Actually, across Texas the quail numbers have been down due to the bad drought we had the past couple of years, I know where we hunt in South Texas, the ranch was full of coveys, the past couple of trips to the ranch I did not even flush, hear or see a single quail.  Maybe the birds you see recently are young birds who are the product of good rains that have fallen this fall.

Yes I'm aware that the numbers have been down which is why I was so surprised to see so many. They just may be young birds that survived good hatches after fall rains,but I now have some places in mind to hunt quail when the season comes around.

Hi Terrance...good to hear from you.

The birds you've seen are good news.  Unfortunately I haven't gotten out enough to gauge out where we go, but I know in some areas of WTX they've had very good amounts of precip for over the last year (especially for out there).  If this continues, and the predator population stays down, quail populations are bound to rebound to some degree.

That is of course assuming its just the drought causing their numbers to decline.  I've heard theories that there are other things, like trace toxins in deer corn, that may be adding to the problem.

Yea..we're still getting a good amount of rain in some areas and most areas are greening up pretty nice so thing may be looking up. I've never been a big quail hunter but have been thining about getting into it. All the birds i've been seeing have me kinda excited.....