Chasing Feathers in the Chaparral: Upland Bird Hunting in Southern California

Photo by: Brook Lyford with Stormi (Weim)

Southern California might be known for its beaches, traffic, and Hollywood glam—but for upland bird hunters, there's another story waiting in the rolling hills, arid foothills, and high desert scrublands. From the whistle of valley quail to the sudden flush of a Gambel’s, SoCal’s diverse terrain offers an underrated yet rewarding upland bird hunting experience.

What Birds Can You Hunt in Southern California?

Despite its urban sprawl, Southern California has a surprising variety of upland game birds. Here are the main species you're likely to encounter:

🐦 California Quail (Valley Quail)

• Habitat: Foothills, chaparral, and brushy draws.

• Season: Typically mid-October to late January.

• Where: Los Padres and Angeles National Forests, Cleveland National Forest, and BLM lands.

🐦 Gambel’s Quail

• Habitat: Mojave and Colorado Desert.

• Season: Usually overlaps with Valley Quail, but check zones.

• Where: Eastern Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Imperial Valley.

🐦 Mountain Quail

• Habitat: Higher elevations and rugged, forested canyons.

• Season: Shorter and more restricted—check regs closely.

• Where: San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains.

🐦 Chukar

• Habitat: Rocky, steep terrain—bring good boots.

• Season: Similar to quail but varies by zone.

• Where: East side of the Sierra Nevada, Owens Valley.

🐦 Dove (Mourning and Eurasian Collared)

• Habitat: Agricultural areas and open desert scrub.

• Season: Split into early (September) and late (November–December).

• Where: Imperial Valley, Riverside ag zones, and desert BLM land.

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What Makes Southern California Unique for Upland Hunting?

🔥 Diverse Terrain

From 1,000-foot desert washes to 7,000-foot pine ridges, no two hunts are the same. One weekend you might be hiking steep granite slopes for chukar, and the next you're in the low desert stalking Gambel’s quail under ocotillo shade.

🌵 Challenging Conditions

Dry heat, tough cover, and sparse bird numbers (compared to the Midwest) mean that every bird earned in SoCal is a trophy. But that's what makes it so addictive—success here takes skill, patience, and a good set of legs.

🎯 Public Land Access

Southern California is surprisingly rich in public lands:

• BLM lands in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties.

• National Forests (Angeles, Cleveland, San Bernardino).

• Wildlife Areas & Ecological Reserves managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Pro tip: Use the OnX Hunt app, CDFW maps, or CalTopo to scout legal hunting areas, trails, and terrain before your trip.

Gear Essentials for SoCal Bird Hunts

• Boots: Lightweight but rugged. Think rocky desert scrambles.

• Shotgun: 20 or 12 gauge, light enough for miles of hiking.

• Clothing: Earth-tone, breathable layers. Blaze orange is not required in CA but is still smart.

• Water: Always more than you think you'll need.

• GPS & Maps: Cell service is unreliable in many areas.

• Dog Gear: If you run a bird dog, carry a GPS collar and snake bite protection.

Tips for Success

• Scout with Purpose: Look for water sources, food (like acorns or mesquite beans), and cover.

• Start Early: Birds move early; desert hunts are best at sunrise.

• Glass Before You Hike: Use binoculars to spot likely cover or feeding activity.

• Follow the Rain: Winter and spring rains = better fall bird numbers.

• Respect the Land: Southern California is heavily used—pack out trash, close gates, and don’t skyblast.

Regulations Snapshot (Always Double-Check with CDFW)

• License: Valid California hunting license with an Upland Game Bird Validation.

• Non-Toxic Shot: Required statewide for all upland game—steel, bismuth, or tungsten only.

• Season Dates: Check the CDFW Upland Game Bird Hunting Guide for the current year.

• Bag Limits: Typically 10 quail per day (20 in possession), but varies by species.

Closing Thoughts

Upland bird hunting in Southern California isn't for the faint of heart. It's hot, it's dusty, and the birds are smart—but that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding. Every flush is a hard-earned gift, and every tailgate story comes with miles of boot leather behind it.

So load up your gear, lace up your boots, and follow the dog into the scrub—because down here in SoCal, the uplands are calling.