Although not a large wildfowl, it gives great satisfaction: the quail is one of the favorite prey to hunt with dogs as well as one of the ideal wildfowl if you are a beginner so as to become acquainted therewith. This doesn't mean it should be underestimated, as even novice hunters can aim at it, quite the opposite! Endowed with remarkable shrewdness and cunning, a quail can put you to the test as much as some more “renowned” wildwofl such as the pheasant and the woodcock. How can it be? Its delicate consitution, its hardly detectable scent along with the pitfalls of chasing after it shall try your skills and your pointing dog.
Just the latter, with its nose, has to stalk and hunt down it among the grass on heavy and dry ground, bearing in mind that a quail can easily hide and flee in a jiffy. Let your pointing dog do its job, don’t put it under pressure, because the wildfowl will only take off, if it doesn't find a grassy shelter to slip into. Compared to other types of hunting with the auxiliary, the collaboration between dog and hunter is easier. However, it remains essential not to underestimate the circumstances and not to get caught off guard missing the chance and the wildfowl!
Steadfastness, calm and a suited shotgun are the other essential ingredients for quail hunting. This is the reason why we have drawn the table below displaying different matchings of parts to improve your shooting and avoid failing the hit.
| Hunting technique | Gauge | Barrel length | Self-loading shotgun | Over and under / Side-by-side shotgun | Shotshell G. | Lead shots Nr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointing dog | 12 | 66 | Paradox / ***** / **** | ***** / *** | 28 / 30 | 11 / 10 |
| Pointing dog | 20 | 66 | Paradox / ***** / **** | ***** / *** | 21 / 25 | 11 / 10 |
| Pointing dog | 28 | 66 | ***** / **** | ***** / *** | 18 / 21 | 11 / 10 |
| Pointing dog | .410 | 66 | ***** / **** | ***** / *** | 13 / 19 | 11 / 10 |
Shotshells provided with Bior or felt wad on the first barrel and low soft lead weight density are ideal for quail hunting. As for the gauges, besides the traditional not too heavy 12- and 20- balanced ones, you may consider the 28- and 410 sizes, which are more widely appreciated by those who want to make the hunting challenge a little more nail-biting. Moreover a lightweight and handy arm allows for easier movement on the ground and less fatigue if you have to face long walks. As regards the self-loading shotgun, the paradox choke tube, which you can also find on our shop, can become a valuable aid upon fluttering at close distance widening the cone of fire.
Quail hunting is captivating at any time. When you leave for a hunting trip, also remember to dress appropriately: the quail hunting season covers the timespan between the last weeks of summer, under the scorching sun, and early autumn when the weather starts getting colder. Furhermore take the opportunity to regain familiarity, train your skills but also your pointing dog which, after the summer break, will resume its activity. Also enjoy nature, breathe the air and get ready to take the first sprints of running to follow your faithful dog, in the hope that the summer binges won't make themselves felt!
You have found our advice useful and are sure that you will put what you have learned into practice on your next hunting trip? Browse beyond this article! Learn how to properly use a choke and all the guides provided by Gemini , drawn up with the help of specialists, for hunting and shooting enthusiasts like you.
Our thanks go to Professor Simone Bertini and Diego Apostoli for their availability and the precious time they devoted to us for the drafting of these guides.