Quail Hunting in Texas – Schminter.com

Quail Hunting in Texas – Schminter.com

Texas is a place that offers great quail hunting opportunities to both seasoned hunters and beginners. But before getting started, make sure to research well regarding the license requirements, hunting seasons and required equipment, etc. This article is your complete guide to quail hunting in Texas.

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Texas offers some of the most exciting quail hunting opportunities. No matter you own the title of an experienced shooter or are new to this sport, spending a day hunting quail in Texas will always be a truly magical experience for a wing hunter like you. But you need to do some initial prepping for this adventurous game. Here is everything you need to know for having a memorable quail hunting in Texas.

How to Get A License for Quail Hunting in Texas

For getting a hunting license in Texas, you first need to complete a Texas hunter education course.  This course is mandatory and cost $28.95 for those under age 17. While people older than this age also have to pay an additional $5.25 state fee.

After completing the certification, you can purchase a hunting license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. Or you can also get it from Texas approved agents. (find the nearest retailer by entering your location here). The license fee for residents is $25 and $132 for nonresidents. But if you want to get a nonresident license for 5 days, it will cost $48 only.

Once the above process is complete, you can legally take part in bird hunting games anywhere in Texas.

When Is Quail Hunting Season in Texas?

Quail hunting is a game played in fall. This year, the quail hunting season in Texas starts from October 27 and ends on February 24, 2019.

Best Locations for Quail Hunting in Texas

Three areas including Trans-Pecos, South Texas and Panhandle offer large public lands with a significant amount of quail habitat. During the quail hunting season, these are open for all the hunters holding $48 Texas hunting license. Moreover, these hunting areas are remotely located so, the overcrowding is not a problem here.

The quail population in southern parts of Texas such as LaSalle and Chaparral WMA largely depends on the weather patterns. If the rain comes on right time and in the right amount, wing hunters can enjoy more quail hunting opportunities.

Best Equipment for Quail Hunting

For hunting the quail, a 20-gauge shotgun is considered ideal. Because it’s not only easier to shot but also lighter in weight. Also, make sure to select a shotgun with a barrel long enough that keeps the shoot focused. Because you will ideally be using eight load shells to hunt down the bird. As eight-shell ammo easily covers the whole body of quail without ruining the meat.

To see a full list of 20 gauge shotguns at the best prices click here.

Although, bows and arrows can be used for quail hunting, these are not ideal in case of small birds. Because you need to shoot carefully and precisely as quails are small targets. Additionally, it’s very tough to use a bow and arrow and get some edible meat. As it can easily destroy much of the bird. But if you would like to know more about bow hunting click here.

For your personal safety, wear appropriate clothing and comfortable boots as quail hunting might be done in a rough place. Use of hearing protection and glasses will also add an extra layer of safety. And lastly, use binocular because it will increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Quail Cleaning and Cooking Tips

Quail is a small bird, so we want to make sure that we get maximum meat after the cleaning process. One tip is not to remove the skin but pluck the feather instead. The skin will also add more taste after cooking.

The general tip for cooking quail is not to overcook the meat. Because the secret to tender quail meat is in the cooking time. If you have had tough and dry meat of quail, it was probably overcooked. Usually, it takes about 10 minutes of roasting to completely cook it by locking all the juices and tenderness inside. Here we are also sharing the recipe of perfectly grilled quail:

Texas Grilled Quail Recipe

Ingredients

6 Texas quail

1 garlic clove – finely chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme – chopped

¼ cup olive oil

2 teaspoons parsley – chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Put quail to marinade in all the above ingredients for about four hours in the refrigerators. But remove it from there 20 minutes before grilling. Then season it with salt and pepper and grill over the fire for about 5-6 minutes. Your perfectly grilled Quail is ready to serve! Also recommend wrapping in bacon for extra added flavor.