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These animals are one of the primary small game species hunted
in Arizona. Hunting small game requires only a valid Arizona
regular hunting or combination hunting/fishing license. A U.S.
Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forests map is a handy tool.
 Description:
Gambel's Quail:
Familiar to most Arizonans, the Gambel's quail is the state's
most popular small gamebird species. Mostly associated with
mesquite, Gambel's quail inhabit Arizona from the northwest to
the southeast corners below 6,000 feet in elevation. Other
plants associated with this top-knotted bird are saguaro,
prickly pear, jojoba, scrub oak, catclaw acacia, and
brittlebush.
Habitat: Grassland and desert
shrub.
Food Preferences: Tree and shrub buds,
green weeds, insects, mesquite beans, mustards, miscel seeds,
and cacti fruit in season.
Breeding notes: Breed
April through June with an average clutch of 9-15 chicks. Young
appear May - July.
Predators or Enemies: Hawks,
foxes, ants, skunks, house cats, rodents, and snakes.
Size Individual Range: 60-160 acres
Distribution: 90 - 5,500 feet in southern and western
Arizona.
Live Weight: 5-7 oz.
Hunting
hints:
Usually find quail concentrations within one mile of permanent
water. Be prepared for extensive walking to get your limit. Listen
for their distinctive call to determine their presence.
 Information courtesy Arizona Game & Fish
Department, Region 1-Pinetop,AZ
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