Upland
Valley quail
Coveys in the foothill grass and the creek brush. Quail is a dog hunt and a walking hunt, and it is one of the best reasons to keep a vest in the truck after dove.
Where they live
Brushy creek edges, oak grass, and the transition where a covey can run instead of fly. If your dog will not hold, you will see tails and then nothing.
How we hunt it
Short loops, water for the dog, and a gun you can mount without thinking. We mark coveys and we do not grind the same hill into silence every Sunday.
In the kitchen
Quail want high heat and a short cook. Grill them, or brown them and finish in a small pot with stock. They are not a stew hen.
Dates and rules on NorCalHunt are the desk's briefing notes. Confirm every season, tag, and refuge rule with CDFW before you leave the driveway.