California Wildlife Officials Predict Promising 2024-25 Hunting Season for Quail and Chukar

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is predicting a strong hunting season for quail and chukar in 2024-25, thanks to favorable environmental conditions following a year of above-average rainfall. The statewide hunting season for both species opens Saturday, October 19, and runs through January 26, 2025.
Hunters can take up to 10 quail per day in any combination of species and up to six chukar per day. The season for mountain quail in Zone 1 has been open since September 14, while Zone 2 opened for both mountain and California quail on September 28.
Beginning October 19, hunters in Zones 1 and 3 will be able to hunt all species of quail across the state. The CDFW encourages hunters to check for any wildfire-related or other closures before heading out. Southern California is located within Zone 3.

Recent rainfall patterns have contributed to favorable conditions for quail and chukar populations. Both species rely heavily on healthy insect populations to feed their young, and adequate rainfall supports this food source.
The rain also promotes the growth of plants that comprise a significant part of their diet, including lupine, clover, and chickweed. However, early spring rains can sometimes cause chick mortality if weather conditions are too harsh.
The CDFW is also expanding its wing collection program this year, deploying more than 30 barrels on managed lands to collect game bird wings. This data provides important demographic information on quail and chukar populations and helps the agency monitor productivity.
In addition to a valid California hunting license, hunters must obtain an upland game bird validation, which supports conservation efforts. The CDFW sells over 130,000 of these validations annually, with funds for habitat conservation, hunting opportunities, and outreach programs. Collectible stamps are also available for those who purchase a validation.
Background on Quail and Chukar in California
California is home to three species of quail: California quail, mountain quail, and Gambel’s quail. California quail are the most widespread and are found throughout the state in various habitats. Mountain quail prefer higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges, while Gambel’s quail are primarily found in the deserts of southeastern California.

Chukar, a non-native species, were introduced to California in the 1930s and have since established populations in the remote, arid mountain ranges along the eastern side of the state. Their preferred habitat includes rocky, steep slopes that closely resemble the terrain of their native range in Asia and the Middle East.
For more information on hunting regulations and locations, hunters can visit the CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Hunting webpage.