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Hopefully Chris the hunting will be better up near you.
We are still struggling with the effects of the drought we have suffered the fast multiple years. I m not seeing many young birds in Southern AZ.
Here is some information on what is being stated my G&F as well as others.
QUAIL HUNTING FORECAST 2026 - ARIZONA
A BETTER YEAR FOR GAMBEL'S
By Brad Trumbo
It is a better year for Gambel's quail in northern Arizona, and you'll find more than lively coveys. The landscape features a mix of plateaus, canyons, and volcanic highlands, with stunning views and diverse terrain. Discover the rich cultural histories of the Hohokam, Sinagua, Hopi, and Navajo peoples. Admire the red rock formations northeast of Flagstaff. And remember the sound of a covey taking flight as Gambel's quail scatter from the shrubs in a desert wash.
HABITAT CONDITIONS
Extreme drought has plagued Arizona's quail populations, especially in the southern region, over the past few years.
"Rainfall is about average for early August," says Zack May of the Southern Arizona Quail Forever chapter.
But the longer-term effects of drought remain apparent.
"Drought has been severe in southern Arizona – bad enough that some areas of the southern oak woodlands have lost a significant portion of canopy cover," says Wade Zaringo, retired small game program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
"We didn't get much winter or spring rain for desert birds – Gambel's and scaled quail," says Dr. Larisa Harding, statewide small game program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "We continue to experience extreme heat and are just now getting monsoons in August, but with very warm temperatures."
Fortunately, the 2026 monsoon season brought more rain and improved conditions. By August, the central and northern portions of the state were experiencing more normal conditions, while the southern region remained in dry to moderate drought conditions.
"Looking at the 2026 season, it appears that conditions have been much better for Gambel's quail breeding activity and success," says Nicholas Schobinger, coordinating wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.
QUAIL NUMBERS
The experts agree that 2025 was generally a poor year for Arizona quail. Gambel's quail may have been average in the northwest, but brood success across all species was poor.
"Last year was the worst in many years for broods," May says. "It was odd that all three species – Gambel's, Mearns and scaled – were affected. Mearns numbers should be better than last year's, but with low adult quail carryover, populations may not reach the average."
Schobinger saw much the same thing.
"2025 saw a drastic decrease in juvenile survival and recruitment, with many of the birds on the ground during hunting season being adults that survived the previous season," he says.
Luckily, the 2026 season looks much better. No severe weather patterns were observed or expected to affect hatch or brood-rearing success beyond the local scale, and more young birds are being seen throughout the state.
"For Gambel's quail, it seems there are more chicks on the ground now than last year, and if the monsoon continues, conditions may support a second clutch among some of the breeding population," Schobinger says.
May offers another positive sign.
"Gambel's call counts were above average this year," he says. "The Mearns grasslands in southern Arizona have really greened up and are growing well, which gives us some optimism."
OVERALL HUNTING PROSPECTS
Arizona quail hunting will likely be better than in past years, but populations need more time to rebound from 2025. That said, hunters pursuing Gambel's quail in central and northwest Arizona are likely to see the most consistent success. Mearns and scaled quail numbers are expected to be below average.
"I would expect Mearns to be well below average this year, but certainly improved over the last two seasons, as long as we continue to get rain and avoid extreme heat before the chicks are big enough to withstand it," Harding says.
Schobinger and Zaringo agree that while conditions look good for Mearns and scaled quail heading into fall, monsoon rains drive brood-rearing conditions, and it remains difficult to make confident predictions.
"Mearns are reliant on the monsoon, and it's decent this year with a good hatch," Zaringo says. "Still, it will take more good monsoon seasons and hatches for these birds to rebound."
"At best, I think we'll see an average year for desert birds, with Gambel's likely showing better numbers than scaled quail," Harding says.
Al Eiden, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's director of field delivery, shares that perspective.
IF YOU GO
Gambel's quail and scaled quail are likely to be near water in grassy, shrubby habitats. Scaled quail are found in the southeast corner of the state and prefer areas with patches of bare ground. Mearns are found in the oak woodlands of southern Arizona.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to participate in its wing collection program. Wing deposits provide valuable population demographic data that helps inform management decisions.
Arizona's quail season opens Oct. 16, 2026, for Gambel's, scaled, and valley quail. Mearns season opens Dec. 4, 2026. All seasons close Feb. 7, 2027.
For detailed quail hunting regulations consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes — the most of any state. Hunting after the New Year can help avoid encounters with snakes.
Javelinas roam much of southern Arizona. Be aware of their presence, avoid letting your dog give chase, and keep the local veterinarian's number on hand as a safety precaution.
Hunters in southern Arizona's Game Management Units 36A-C should carefully identify quail species to avoid shooting Endangered Species Act-protected masked bobwhites.
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10-02-2026, 02:39 PM
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