Quail season ends Jan. 20, pheasant and prairie chicken seasons Jan. 31

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) reminds upland bird hunters that the last day of quail season is the third Sunday in January -- Jan. 20 this year. This does not, however, mean the end of upland bird hunting for year. Pheasant season remains open statewide through Jan. 31, as does prairie chicken season in most of the state except the Southwest Unit -- west of U.S. Highway 281 and south of I-70.

Avid Kansas upland bird hunters take advantage of light hunting pressure and colder weather to pursue pheasants in late January, when most hunters have put away their shotguns for the year. Late-season upland hunting presents a great opportunity for hunting without crowds. As chilly January temperatures sweep across the plains, birds tend to bunch up, making hunting better. Birds may hold in heavier cover, giving dogs the opportunity to pin them down. Cold weather and snow may also prevent birds from flushing out of range. In many areas, birds concentrate in weedy draws and thick grassland, such as CRP.

Wildlife management practices on public and Walk-In Hunting Access lands provide excellent habitat for birds in late winter. Also, late-season hunting may offer opportunities for hunting private property because landowners may be more receptive to granting access after early-season crowds are gone and deer seasons have closed.
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