Western Oklahoma is a stronghold for quail habitat and hunting opportunity, including on Department-owned or managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). For some insightful reading, take a look at the following field reports from biologists with the Wildlife Department on hunting success and activity on WMAs across the western regions of the state. Then, for more information on public hunting land in western Oklahoma, check out wildlifedepartment.com.
Panhandle - Early Saturday was the best hunting. Cool temperatures and higher humidity early led to more birds harvested than later in the afternoon when temperatures soared into the 60s. Sunday the hunting was slower. Opening day, hunters averaged 3-6 birds harvested/hunter and moved around 3-4 coveys. Last year was a better opening weekend; however, cooler temperatures and precipitation prior to hunting season helped contribute to a higher success. A higher number of hunters and lower number of birds harvested than last year gave a modest opener in this zone.
Northwest - Saturday morning was the most productive in this area as well. Hunters were averaging 3-4 coveys moved and about 2 birds per hunter harvested. Hunter numbers were higher and the harvest was lower than last year. Cooler weather and moisture may help hunters find birds, but the opener was slower this year than last in this zone
Southwest - Hunter success was variable across this region, ranging from 0-6 or more coveys moved per day. Dry conditions led to poor scenting and inability for dogs to find singles. Some areas reported small covey sizes. Saturday morning was the best of the opener. Higher Hunter turnout than the previous year with fair harvest led to a fair to modest opener in this zone this year.