Hunting for Mountain Quail: Techniques for Success

Understanding Mountain Quail Habitat

Mountain quail inhabit some of the roughest upland terrain in the country. Success starts with knowing where they live and why.

Key Habitat Features

• Steep slopes and ridgelines (often 2,000–7,000 ft elevation)

• Brushy cover: manzanita, ceanothus, chaparral, and young timber

• Edges of burns, especially 1–5 years post-fire

• Riparian zones along creeks and spring-fed drainages

• Logging roads and overgrown skid trails

Mountain quail move up and down elevation based on weather, water, and food. Early season often finds them higher; late season can push coveys lower into dense cover.

Why Mountain Quail Are Challenging

• They run before they flush, often uphill

• Coveys scatter fast, making follow-up hunting essential

• Brush and vertical terrain limit visibility

• Wind swirls in steep country, impacting dog scenting

• Birds can hold extremely tight—or flush unexpectedly far ahead

Success comes from moving methodically, reading terrain, and anticipating escape routes.

Essential Gear for Mountain Quail Hunts

Shotguns & Loads

• Gauge: 20 or 12

• Choke: Improved Cylinder or Skeet

• Shot: #6 or #7.5 lead (where legal), #6 steel for non-toxic zones

Shots typically occur at 15–30 yards in tight cover.

Clothing & Boots

• Lightweight upland or mountain boots with ankle support

• Breathable brush pants

• Layers for shifting mountain weather

• Blaze orange vest

• Gloves to protect from brush scratches

Helpful Extras

• GPS mapping app

• Hydration system (these hunts are physical)

• Trekking pole for steep slopes

• Lightweight binoculars (optional, for glassing burns or ridgelines)

• First-aid kit for dogs and hunters

Mountain quail hunts are rugged—carry only what you need.

Techniques for Mountain Quail Success

1. Hunt Edges of Brush, Not Dense Interiors

Mountain quail feed and move along edges:

• Brush-to-meadow transitions

• Logging road edges

• Fire-line cuts

• Streamside vegetation

These transition lines offer visibility for you and scent advantage for dogs.

2. Work Slopes Sidehill, Not Straight Up or Down

Sidehilling helps:

• Cover more ground efficiently

• Keep birds from running straight uphill out of range

• Allow dogs better control of scent in crosswinds

Move slowly across the contour, stopping often.

3. Slow Down—Then Slow Down More

Mountain quail rely on stillness and camouflage to avoid predators.

Use a stop-and-go walking pattern:

• Walk 10–20 yards

• Stop

• Listen for scratching, clucks, or movement

• Scan ground, brush gaps, and slopes

Many birds flush moments after you stop moving.

4. Expect Uphill Flushes

Mountain quail escape uphill and into cover, not downhill like valley quail.

Plan for:

• Quick mount and fast shots

• Steeper shooting angles

• Birds that disappear into brush quickly

Position yourself below covey areas whenever possible.

5. Hunt Water in Dry Years

Late summer and early fall:

• Springs

• Seeps

• Creek crossings

• Wet drainages

Coveys concentrate near reliable water sources when conditions are hot and dry.

6. Target Post-Fire Habitat

Burns 1–5 years old often produce high bird numbers due to:

• Increased sunlight

• Regenerating brush

• Insect-rich new growth

Walk ridge edges, brush islands, and new shoots within burn scars.

7. Don’t Give Up After the First Flush

Mountain quail scatter aggressively, but singles and pairs hold exceptionally well.

After the initial flush:

• Sit for 1–2 minutes

• Move slowly into the last known bird locations

• Work circles around the flush zone

Some of the best shooting comes from these follow-up birds.

Hunting Mountain Quail With or Without Dogs

With Pointing Dogs

• Keep dogs close—terrain reduces visibility

• Use GPS or beeper collars in heavy brush

• Expect birds to run before pointing

• Dogs excel at relocating scattered singles

With Flushing Dogs

• Work short, controlled quartering patterns

• Perfect for thick chaparral and brushy slopes

• Great for pushing birds out of nasty cover pockets

Without Dogs

Success is still possible:

• Hunt slowly and rely on sound

• Focus on open edges and transition zones

• Use stop-and-go walking to force birds into range

No-dog mountain quail hunts rely heavily on patience and habitat reading.

Seasonal Strategies

Early Season

• Birds higher on ridges

• Coveys grouped tightly

• More likely to hold

• Best hunting at first and last light

Mid Season

• Coveys begin to break and run more

• Use dogs or slow, methodical still-hunting

• Burns and open ridges produce well

Late Season (weather permitting)

• Birds move lower in elevation

• Thicker cover becomes key

• Heavy snow pushes quail into creek bottoms and sunny slopes

Late-season hunts can be physically tougher but produce mature birds.

Safety Tips in Mountain Terrain

• Watch footing on loose shale and scree

• Avoid overexertion at high elevations

• Stay aware of rapidly changing mountain weather

• Carry navigation tools and emergency items

• Never shoot at sound or movement—visibility is limited

Mountain quail country demands respect.

Tips for Consistent Success

• Hunt edges, not the brush interior

• Move slow and use frequent pauses

• Expect uphill flushes and plan shooting angles

• Use dogs wisely—or still-hunt methodically without them

• Target water, burns, and ridgeline pockets

• Follow up after the first flush—singles hold tight

Mountain quail reward effort, strategy, and patience.

Why Book a Mountain Quail Hunt Through Find A Hunt?

Mountain quail live in steep, remote terrain where scouting, access, and safety matter. Booking through our hunt marketplace provides:

• Access to expert upland guides

• Private-land mountain access

• Trained pointing and flushing dogs

• Opportunity for mixed-bag upland days (ruffed grouse, valley quail, chukar)

• Lodging and multi-day mountain packages

• Easy comparisons of hunt styles and pricing

Guides help new hunters learn terrain, dog handling, and bird behavior faster—while staying safe in the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mountain quail harder to hunt than valley quail?

Yes—terrain is tougher, cover thicker, and birds run more.

What shot size works best?

#6 or #7.5 with an open choke for 15–30 yard shots.

Do mountain quail hold for dogs?

Often—but they also run. Expect relocating points.

How many miles will I walk?

3–8 miles is typical depending on terrain and covey location.

Where do mountain quail live?

Steep, brushy mountain slopes across the West—from California and Oregon to Idaho, Nevada, and parts of Washington.

If you want this tailored to a specific state, region, or outfitter, send the details and I’ll rebuild it accordingly.