Anybody hunt the walkin areas in SW Kansas--any quail???

Riverman

Riverman

Member
I'm not looking for specific spots, just a general impression of all the walkin areas of SW Kansas. I usually go to Arizona each January to hunt quail, but the millenial drought has decimated quail in that state. Last year I got 5 quail in 8 days of hunting at three different areas in AZ, but I did get 2 Mearn's quail which was probably better than most everyone else!! I've killed enough pheasants this year so would really like to focus on quail. I saw some information on Quail Forever that suggested SW Kansas might be pretty good this year. I'm not sure that makes sense since I'm pretty sure drought has affected that area as well. But figured I'd check with folks to see if anybody has any luck? Was thinking of basing out of Ulysses for a couple of days. Any suggestions for good motel or restaurant would be also be nice. I will probably be going regardless of if it is bad or good, but just thought I would set my expecations. It will be the last hunt of the year so getting out is more important than filling the bag. I have a great dog, so that is a positive in my bird-finding bag of tricks! Thanks--I hope everyone's season is ending on a good note!
 
Sounds like you are committed... Both to coming regardless and to putting in some miles behind your dog in the field.

I can assure you, parts of Southwest Kansas have seen improved quail numbers, and even with poor shooting, finding/bagging more than 5 quail in any day you hunt is achievable.

Southwest of Ulysses is the Cimmaron National Grasslands. I've never hunted there personally, but a friend of mine hunted this year and moved several covies of bobs in December. Enough that he is willing to drive ~6 hours one way to hunt there again before the season ends.

Hope you enjoy Mexican food when you get to Ulysses. The Wagon Wheel is open 8-2 Monday through Friday and serves super Friday only. It's a few miles east of Ulysses. I've never been, but hear it's good.
 
The hunting on the public land will inevitably be tougher, oftentimes much more so, than the nearby private stuff. That said, there are certainly quail (and pheasants) to be had. Pretty good numbers in places. Don’t expect an easy hunt, but if you put in the miles and effort, you will find birds.

Don’t be afraid to knock on some doors. Especially this time of year, it’s not too hard to get on some private ground to hunt.
 
Thanks guys!! Just what I was looking for. I was planning to come regardless so this just helps me plan for the number of shells to bring!:) I’m in Salt Lake City, so I have to drive for good bird hunting every time I go. I have never hunted that part of Kansas so I’m looking forward to it. I really don’t want to shoot pheasants— this will be part of a longer road trip and I won’t have much room for a bunch of pheasants. I can only eat a few pheasants during the trip but could eat a few quail each day. It’s gonna test my, and my dog’s, willpower if I start flushing a bunch of cacklers! Hard to let those big dudes fly away …
 
I hunted around that area end of last season. There were definitely quail to be had. We stayed in Johnson where there were 2 good restaurants(can’t remember their names). Mexican restaurant on one side of the street and a good farm to table on the other side. Farm to table has a good breakfast, but closed on Sundays.
 
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