Shownotes
Where should you chase quail in 2026? Quail Forever Journal editor Ryan Sparks joins On the Wing to break down QF’s 2026 Quail Hunting Forecast species by species, revealing where habitat, rainfall, and bird numbers are lining up for a productive season.
The conversation starts with bobwhite quail, including standout opportunities in Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Georgia, Mississippi, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Sparks explains why hunters should look beyond state lines and focus on interconnected habitat, precipitation, winter survival, and the positive benefits of prescribed fire.
From there, the forecast moves to mountain quail in Washington, Oregon, and California, valley quail in California, Montezuma quail in Arizona and New Mexico, and Gambel's and scaled quail across the desert Southwest.
You'll also get practical quail hunting tips for finding birds when conditions are tough, from identifying water sources and recent burns to locating productive habitat and asking landowners for access. Sparks shares a simple scouting strategy that can turn one permission request into thousands of acres of hunting ground.
Follow the show for weekly conversations about hunting, conservation, bird dogs, and upland birds.
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