This past weekend, while hunting Coues deer near Patagonia, Arizona I found myself in the heart of Mearns quail country, a landscape I’ve come to know well over the last 30 years. I took the opportunity to hike over 23 miles through prime habitat, eager to see how the bird populations were holding up this season. To my disappointment, I didn’t see a single quail. Deer quality and numbers low as well.
This isn’t just a bad day in the field—it’s a troubling sign. Mearns quail numbers are known to fluctuate with seasonal rains, and after the inconsistent monsoons of recent years, populations are already low in many areas. While there are pockets of birds to be found, my observations this weekend confirmed that in some places, coveys are on the brink.
Why Conservation Matters Now More Than Ever
When numbers are this low, every decision we make in the field matters. Wiping out a small covey—just 4 or 5 birds—can be the catalyst for a catastrophic decline in an area that’s already struggling. Once a covey is gone, it takes years, even decades, for the population to recover, if it recovers at all.
As hunters, we have the privilege of enjoying this incredible resource, but with that privilege comes responsibility. This is a time to exercise self-control and adopt a more conservative approach. When you find a small covey, consider leaving it alone entirely. Let those birds regroup, breed, and hopefully rebuild their numbers for future seasons.
Pockets of Birds Exist
To be clear, not all areas are devoid of Mearns quail. I’ve heard reports of decent coveys in isolated pockets, where habitat conditions were more favorable this year. These birds are a testament to nature’s resilience, but they’re also fragile, and overhunting in these areas could lead to further declines.
A Call for Self-Restraint
If you’re lucky enough to find birds this season, I urge you to hunt thoughtfully. Limit your take and always leave enough for the covey to survive and thrive. Consider it an investment in the future of our sport and a way to honor the tradition of upland hunting.
Conservation isn’t just the responsibility of agencies and organizations—it’s up to each of us to ensure the survival of these birds. Self-restraint in the field today means the joy of hearing a covey rise tomorrow.
A Shared Responsibility
My 23-mile trek without spotting a single bird was a stark reminder of how fragile these populations are. As hunters, it’s easy to focus on the excitement of the chase and the reward of a full game vest, but we must also consider the broader impact of our actions.
Let’s lead by example and show that hunters are stewards of the land and wildlife. Respect the land, leave small coveys alone, and do your part to conserve Mearns quail for the generations to come.
Keith Rogers ~ Bear Dog Farm
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