California quail and chukar hunting season opens with high expectations

(FOX40.COM) –The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced high expectations for the upcoming hunting season with an above-average abundance of quail and chukar.
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“Get your boots and bird dogs ready,” CDFW said.

California has three native species of quail: mountain, California, and Gambel’s quail, according to CDFW. At least one quail species can be found in every part of the state, offering close-to-home hunting opportunities for Californians, no matter where they live.

The state also hosts chukar partridge populations that are native to the steppe regions of Asia and the Middle East. CDFW said Chukar were introduced into California in the 1930s and took hold in areas that most closely resembled their native lands – the steep, rocky terrain in the Modoc Plateau south into the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.

Rainfall is important for quail and chukar populations. It supports the insect populations critical for chicks and the growth of lupine, clover, chickweed, filaree and fiddleneck, plants common in quail and chukar diets. The winter of 2024-25 was drier than normal but followed two wet winters so quail and chukar should have experienced an above-average nesting season this year, according to CDFW.

California is divided into three quail hunt zones. For the general hunt seasons, Zone 1 opened for mountain quail Sept.13. Zone 2 opens for both mountain and California quail on Sept. 27. On Oct. 18, all quail species and chukar are open to hunting statewide, according to CDFW. The season runs through Jan. 25, 2026.

Hunters may take up to 10 quail per day in any species combination. Chukar harvest is limited to six birds a day. The possession limit is triple the daily bag limit for both quail and chukar. In addition to a valid California hunting license, an Upland Game Bird Validation is required for hunting quail and chukar in California. Only non-lead ammunition may be used when hunting quail, chukar or any other species with a firearm in California.

No Upland Game Bird Validation is needed for youth with a Junior Hunting License, according to CDFW. The money generated from the sale of upland game bird validations/stamps is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach.

For more information on hunting seasons and other regulations, visit ca.gov.