OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Oklahoma Wildlife Department (ODWC) has kicked off the start of Quail season with Oklahomans continuing to gear up for a popular pastime. ODWC officials say, two species of quail can be found in Oklahoma—the statewide northern bobwhite’s and the scaled quail which is restricted to the western edge, including the panhandle. Both species are ground-dwellers, primarily foraging on seeds and insects. Bobwhite quail, credit Dr. Jennifer D. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo. Advance Auto Parts to close more than 700 locations In the latest report released by ODWC, the August 2024 Quail Roadside Survey highlighted the Habitat and Weather El Niño is believed to have helped drive the boom for Bobwhite numbers which are the best since 2016. The report revealed, the statewide quail index up substantially over 2023 climbing from 2.23 to 6.52 quail per route (q/r) which is 28.8% above the 35-year average of 5.06q/r (Table 1 & Figure 2), and 92.3% above the 10-year average of 3.39q/r. Age structure of observed quail shows 54.2% full grown, 38.3% ¾ grown, 6.8% ½ grown, and 0.8% ¼ grown birds. This age structure indicates successful early broods with additional nesting throughout the summer. ODWC says, this year they are seeing the statewide average up by about 48% over2023. Here are your Quail (BOBWHITE & SCALED) Regulations: License Requirements- Residents & Nonresidents: An appropriate hunting license (see Licenses & Permits) or proof of exemption. However, a 5-day nonresident hunting license is not valid for quail hunting. Quail Dates & Open Areas: Date: Nov 9, 2024 - Feb 15, 2025 Location: Statewide Daily Limit 10 daily, 20 in possession after the first day For more information click about Quail hunting in Oklahoma click here. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts near its records as its momentum slows Read full ODWC 2024 memo's: August Roadside Report Quail Regulations Quail Season Outlook