Airbusdriver Report post Posted January 2, 2012 Was out in the desert near Florence shooting with my two boys today. On the way out, we took a little trek north on the desert road and saw a covey of quail crossing the road. They appeared to be grey-ish in color; after looking at the AZGFD Rules book, I am guessing they were Gambel's, and it looks like they're in season. Is there a big distinction between the various species of AZ quail? Are they good eating? I had a fresh 2012 combo license in my wallet and was considering taking them, but wasn't sure. Any input would be appreciated. My experience hunting birds in AZ is nil. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azslim Report post Posted January 2, 2012 They taste horrible, if you shoot any I will take them off your hands and bury them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
POB Report post Posted January 2, 2012 First off, good going on checking the regs first. 1st class. secondly NO they taste terrible. Kill as many as allowed and I'll take them off your hands. Have fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Airbusdriver Report post Posted January 2, 2012 First off, good going on checking the regs first. 1st class. secondly NO they taste terrible. Kill as many as allowed and I'll take them off your hands. Have fun. OK...I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. Are you guys serious about them tasting terrible? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted January 2, 2012 First off, good going on checking the regs first. 1st class. secondly NO they taste terrible. Kill as many as allowed and I'll take them off your hands. Have fun. OK...I know I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. Are you guys serious about them tasting terrible? Well if you fillet what little breast meat they have, wrap it in bacon with a toothpick in the middle to hold the bacon on, place them in a zip lock bag with a 12 ounce mountain dew for 24 hrs and grill them on the bbq grill,,,,, they're not to bad. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billrquimby Report post Posted January 2, 2012 All three types of quail in Arizona taste wonderful. I bread and flour the breasts, then simply fry them with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. The meat is white and delicious. Wish I could say the same about doves and waterfowl. Ugh! Bill Quimby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted January 2, 2012 Tastes like chicken Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billrquimby Report post Posted January 2, 2012 Better than chicken by a whole bunch. Bill Quimby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted January 2, 2012 quail are great to eat!! The quail species in AZ are pretty distinctive, but spend some time looking at photos of them to be sure you know what you are shooting. The gambel's quail are the most common and generally found in desert areas. Scaled quail are most often found in flat grasslands. The Mearn's quail are found in oak/grasslands and sometimes up in the pine country. Each quail behaves differently when approached too. The gambels flush fairly easily. The scaled quail like to run on the ground to get away. The Mearn's quail hold tight and explode from under your feet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest akaspecials Report post Posted January 3, 2012 Quail are delicious if you care for them properly. (ie don't leave them in the sun or the back of your truck all day). I usually coat them in cornmeal with Lawry's seasoning salt and fry em in a 1/4 inch of oil. If you over or under cook them, they aren't that great. It'll probably take you a few birds to get it just right. Also, a lot of people eat the breast and discard the legs, but the legs are my favorite part! Just don't overcook them! Also, when you shoot them mentally make a landmark of where they went down and where you shot them from. I've looked for those birds for 15+ minutes only to find them within 5 feet of where I started looking! They are really tough birds too, so don't try to shoot them from a long ways away (over 40 or 50 yards), cause they will get wounded and hide and you will never find em! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akanon Report post Posted January 3, 2012 Since AZ is a tough draw state, we used to have a ‘quail camp’ every year. Here is a sure fire plan for tasty quail: 1. Shoot them with a bow if you can. This will impress your friends, get you out of cleaning duty and grants you the first beer upon returning to camp. 2. Breast the birds carefully, there’s not much to begin with. 3. Make a breading consisting of smashed up Cheeze-Its. Some of the smashing will be done for you depending on the drive in. Put the smashed up Cheeze-Its in a large ziplock. 4. Place the breasts in the bag and shake vigorously. 5. Fry the breaded breasts in butter over some good coals. This recipe isn’t very healthy, but it’s hard to beat Cheeze-Its and butter. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThomC Report post Posted January 3, 2012 They taste gamey, but if you post exactly here you saw them you wont have to worry about them bothering you again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kninebirddog Report post Posted January 3, 2012 They stink when cleaning but once celaned taste better then chicken Biggest thing do not over cook,,,like chicken once the meat turns white in color it is cooked Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Rabbit Report post Posted January 3, 2012 I like the breasts wrapped with bacon that has been lined with green chilis, and then grilled. Sometimes it's tough sharing with Rica the fruits of her labor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Sniper Report post Posted January 3, 2012 Are quail tasty??? YES!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
