Newbie quail hunter

[Bob33]

I’ve focused on hunting big game most of my life and would like to explore upland bird hunting. I’m dogless so my aspirations aren’t high. I expect to do lots of walking and hopefully happen on some birds occasionally.

It seems that quail might be a good specie to start with.

The hunting would need to take place on public land or one of the Private Land opportunities listed on the WDFW website: https://privatelands.wdfw.wa.gov/private_lands/. Perhaps over time I could obtain individual private land permission but that’s not something I would count on.

I’m interested in hearing thoughts on what part of the state to focus us. In looking at the private land opportunities it seems most are in the Sprague/Colfax/Pullman/Lewiston parts of the state.

If nothing else I will get to know some parts of the state better, and get lots of exercise.

Thank you.

[270Flat]

Head east, potholes area or Yakima area has plenty of quail and roosters. You’ll end up running into other hunters and could end up walking behind their dog/s. It’s happened before and it’ll happen again!

Tip for hunting without a dog. Walk through the cover 25 or so paces. Stop and wait for at least 45-60 seconds. Birds will hold or flush behind you. Methodically moving through the cover you’ll increase your opportunity. Many people will walk right past holding birds when hunting without a dog.

[nwwanderer]

Bunch in the far east, pick your shots, recovery is tough with the little morsels!!  Great hunting!!

[NWR]

A fresh snow fall is your friend.

[buglebuster]

Don’t over look the yakama reservation. Lots and lots of land to hunt and tons of quail!

[salish]

Don’t over look the yakama reservation. Lots and lots of land to hunt and tons of quail!
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Is it still good for quail? I used to hunt there for roosters a lot back in the 90's, but there were so many quail coveys I ended up hunting them instead. What was helpful was the hunting maps put out by the tribe.

[salt n sage90]

Find russian olives surrounded by sagebrush and cattails. They're hard to find once you dump them so mark them well. Also just listen, you can hear them chirping alot of the time.
No need for a fancy gun but I like a smaller gauge. Royal city, Potholes, Moses Lake. Quail are all over the place. But if you find tumbleweed patches make sure to wear some chaps, those things hurt.

[Bob33]

Thank you for all the helpful information. I will look into hunting the Yakama Reservation, and also areas near Royal City and Moses Lake.