Me and my girlfriend are planning on being around alpine for new years. I've been to elephant mountain years ago for a summer camp, but have never hunted on public land before. I know i need the $48 permit, but can we just show up, check in, and hunt the designated quail areas? Or are quail hunts only allowed during certain times?

Also we will be in her 2 wd suv and are just fine with walking alot. We would also like to camp there for a night or two if possible. Has anybody ever done that before? We would probably setup camp but sleep in the back of the suv

I think the quail hunt is draw too. I’ve been wrong before. Might call the controlling authority on it.

There are specific dates. Check the public hunting booklet ( you can download it at this website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/ ) Look for the 22/23 map booklet download. Elephant mountain is on page 25 of the booklet (page 52 of the pdf).

You should be good to go.

Drive down to Black Gap, the quail are better there.

From that map above, it looks like it will be closed from dec 18 to jan 22

Anybody know if black gap is open around new years?

Here is a link to Black Gap

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/annual_public_hunting/resources/701.pdf

I've been to both. At Black Gap there is a huge dip in the road. You need to spend some time trying to get a pick up through it. It is impossible for a car. In my opinion a lot of SUV's won't make it. If you have a girl with you- so much the worse, she won't want you to try. This dip is right at the start. There are some places you can walk to if you park at the check in/office but you'll be very restricted. And, it is a long drive from Alpine. If you do go to Black Gap go over to Marathon and down that way- very scenic. Black Gap has a dove field not mentioned on the brochure you can walk to from the check in/office Take the road from said check in a hundred yards and it splits- go left to the dove field (if it is still there)
BUT....I'd opt for Elephant Mountain. The camp area is off to the left as you come in. Not much more than a place to put up a tent. I'd enjoy the tent rather than sleep in the car. Unless things have changed- just go during the Quail Season. It is also about 20-30 minutes south of Alpine.
On either place, you'll likely have to turn in one wing of every bird you shoot. Look through the wings other folks have turned in- lots more dove wings than quail wings- take that for what ever its worth.