by John Jefferson

Last week, one of the most heralded authors in history was frequently quoted.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is often repeated every December. And many are tired of the trite parodies that people continue to make up based on the famous work.

If Mr. Dickens were writing about quail hunting in Texas right now, would he have termed this “The Best of Times”? (That’s the way he began his other most famous work — “A Tale of Two Cities”.)

To some, perhaps. But let’s face it; after about 2015, Texas Quail hunting had tanked.

And compared to the years following that last good year of profuse coveys of the little sporting game bird, almost any successful quail hunt would be celebrated.

Quail became rare due to the droughts.

Last season showed some improvement. With a good carryover of birds from 2023, many hunters are having successful hunts this season.

It’s been good, but hardly the best.

To me, the premier quail hunting occurred during the mid-sixties. While driving Highway 755 from Brooks County to Rio Grande City, we hit so many bobwhites we had trouble keeping the windshield clean.

I told the driver we could hang a fishnet out the window and catch a limit!

It was crazy!

And there’s been nothing like that since.

So, enjoy it while you can. Quail weather is the most fickle of all.

But the next inevitable drought may not be the only threat. Charles Dickens, quoted above, added to the opening of his two cities tale by saying it was also “The Worst of Times.”

TPWD has released a general warning about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).

It indicated that so far it was only detected in Southeast Texas among waterfowl.

But waterfowl moves around. Ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and other coastal birds are found throughout Texas — anywhere there’s a water source.

And so are doves and quail.

I’m not trying to start a panic, but until science tells us either that bird flu is not a serious threat — or won’t be a threat — to native game bird populations, I think it bears watching.

Avian influenza is not new. It’s struck before. And the sky didn’t fall.

I hope it stays above earth this go-round, too.

TPWD’s release cautioned against handling game birds bare-handed, and properly disposing of carcasses.

Unless quail or waterfowl hunters tote their barbecue tongs while hunting, they’re probably going to touch dead birds.

At least most I know hope to. If you do, refraining from touching one’s face until after applying soap and hot water to hands is wise.

Considering my bird flu ignorance, I called several experts on its danger to wild quail.

Reaching one during Christmas week understandably proved similar to trying to take the temperature of a rising bobwhite covey.

If readers are concerned, ask a local veterinarian.

Quail season for bobwhites, scaled, and Gambel’s quail runs through February 23. The daily bag limit is fifteen.

See the Outdoor Annual for waterfowl seasons.

JJ