to send JayBird some tissue to dry the tears!  Lol. All in jest I am sure!  Go hawks!