Quail without a dog

[Cab]

So I've done plenty of grouse hunting without a dog before but I've never hunted quail before and I was wondering if they too can be hunted without a dog? This is my first year in WA so I've never hunted quail or chukars and wanted to give it a try this year but don't have a dog.

[92xj]

Absolutely, walk into the bushes that you would think you'd send a dog into to flush quail, shoot when/if you see the bird. Go get bird, don't shoot another bird till you pick up the first. You won't be able to sniff up a bird you forgot where it dropped. Killed 100s this way

[metlhead]

Quail are pretty easy to find. You will usually see them first, or hear their wings as they jump around heavy cover. You will be pretty bunched up in this heavy cover trying to get a flush. Only shoot one and mark it well. Cripples are fast runners. My advice is avoid heavy cover without a dog and stay to isolated pockets or open sage. Please count any lost birds to bag, it is only fair. Invest in a dog and the game becomes so much more than just the shoot.

[ribka]

Quail are pretty easy to find. You will usually see them first, or hear their wings as they jump around heavy cover. You will be pretty bunched up in this heavy cover trying to get a flush. Only shoot one and mark it well. Cripples are fast runners. My advice is avoid heavy cover without a dog and stay to isolated pockets or open sage. Please count any lost birds to bag, it is only fair. Invest in a dog and the game becomes so much more than just the shoot.

Good point. Even with a good dog finding downed birds in heavy cover is problematic
I'm amazed how the wounded runners can go

[PolarBear]

Been hunting quail for 45 years without a dog.  Just walk slowly and listen. It's pretty easy to pick up on their calls and peeping.  Take a quail call (assuming you are talking about California Valley/Mtn. Quail or something similar) and blow the "chi-ca-go" into it and any male in the area will more than likely answer.  I prefer an old Larry D Jones call.  Bob white quail just mimic their whistle.  Get good at calling and you can have them landing at your feet.

[Pegasus]

I find it helpful to bark like a dog and then raise one of your paws as if pointing.

[Cab]

awesome feedback guys! Now I just find a few spots to go out and try to find some. I'm just excited I get to hunt so many different birds in this state in various types of environments.

[nutntoit]

When I was in College I would get my upland fix hunting quail without a dog. I had some very good times doing this. As others have stated it's very doable but much more fun with a dog. Good luck and happy hunting the season is almost here!

[boneaddict]

Ive never used a dog quail hunting.  I think it would be fun, but have never had the chance.   Its very doable.

[ribka]

Ive never used a dog quail hunting.  I think it would be fun, but have never had the chance.   Its very doable.

come out with me this year on the LT

lots of fun

[bracer40]

Ive never used a dog quail hunting.  I think it would be fun, but have never had the chance.   Its very doable.

Bone,
I'd be happy to have you join us. My Britt always finds a good number of quail South of you. We do well with those coming out of the sage. Those out of the Russian Olive thickets are another story

[Cab]

I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough for me to send them a PM of a few areas I am looking and have them give me some feedback. I don't want to post spots publicly and wreck anyones area they hunt. Thanks.

[bracer40]

Shoot me a pm. Glad to help.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Try to get out after a fresh snow on formerly bare ground.  Both quail and chukar are a hoot to snow track and flush.  Take the one shot advice to heart, if you try for a second you will lose the first.