California Quail

[the rifleman]

Almost daily I see California Quail running around my property. Some of the bigger birds look like they might be worth harvesting for a meal. I have never eaten Quail before, and have no idea what they are like for table fair. Anyone eat one yet?

Are they worth taking a poke at? How many would one need, per person, for a decent feed.

Think a .410 is the best bet, or a try for head shot with a .22?

[Cariboo]

Tasty little guys but it would take a half-dozen to make a meal for a couple of people.

[AlexB]

They are tiny once you get the feathers off. You would probably need 3-4 per person.

Using a .22 is illegal for quail. Only shot guns allowed.

Alex

[DLM]

COOL QUAIL FACTS
Believe it or not in some countries quail meat and eggs are believed to have special healing properties. Quail farming history received its start when a Japanese Emperor believed he was cured of his consumption (Tuberculosis) after eating a large quantity of quail meat.

In Romania many people believe that eating quail can improve your body in many ways. For instance they say that Quail meat improves the function of your heart, it can stabilize kidney and liver disease. Others in this country go on to say that the meat from quails can help your digestion to such an extent that it can heal ulcers!

Still other cultures consume large amounts of quail meat and eggs because they believe that the qualities of this food can improve and refresh the mind as well as hasten the growth of children and fortify weakened immune systems.

Perhaps one of the most interesting and versatile beliefs is that eating large amounts of quail eggs will not only improve your nerves, but it will also stimulate sexual potential.

[nameless]

yup tasty little gaffers, usually 2-4 birds will do. more of a treat than a stuff your face buffet. enjoy! my first kill for the pan was a quail, 2 beautiful nuggets for a 10 year old, dad let me clean and cook it myself.

[BCHunter]

i'd go .22 if you cant too close to them

[SX2]

Sounds like it might be fun for a dog and a 28 ga. what are the rules for a non resident Canadian?. And, God Bless Sydney Crosby!.

[Fisher-Dude]

Originally Posted by BCHunter

i'd go .22 if you cant too close to them

No can do. You can only use a 22 for grouse, ptarmigan, or turkey (except for turkey "shotgun only" fall seasons). Pheasants, doves and quail must be hunted with a shotgun.

I've noticed some flocks of quail at very high elevations lately (5500 ft). Anyone else seeing this? I'd never seen any above 3000 ft in the previous 40 years!

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Fisher-Dude

No can do. You can only use a 22 for grouse, ptarmigan, or turkey (except for turkey "shotgun only" fall seasons). Pheasants, doves and quail must be hunted with a shotgun.

I've noticed some flocks of quail at very high elevations lately (5500 ft). Anyone else seeing this? I'd never seen any above 3000 ft in the previous 40 years!

I have seen one at about 4800 ft (according to Google earth). Saw the little bugger on the irrigation ditch road, just past the snowmobile cabin, above the burn that took out the KVR tressles.

I stopped the truck to snipe it with the .22 Standing on the edge of the road I thought it was a grouse, looking through the scope I realized it was a male quail. I too was actually shocked to see it as it was the only quail I have seen outside of the City limits.

Alex

[Fisher-Dude]

Originally Posted by AlexB

I have seen one at about 4800 ft (according to Google earth). Saw the little bugger on the irrigation ditch road, just past the snowmobile cabin, above the burn that took out the KVR tressles.

I stopped the truck to snipe it with the .22 Standing on the edge of the road I thought it was a grouse, looking through the scope I realized it was a male quail. I too was actually shocked to see it as it was the only quail I have seen outside of the City limits.

Alex

I saw about 30 of 'em last summer while going fishing up by Cameo. I thought they were young grouse when I first spotted them. Surprising!

[Flinch]

I saw a few on Greyback road a few years back....right near the base of Canyon Lk Rd. I was very surprised. Also jumped some while grouse hunting off Bear years ago, but not as high as Cameo. I didn't think they could handle the winters, and I don't believe they can. They must be flocks that disperse from the valley, but I don't think they will ever establish themselves.

[MD]

My cousin has some on his farm near Keremeos but won't let me shoot there because he doesn't want to alarm the folks on the farm next door. He's got pheasants too the bugger!

[Fisher-Dude]

Mmmmmmm, pheasants! IMO, the best eating bird on the planet! Too bad there are few (or no) places to hunt them around my neck of the woods anymore. My dad used to bring home a couple a day in the fall - he would take his shotgun to work and pop them on his lunch break!

[Flinch]

Hunted Quail in a spot Alex B put me onto (Sieze Her) for years, until it was developed and hunting was prohibited. The occasional Pheasant also wandered through, but they were pretty cagey and I never managed to bring one home.

That seems to be the sad storry of much of the bird hunting in the Okanagan; private land with access denied.

[Fisher-Dude]

Originally Posted by Flinch

Hunted Quail in a spot Alex B put me onto (Sieze Her) for years, until it was developed and hunting was prohibited. The occasional Pheasant also wandered through, but they were pretty cagey and I never managed to bring one home.

That seems to be the sad storry of much of the bird hunting in the Okanagan; private land with access denied.

I'm pretty sure Hilbaloney showed me that spot when we were trolling on Okanagan Lk one day. Never did make it over there for a shoot.