Got Nature? Blog

Wild Bulletin, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fish and Wildlife: Join the fun this fall and hunt one of Indiana’s gorgeous grassland birds. Quail hunting in Indiana starts on Nov. 10 and requires a Game Bird Habitat Stamp and a general hunting license. These species are present in grasslands across the state, such as Goose Pond FWA and Glendale FWA. There are no equipment restrictions for quail, but we recommend a 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with 6 to 9 shot. Remember to wear your hunter orange!

Some DNR properties may have additional regulations for quail hunting. Check with the property you’re planning to hunt for more details.

General Characteristics:
Northern bobwhites are a ground-dwelling species that only rely on flight on rare occasions. They rely on cryptic plumage color combinations and contrasts that provide excellent camouflage. They are minimally sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. In the case of the Northern bobwhite, males have a white throat and chin, along with a white stripe above the eye extending to the back of the head. Those same areas on a female, are buffy brown in color. Underparts are tawny and white, blending with chestnut and gray. Each breast feather sports a black chevron. Upper parts of the shoulders, back, and rump, are a mixture of warm brown, cream, and shades of black. In Indiana, adult Northern bobwhites weigh an average of 180 grams (~6.5 ounces) and are about 10 inches long from bill tip to tail.

To identify and learn more about this species, please visit DNR: Fish and Wildlife: Northern Bobwhite.

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Resources
Quail Habitat: Putting the Numbers in Perspective – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Bobwhite Quail – Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan – The Education Store
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region – The Education Store
Small Woodlots: Important Rest Stops for Migratory Songbirds – The Education Store
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist
Ask An Expert, Purdue Extension – FNR Playlist

Indiana Department of Natural Resources