Author: Keith Rogers - Bear Dog Farm and Arizona Upland Enthusiast
Quail hunting in Arizona’s rugged terrain with a gun dog is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it comes with its challenges—chief among them are the unpredictable scenting conditions and the notorious running nature of Gambel’s and scaled quail. Over the years, I’ve learned that understanding the interplay of scent and bird behavior can turn a frustrating day into a successful one.
The Role of Scenting Conditions
Scenting conditions are critical in quail hunting. They influence how effectively your dog can locate, track, and pin birds. In Arizona, the arid climate adds an extra layer of difficulty, as dry air and sandy soil tend to dissipate scent quickly.
One morning in the Sonoran Desert, I was hunting Gambel’s quail with Pete, my English setter. The conditions were challenging: dry air, warm temperatures, and barely a breeze. Pete is usually solid on a point, but he struggled to hold the covey. That day, I realized just how much low humidity impacts scent dispersion.
Contrast that with a cool, overcast morning in southeastern Arizona. I was hunting scaled quail with Jade, my German shorthaired pointer. The recent rain had left the soil damp, and the birds’ scent lingered longer. Jade locked on points with precision, and her confident demeanor made it clear that the moisture was helping her scent work.
In Arizona, you have to adjust your approach based on the conditions. On dry, breezy days, I rely more on my dogs’ experience and instincts. On damp mornings, I give them the freedom to work confidently, knowing the conditions are in their favor.
Humidity, Dew Point, and Their Impact on Scent
Humidity and dew point are two critical factors that play a significant role in how long a bird’s scent lingers in the environment. Arizona is notorious for its low humidity, but even small shifts can dramatically affect scenting conditions.
Humidity in Arizona’s Upland Terrain
During the driest months, when relative humidity levels drop below 20%, scent particles from a bird evaporate quickly. On a hunt near Phoenix during such conditions, Pete worked a scattered covey of Gambel’s quail but struggled to pick up the trail once the birds moved out of his immediate range. The lack of moisture in the air and soil made it nearly impossible for him to track effectively.
However, during the monsoon season, when humidity levels rise to 40% or more, dogs seem to find and hold birds more easily. In late summer, I hunted scaled quail near Patagonia after an evening storm. The increased humidity helped Jade locate and pin running birds, as the moisture kept scent particles intact longer on vegetation and soil.
The Role of Dew Point
Dew point, which measures the temperature at which water vapor condenses, is another factor to consider. In cooler conditions when dew forms overnight, quail leave a stronger scent trail in the mornings. One crisp November morning near Globe, Pete’s performance was stellar. The dew on the creosote bushes and grass amplified the scent of Gambel’s quail, allowing him to point with pinpoint accuracy.
As the day warmed and the dew evaporated, the scenting conditions became noticeably tougher. By late morning, Pete’s ability to hold the scent diminished, and we had to rely more on visual cues and careful terrain reading.
How to Adjust Your Hunt for Humidity and Dew Point
• Focus on Early Morning and Late Afternoon Hunts: Scenting conditions are best when dew is present or when the air is more humid. Avoid the heat of midday, when the arid environment dries everything out.
• Hunt After Rains or Cooler Weather: Recent rain not only increases moisture levels in the air but also dampens the ground, which helps hold scent longer. These are prime conditions to give your dog an edge.
• Adjust Your Dog’s Work Pace: In low-humidity conditions, work your dog slower and closer to ensure they stay within range of the dissipating scent trail.
Understanding Running Quail
Both Gambel’s and scaled quail are notorious for running. These birds don’t always flush when pressured; instead, they’ll sprint through desert scrub, using thick cover to evade dogs and hunters.
One memorable hunt near the Catalina Foothills stands out. A covey of Gambel’s had flushed into a wash thick with mesquite and prickly pear. Pete got birdy, but every time he closed in, the birds moved further ahead. I could almost see them darting through the scrub like little ghosts, leaving both of us frustrated.
Scaled quail, or “blues,” are even worse. In the flats near Willcox, I’ve watched them outpace Jade with ease, using the sparse cover of creosote bushes to their advantage. They seem to have an uncanny ability to sense your position and adjust their escape route accordingly.
Strategies for Controlling Running Quail
Over the years, I’ve developed a few strategies to handle these running birds. Here are the techniques that consistently work for me in Arizona.
1. Use the Wind to Your Advantage
Position yourself and your dog so the wind carries scent toward them. This not only helps your dog maintain the scent trail but also minimizes the chance of birds catching your scent. On a hunt near Sierra Vista, the wind shifted constantly, forcing me to adjust Pete’s working pattern frequently. Short, deliberate loops allowed him to reacquire the trail without overshooting the birds.
2. Slow Down and Let the Birds Settle
When a covey of Gambel’s flushes and scatters, resist the urge to chase them immediately. Running birds will eventually stop if they feel they’ve gained enough distance. On a hunt near Tonto Basin, Jade and I paused for ten minutes after a flush. Sure enough, the birds held tight in the shade of some palo verde trees, giving her the opportunity to point and hold them.
3. Anticipate and Cut Them Off
Running quail often move toward thicker cover or the nearest escape route. By reading the terrain, you can position yourself to intercept them. One day in the foothills near Sierra Vista, a covey of scaled quail kept heading for a cluster of boulders. I swung wide to cut them off, and when the birds flushed, they flew directly into range.
4. Keep Your Dog Close
Running quail make it tempting to let your dog range far ahead, but keeping them within 30 yards ensures you can react quickly if the covey flushes wild. During a hunt near Yuma, Pete got too far ahead in a dry wash, and by the time I reached him, the birds were long gone. Now, I’m more disciplined about using voice and whistle commands to maintain closer control.
5. Employ Teamwork
If you have multiple dogs, leverage their strengths. On a recent hot windy day, Jade held a point while Pete worked the edges to relocate a scattered covey. The combination of Jade’s steady pointing and Pete’s tracking kept the birds in range.
Closing Thoughts
Hunting Gambel’s and scaled quail in Arizona is never boring. Between the challenging scenting conditions and the evasive nature of these birds, every hunt is a learning experience. But with patience, strategy, and a good dog by your side, success is always within reach.
Watching Pete and Jade work through the desert, adapting to the conditions and outsmarting these elusive birds, reminds me why I keep coming back. It’s not just about filling the bag—it’s about the bond with your dog and the thrill of the hunt. Next time you hit the Arizona uplands, trust your dog, read the conditions, and stay one step ahead of those running quail. They won’t know what hit them.
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