Texas Scaled Quail Forecast 2025-26

Perspective

Statewide surveys were initiated in 1978 to monitor quail populations — historical survey data, 1978 to 2025. 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 2011 to 2025.

Search for quail hunting opportunities on public and leased land with an Annual Public Hunting Permit.

Scaled Quail Season Overview

Overview — Scaled quail populations appear to be increasing across their range with the average number of scaled quail seen per route above the 15-year mean in all ecoregions. Biologists reported good carryover from last year. Early spring rains and good habitat conditions in the High Plains provided for some early nesting, increased calling activity, and multiple broods being observed throughout the region. Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau were in drought conditions early on, but rainfall and habitat conditions improved through mid to later summer with increased pair sightings and nesting activity. Highlighting regional improvements, biologists are reporting good scaled quail observations in Bailey, Crockett, Howard, and Pecos counties. With a strong year, we expect good hunting opportunities going into the 2025-26 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!

Trans-Pecos Forecast

Survey Results — average number of scaled quail seen per route was 20.06 compared to 20.12 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 18.39, holding steady for a third year.
2024-25 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 3,056; Days = 6,410; Harvest = 20,073
5-Year Harvest Average (2020-2024): Hunters = 1,778; Days = 5,109; Harvest = 20,727

Edwards Plateau Forecast

Survey Results — average number of scaled quail seen per route was 14.00 compared to 6.38 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 6.47, and a significant increase from 2024.
2024-25 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 2,445; Days = 10,591; Harvest = 16,051
5-Year Harvest Average (2020-2024): Hunters = 1,851; Days = 7,018; Harvest = 13,401

High Plains Forecast

Survey Results — average number of scaled quail seen per route was 7.75 compared to 3.83 last year; this count was above the 15-year mean of 3.42, and continuation of a 3-year trend.
2024-25 Harvest Report*: Hunters = 4,584; Days = 19,509; Harvest = 46,898
5-Year Harvest Average (2020-2024): Hunters = 2,564; Days = 7,430; Harvest = 20,126

*see 2024-25 Harvest Report

Other Ecoregions

Scaled quail in both the Rolling Plains and South Texas Plains persist at relatively low densities, with populations struggling to regain their footing over the last 10 years. Habitat condition improvements in both regions bode well for occasional encounters and opportunities, but strong numbers will be limited to large, intact grasslands and thornscrub. As always, there will be pockets where these birds are doing well and might buck any regional trends. However, we generally expect below average hunting opportunities this season for both regions.

Scaled Quail 15-Year Trend Data

Scaled Quail 15-Year trend data showing the number of Bobwhite quail per Ecological Region in Texas.
Year	Edwards Plateau	High Plains	Rolling Plains	South Texas Plains	Trans-Pecos
2011	1.25	1.00	0.00	1.15	6.31
2012	5.63	0.75	0.09	1.45	7.38
2013	0.25	0.25	0.06	1.40	9.13
2014	2.25	0.08	0.55	1.15	7.13
2015	5.13	16.36	3.18	1.30	53.79
2016	18.38	7.92	4.18	2.55	46.80
2017	24.75	6.25	3.58	1.65	16.60
2018	3.50	1.25	0.21	0.10	10.93
2019	1.50	2.50	0.27	0.63	25.47
2020	0.88	0.50	0.06	1.15	14.13
2021	7.13	0.25	1.45	0.50	4.33
2022	1.50	1.00	0.42	0.25	13.06
2023	4.50	1.67	0.06	0.16	20.65
2024	6.38	3.83	1.55	0.58	20.12
2025	14.00	7.75	1.79	1.37	20.06
15-Year Mean	6.47	3.42	1.16	1.03	18.39

Scaled Quail Survey Data by Ecoregion

Edwards Plateau

The average number of scaled quail seen per route was 14.00 compared to 6.38 last year. This was significantly above the 15-year mean of 6.47. 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.

Edwards Plateau Scaled Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion from 2011 to 2025. The mean (average) number of scaled 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 scaled quail seen per route was 7.75 compared to 3.83 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 3.42. 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.

High Plains Scaled Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the High Plains Ecoregion from 2011 to 2025. The mean (average) number of scaled 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 scaled quail seen per route was 1.79 compared to 1.55 last year. This was slightly above the 15-year mean of 1.16. 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.

Rolling Plains Scaled Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Rolling Plains Ecoregion from 2011 to 2025. The mean (average) number of scaled 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 scaled quail seen per route was 1.37 compared to 0.58 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 1.03. 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.

South Texas Plains Scaled Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the South Texas Plains Ecoregion from 2011 to 2025. The mean (average) number of scaled quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.

Trans-Pecos

The average number of scaled quail seen per route was 20.06 compared to 20.12 last year. This was above the 15-year mean of 18.39. Public hunting opportunities can be found at the Black Gap and Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). We expect Black Gap and Elephant Mountain to provide average to above average opportunities even given limited early season production. 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.

Trans-Pecos Scaled Quail chart
Line graph illustration of the TPWD quail roadside survey results for the Trans Pecos Ecoregion from 2011 to 2025. The mean (average) number of scaled quail seen per route for each year is represented by the black line. The 15-year mean (average) is represented by the blue line.