Bird hunting should improve in parts of Texas

Lots of folks are telling me they are having just a few coveys a day however, the primary response when  asked about cover is that it is ‘very heavy’.  I suspect that many of you who hunt in the Texas Big Country are most affected.  You know the birds are there, you saw all the broods in pre-season.

Don’t be discouraged, many folks in the Texas Big Country are experiencing the same thing…….

I agree, the number one issue is heavy cover.  Broomweed is tall and thick.  Because broomweed is a hardy plant with a woody stem, it takes a good pounding for it to lighten up.  The quail have awesome cover because of it.  Broomweed is like an umbrella and when there is a lot of it, they can move about unfettered.  That’s a good thing believe it or not!

In addition to the broomweed, there are abundant amounts of ragweed mixed in.  That’s another good thing.  So basically quail may dine and hide almost anywhere.  The “gentleman’s bird” is less likely to sit tight for the flush.  Bet your birds have been running a bit huh?  Ours too but some of the cover has more native grasses than broomweed thus they hold well there.

Don’t be discouraged.  As I sit here writing, a major ice storm has moved through the Texas Big Country and you can bet that ice does break down broom weed.  No, it won’t be gone but then you don’t want it to be gone.  They need that late winter cover.  It will be easier to see your dog and you will be able to roust more coveys in a day.

For those of us who have been hunting from jeep/atv/horse etc. we have been moving a fair number of coveys per day.  Also, for those who know their quail lease like the back of their hand and are walking, they know exactly where to go and what approach works best for that location.   The more experienced hunters with experienced dogs are having 10 to 20 covey days.

South Texas is absolutely off the scale this year.  I have numerous reports of folks flushing anywhere from 30 to 60 coveys a day!  Wow!  I am due to guide a hunt down south early January so I’ll get to see those numbers this season.

IMHO (in my humble opinion), the best hunting in the Big Country will be after Christmas.  That’s the time to go.  You will see more birds because the cover has broken down a good bit from ice storms and the temps will be cooler thus you’ll be able to work yourself and your dogs a bit harder.

On a parting note regarding the dogs, do yourself a favor and yard work / condition your dog before you go.  There is nothing worse than finally getting into some good hunting and your dog is out of shape and unruly.   Yard work is for life just like oil changes on a car.

Merry Christmas & happy holidays ya’ll.

Dave