Mountain and Valley Quail Hunting in California
Description
California is home to a wide variety of game birds. At Trinity Fork Outfitters we target mountain quail, valley (California) quail, sooty grouse, ruffed grouse, and band-tailed pigeons. Doves can also be found incidental to hunting other species. We have permits to operate on thousands of acres of incredible upland habitat. We are working on adding chukar and Gambel's quail properties to the list.
All of our upland bird hunts are over pointing dogs that are also trained to retrieve.
Mountain Quail
If we had to choose one upland bird to hunt the rest of our life, it would have to be the mountain quail. If it wasn't for the beautiful landscapes they call home, they win the award for craftiness and excellent table fare. As the name implies, these are the birds of the mountains. The mountain quail loves brush choked hillsides next to water. It's common to find mountain quail in the vicinity of sooty grouse, ruffed grouse, band-tailed pigeon, and squirrel, depending on the part of the state. We also find valley quail in the same spots as mountain quail in some lower elevation locations. The season starts early, runs late, and bag limits are generous. There is no place better than California to chase mountain quail.
2022-23 Q1 General Season: September 10 – January 29
Daily Bag Limit: 10 combined quail
Valley (California) Quail
It's true the valley quail inhabit lower elevation valleys of California. They also can be found higher in altitude in the foothills and beyond. Think of briars and thick brush pockets intermixed with grassy openings. During optimal wet years the valley quail hatches can be insane. When cooperative they can hold tight for dogs and explode like bullets out of the briars. Can be effectively combined with mountain quail, squirrel, dove, and rabbit hunting.
2022-23 General Season: October 15 – January 29
Daily Bag Limit: 10 combined quail
What to Expect
What's included:
• A knowledgeable and experienced guide.
• Transportation from a pre-arranged meeting location to the field where we will begin our hunt.
• Lunch for paid days of the hunt - usually simple foods and snacks, such as, sandwiches, jerky, salami, pepperoni sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, trail mix, candy bars, and prepared freeze-dried meals. Please let us know of any allergies or preferences.
• Breakfast and dinner if we provide lodging accommodations.
• Lodging for paid nights – sleeping arrangements will vary by target species. Everything from tents, travel trailers, to cabins.
• Field care (plucking and gutting).
What's not included:
• Hunting license and applicable stamps/validations.
• Personnel items, backpack, and clothing. We will help you plan and prepare for the hunt and what to bring to stay comfortable. If you do need something let us know and we can usually work with you.
• Weapon and ammunition. Practice with your method of take.
• Alcohol or tobacco products – no alcohol may be consumed before or while hunting.
• Lodging and meals for before and after the hunt dates.
• Transportation to the pre-arranged meeting location.
• Storage, butchering and processing of game beyond the basic field care. It can be hot, have a plan in place for game after your trip.
• Taxidermy services.
Gear & Equipment
Detailed gear list will be given to guest(s) before the hunt.
Weapon Details
Shotgun, archery, and pellet gun.
Pricing Details
Rate chart for Mountain and Valley Quail hunting is below. Price includes food and accommodations. These are some common trip lengths, as we offer trips of nearly any duration.
Rates are per person.
For combination hunts you should have a focus species in mind. The rate is the price for the species that cost the most to hunt. Squirrel, other upland birds, and predators are all the same price.
Camp/Accommodations
Depends on guest(s) preferences.
Permit & Tag Application Process
All hunters must have a valid hunting license and upland game bird stamp.