Missouri Hunts
Quail Interests
Hunter Interests
Details | AttractionMissouri quail hunting is for those upland bird hunters seeking higher quail than pheasant populations. Missouri's season begins November first and runs through January 15. Eight birds per day. This compares to Kansas with a later closing season the third week of January. Iowa quail season runs through the end of January.
The attraction of Missouri wild quail hunting in addition to finding a good number of coveys is the small to large crop field soft edge Missouri wild quail habitat. This is miles upon miles of edge habitat that allows for much eyes on the dog and singles action after the covey flush. Those with good down wind edge running dogs will find much dog work with mid to long range direct observation. Good sight check back enhances the hunt. having a dog that will run small field circle edges and long running drainages to include branches will save much hunter walking. DistractionUpland bird hunters will find an occasional pheasant in North Missouri above highway 36 and rarely towards the south towards highway 70. When it comes to Missouri it is about quail hunting. So much so we have some Association hunters that hunt only Missouri quail and forego all but the occasional trip to Kansas and then it's for quail hunting as well. Regions in Kansas have equaled Missouri's quail counts are a good number of years. The north central and north west portions of Missouri have had the best recent covey numbers with the south west having good covey counts in isolated areas. Our upland bird forecast from year to year tracking year round population indicators will be a good first step to deciding where to hunt. There is no such thing as the perfect world and while Missouri quail hunts come close while avoiding cactus, snakes, alligators, hash northern cold and intense humid southern heat there are other distractions. One distraction is that Missouri does have turkey and plenty of them. Any good bird dog not disciplined from these monster birds may find them highly attractive and giving of much scent.
Habitat The Cause For SuccessThe Missouri quail hunting terrain is largely smaller fields (as compared to Kansas) compartmentalized into crop areas and pastures separated by many wooded streams, overgrown fence lines and wooded tracts. Southern regions have more wooded areas than up north. In both regions the land gently rolls over small hills and valleys. These areas require a bit more reconnaissance as wood lines often hide that next good field just beyond. Wood edge habitat also makes shooting a significant challenge. In some of these areas a hunter may find plenty of coveys in a day and few bobwhite in the bag due to the difficult to shoot cover. These can be the days that test one's sense of humor.
Private Land LocationsThe Missouri map shows the acreage by county where we lease our private land. All the best quail hunting is within the agricultural region of Missouri where 45 - 55% of the land use is farming. For our quail hunts that farming is mostly on row crop fields of soybean and corn. Wheat and milo may be found on the south west acreage.
As a whole Missouri is good Bobwhite Quail country and easier hunting. The difference between the northern and southern regions are that higher pheasant densities exist in north than the south. So deciding between these two locations depends on what value is placed on working the dogs on pheasants while finding wild quail coveys. We will assist the first year member with where to hunt. Typically, after that first season, most develop favored regions and call us again when wanting recommendations of where to explore new areas. |
