Perspective
Statewide surveys were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations — historical survey data, 1978 to 2026. This index uses randomly selected, 20-mile roadside survey lines to determine annual quail population trends by ecological region. Comparisons can be made between the mean (average) number of quail seen per route this year and the 15-year mean for each ecological region. The following sections provide an overview of populations and habitat throughout the state, as well as trend and survey data by ecological region from 2012 to 2026.
Search for quail hunting opportunities on public and leased land with an Annual Public Hunting Permit.
Bobwhite Quail Season Overview
Varying habitat conditions and weather patterns throughout the state resulted in fluctuating bobwhite populations by ecoregion. However, most ecoregions had an above average number of bobwhites seen per route when compared to the 15-year mean. South Texas experienced extremely dry conditions in the winter, but improved habitat conditions and rainfall resulted in multiple nesting attempts and good quail numbers continue to be reported by biologists in this region. Early spring through summer drought conditions in the Rolling Plains appeared to delay some nesting efforts and curb nest success. Fortunately, much needed mid-summer rains eased those conditions, and the regional trend ultimately showed only a slight decline in quail numbers compared to recent years. Highlighting regional improvements, biologists are reporting good bobwhite observations in Childress, Hall, Kleberg, Shackelford, and Terry counties. Extended late summer high temperatures and dry conditions have created some cause for concern. However, we still anticipate fair to good hunting opportunities going into the 2026-27 season.
As a reminder, our surveys are only designed to provide a representation of bobwhite populations at the regional level and local conditions may vary considerably. If you would like to learn more about this season's hunting prospects and the outlook for your area of interest, connecting with one of our regional TPWD biologists is a great way to help plan your hunt. Best of luck to all this season!
Cross Timbers Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 2.66 compared to 0.94 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 1.45, and an increase from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 1,293; Days = 2,601; Harvest = 16,544
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 868; Days = 1,940; Harvest = 7,302
Edwards Plateau Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 4.67 compared to 1.28 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 3.15, and a welcome increase from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 3,104; Days = 12,768; Harvest = 18,463
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 3,321; Days = 11,848; Harvest = 18,363
Gulf Coast Prairies Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 7.50 compared to 4.40 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 6.98, and an increase from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 776; Days = 1,655; Harvest = 13,907
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 769; Days = 2,595; Harvest = 8,128
High Plains Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 6.56 compared to 4.44 last year; this count was below the 15-year mean of 6.76, but an increase from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 1,035; Days = 4,492; Harvest = 6,953
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 1,434; Days = 5,923; Harvest = 14,615
Rolling Plains Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 13.68 compared to 15.32 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 12.79, and a slight decrease from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 13,967; Days = 64,785; Harvest = 250,084
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 9,492; Days = 41,249; Harvest = 96,962
South Texas Forecast
- Survey Results: average number of bobwhites seen per route was 10.17 compared to 12.70 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 9.92 and a slight decrease from 2025.
- 2025-26 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 23,019; Days = 115,857; Harvest = 333,286
- 5-Year Harvest Average (2021-2025): Hunters = 21,816; Days = 93,611; Harvest = 288,848
*see 2025-26 Harvest Surveys.
Bobwhite Quail 15-Year Trend Data
| Year | Cross Timbers | Edwards Plateau | Gulf Prairies | High Plains | Rolling Plains | South Texas Plains |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 0.23 | 5.13 | 8.00 | 0.11 | 3.48 | 7.74 |
| 2013 | 0.60 | 1.13 | 9.70 | 0.78 | 2.80 | 6.13 |
| 2014 | 1.34 | 4.81 | 19.90 | 5.89 | 7.52 | 13.77 |
| 2015 | 1.06 | 6.44 | 14.90 | 15.00 | 38.84 | 24.55 |
| 2016 | 6.14 | 11.67 | 4.60 | 33.22 | 52.52 | 13.97 |
| 2017 | 4.03 | 4.17 | 7.30 | 9.22 | 23.16 | 10.16 |
| 2018 | 0.17 | 0.83 | 1.30 | 9.22 | 3.66 | 5.06 |
| 2019 | 0.40 | 0.94 | 2.33 | 4.11 | 5.34 | 13.77 |
| 2020 | 1.83 | 0.72 | 3.00 | 2.56 | 3.25 | 3.77 |
| 2021 | 0.51 | 1.00 | 4.40 | 2.33 | 1.50 | 3.10 |
| 2022 | 0.23 | 0.11 | 2.50 | 0.78 | 0.86 | 5.26 |
| 2023 | 0.20 | 1.00 | 9.60 | 3.44 | 3.43 | 9.59 |
| 2024 | 1.37 | 3.39 | 5.30 | 3.78 | 16.50 | 9.13 |
| 2025 | 0.94 | 1.28 | 4.40 | 4.44 | 15.32 | 12.70 |
| 2026 | 2.66 | 4.67 | 7.50 | 6.56 | 13.68 | 10.17 |
| 15-Year Mean | 1.45 | 3.15 | 6.98 | 6.76 | 12.79 | 9.92 |
Bobwhite Quail Survey Data by Ecoregion
Cross Timbers and Prairies
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 2.66 compared to 0.94 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 1.45. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Cross Timbers Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.
Edwards Plateau
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 4.67 compared to 1.28 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 3.15. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.
Gulf Prairies
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 7.50 compared to 4.40 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 6.98. Limited public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Gulf Prairies Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.
High Plains
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 6.56 compared to 4.44 last year. This was below the 15-year mean of 6.76. Public hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the High Plains Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.
Rolling Plains
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 13.68 compared to 15.32 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 12.79. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Gene Howe and Matador and Teacup Mountain Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). We expect these WMAs to provide fair to good hunting opportunities this season. For the sixth year in a row TPWD is offering a Private Lands Quail Hunt in Lipscomb County - applications are due October 15th. Additional hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Rolling Plains Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.
South Texas Plains
The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 10.17 compared to 12.70 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 9.92. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Chaparral and James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). We expect these WMAs to provide fair hunting conditions. Additional hunting opportunities are available through our Annual Public Hunting Permit. As always, scouting ahead and contacting your local biologist are good strategies to ensure a quality experience.
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the South Texas Plains Ecoregion from 2012 to 2026. The mean (average) number of bobwhite quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.