SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – California hunters can expect favorable quail and chukar hunting opportunities during the 2026-27 season, according to biologists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The statewide general hunting season for all quail species and chukar opens Oct. 17 and continues through Jan. 31, 2027. Hunters may harvest up to 10 quail per day in any combination of species, while the daily limit for chukar is six birds.
California has three native quail species: mountain, California and Gambel’s quail. At least one species inhabits every region of the state, providing hunting opportunities across a range of habitats.
The state also supports populations of chukar partridge, a species native to Asia and the Middle East. Wildlife officials introduced chukar to California beginning in the 1930s. The birds established populations in steep, rocky terrain extending from the Modoc Plateau south through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley.
California divides quail hunting into three zones. Mountain quail season opened Sept. 12 in Zone 1, followed by mountain and California quail in Zone 2 on Sept. 26. Hunting for all quail species and chukar opens statewide Oct. 17.
CDFW biologists monitor bird populations using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Updated population models incorporating 2025 data indicate that mountain quail and chukar populations declined last year, while California and Gambel’s quail populations increased slightly.
Population trends varied by region. Desert areas experienced declines across all four species. Mountain and California quail populations increased along the North Coast, while the Modoc Plateau recorded increases in quail and chukar populations.
Wildlife officials also collect information directly from hunters to assess breeding success and population health.
During the 2025-26 hunting season, CDFW placed collection barrels at 13 public hunting locations, allowing hunters to donate wings from harvested birds. The department collected 25 mountain quail wings, 504 California quail wings, four Gambel’s quail wings and seven chukar wings from 196 hunters.
Biologists examine the wings to determine the proportion of young birds to adults, helping estimate reproductive success during the previous breeding season.
The findings showed that California quail productivity varied across the state, with higher numbers of young birds reported near the Sutter Buttes and along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada.
However, biologists could not reliably evaluate productivity for the other species because of limited samples.
CDFW biologists also observed quail hatching earlier and later than the typical peak period this summer, which could affect population estimates and hunting conditions.
The department plans to continue collecting wing samples throughout the upcoming season. Wildlife officials use the information to identify areas with stronger bird reproduction and prioritize conservation efforts where populations show lower productivity.
Hunters must possess a valid California hunting license and an upland game bird validation to hunt quail or chukar. Revenue from the validation supports conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and public outreach.
Public hunting opportunities are available at many CDFW wildlife areas and some ecological reserves. The department also offers special quail and chukar hunts throughout the season, along with access to private lands through its Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement, or SHARE, program.
California law requires hunters to use nonlead ammunition when hunting quail, chukar or any other wildlife species with a firearm.
Hunters can find season dates, regulations, special hunt opportunities and licensing information at http://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds.