TPWD’s annual roadside surveys show modest gains in some regions, spurring cautious optimism for the future
Bobwhite quail are dapper little game birds known for their signature trills, huddling in tight groups (called coveys) amid thick cover, then flushing in explosive bursts that can shock you. COURTESY PHOTO / MATT WILLIAMS
TPWD has been carrying out annual roadside surveys to monitor statewide quail populations since 1978. This graphic illustrates how the numbers of bobwhite quail counted per travel route in six ecological region route have fluctuated over the last 15 years. COURTESY PHOTO / TPWD GRAPHIC
South Texas is expected to be the hottest spot for Texas quail hunters for the second consecutive season. The average number of bobwhites seen per route was 9.59 compared to 5.26 in 2022, up from the 15-year average of 9.21. COURTESY PHOTO / TPWD PHOTO, JASON HARDIN
Outdoors Writer
It’s been a while since Texas quail hunters have had much to crow about. Barring a few modest upticks, quail populations have pretty much been in the dumps for years.
Experts point to everything from habitat loss/fragmentation, prolonged drought, predation and parasites as the causes for the puzzling decline, and millions of dollars raised by special intere...
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