California Quail and Chukar Season Will Open October 17
The statewide hunting season for quail and chukar will commence on October 17 and run through January 31, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hunting
Live Poll
Do you plan to participate in quail or chukar hunting this season in your area?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has scheduled the statewide quail and chukar hunting season to open on October 17, 2026. This season will remain open for hunters until the conclusion date of January 31, 2027.
Why it matters
Biologists utilize harvest data and wing samples to evaluate population productivity and age ratios, which directly informs future conservation actions. These efforts help officials manage wildlife sustainability and determine appropriate hunting opportunity levels for the state.
Hunters are permitted a daily bag limit of 10 quail in any species combination and six chukar. Participants must obtain an upland game bird validation and use non-lead ammunition to hunt these species in California.
The players
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
This state agency is responsible for managing California's fish, wildlife, and plant resources for their ecological value and public use.
The details
Hunters support population models by donating wings from harvested birds at collection barrels placed across public lands. This data is combined with North American Breeding Bird Survey results to help officials estimate overall game bird productivity.
Timeline
September 12, 2026: Zone 1 mountain quail hunting season opened.
September 26, 2026: Zone 2 mountain and California quail hunting season opened.
October 17, 2026: Statewide quail and chukar hunting season opens.
January 31, 2027: General quail and chukar hunting season concludes.
Culture Shift
Modern wildlife management increasingly relies on participatory science where hunters directly contribute biological samples to broader ecological surveys. This model reflects a shift toward collaborative conservation, replacing historical top-down management with data-driven engagement that bridges recreation and environmental stewardship.
Hunters planning to participate must ensure they possess the required upland game bird validation before entering the field. Participants are also reminded that state regulations strictly mandate the use of non-lead ammunition for all quail and chukar hunting activities.
The takeaway
Biologists expect a successful season following a recent increase in California and Gambel's quail populations. Hunters can improve future management outcomes by participating in wing collection efforts at designated public land sites.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations on the California Hunting portal.
More information
For full regulatory details, visit the CDFW Upland Game Bird Hunting page.
Live Poll
Do you plan to participate in quail or chukar hunting this season in your area?
