Ok, another silly question since this is only my second hunt...

What time do you normally start your hunt?

I've been once before, but it was on my buddy's ranch and it was more of an after thought as we had finished breakfast and a few chores we needed to get done, so around 10am he says, "Hey, lets get the dogs and shoot some quail." So what is normal time to start, as the sun comes up, or should I be in the field listening for them before the sun comes up? I just have no clue. Thanks so much to all of you for helping me, I will give it the old "college try" this Saturday, if nothing else it gives me some good scouting for places to hog hunt out there too. I know there will be a lot of walking involved, and that's a good thing for my fat arse.

Quail usually leave the roost after first light and go feed. after that they usualy find a safe place to hang out like in a plum thicket or under a mesquite tree. If the weathers nice they may sit there all day. They will feed again in the evening and may go to water if its available before going to roost again. They like roosting out in the open usually away from cover so predators cant sneak up on them. But to answer your question, without a dog it isnt going to make any difference what time you hunt because your going to have to get lucky and walk right up on them before they will fly no matter where they are and what they are doing. Its different with bird dog, they are easier to find when they are on the move early and late. Usually this is when the scenting conditions are best also.

I got skunked this weekend. Pretty area, and will definately go back to hunt some hogs later though. I'll post a few pictures up later when I get a chance.

Nate, I just now saw your post. Your about 12 to 15 years late to quail hunt that area. It has been that long since I have seen quail in that region, on properties that you could flush 8 to 10 coveys a day. Like some of the other people had mentioned without a dog you will either have to do a lot of walking or riding to find them. As someone mentioned though once you become familiar with property that has quail you will identify places that seem to always have a resident covey. I think this is most likely from a combination of cover and food. I think if you want to find quail consistantly you need to be west of the Brazos. There is nothing wrong with spending a day in any woods quail hunting though.

Good Luck