Get the Expert Picks for Must-Have Quail Hunting Gear

• Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

The alarm buzzes long before first light. Already dusty from the drive, my Toyota 4Runner is parked off a forgotten two-track in the middle of nowhere, West Texas. There are no fence lines, just miles of wind-carved mesquite, ankle-twisting rocks and the kind of sunrise that turns the sky into a watercolor firestorm. My English setter, Sage, shakes out her nerves in the front seat while I lace up my boots. In 20 minutes, we’ll be pushing brush, with our eyes peeled for the first covey rise of the day.

Unlike most quail hunters, I choose to camp instead of heading back to a lodge or hotel when the sun goes down. That means everything, including food, water, dog gear, gun oil, headlamps, med kits, etc., rides with me. When your truck is your base camp, your gear better work and you better have all you’ll need, because there’s no place nearby to buy a backup vest or swap boots mid-hunt.

Quail hunting in the South, especially out in the desert corners of Texas, is more of a blue-collar pastime than a gentleman’s sport. Facing long miles of rough country with sparse birds, you earn every flush and every tailgate photo. And the difference between a productive trip and a miserable one usually comes down to preparation.

Whether you opt for solo camping in the West Texas mountains or day-tripping WMAs in Georgia, the following list of what I bring and how I use it should help you prep for you next quail hunt.

THE WARDROBE

The heavy layering worn when waterfowling or stalking deer during the colder months isn’t usually required for upland bird hunting in the South. There are, however, a few highly recommended items that will make your time in the field more comfortable and productive.

Proper Boots

Your footwear is the most critical piece of your kit and, depending on your choice, it can be your best friend or worst enemy. Your boots should match the hunting terrain. South Georgia may only require light hikers, but in rocky Texas or Oklahoma, something with a shank and aggressive tread is a must.

I trust Irish Setter Wingshooters ($219.99 to $259.99), which are waterproof and have solid ankle support and just enough flexibility for sidehills. But, whatever you do, break in your boots way before opening day. And carry moleskin or Leukotape for hot spots, because a blister at mile two can spell disaster.

Upland Vest

The workhorse of the attire is the upland vest. I wear an Orvis Pro Series Upland model ($298), a strap-style vest. It’s a modular, streamlined design I find superb in dry, open country, because it ventilates better than traditional, full-panel vests and allows easier layering underneath.

Whichever vest you choose, be sure it has durable stitching, quiet zippers, a water bottle holster that won’t bounce and a rear game bag that’s easy to load solo. And keep its load minimal. If your shoulders ache before the first covey flush, you’ve packed too much.

Briar Pants

Quail cover can be unforgiving—think sand burrs, greenbrier, cactus, sawgrass and mesquite, so you need protection against thorns and other sharp or prickly protrusions. Look for ripstop fabric with reinforced panels from the thigh down, especially if you’re busting brush or crawling after spooky blues (scaled quails).

I wear Orvis Pro LT Upland Pants ($149), which breathe well in the heat and provide the necessary armor against pokes. Other solid options include the First Lite Sawbuck Pant ($170), Filson’s Shelter Cloth Brush Pants ($229) and Cabela’s Upland Traditions Pants ($69.99).

SMALL ITEMS THAT MATTER

I wear gloves mainly to protect the finish on my shotgun. Oil and sweat from your hands will wear down the wood and the bluing over time. The added grip and light brush protection are just bonuses. A lightweight and vented blaze-orange hat is another must-have. It keeps you legal as well as visible to other hunters in thick cover.

Last but not least, don’t forget extra socks. Dry feet can really make or break your hunt. I stash at least one backup pair in the truck, usually wool or synthetic blends that wick moisture and dry fast. There’s nothing glamorous about changing socks at the tailgate, but it can be the difference between calling it a day and pushing it for one more chance at birds.

Weather varies wildly in my area, where daily temps may start at 20 degrees and spike to 80 by lunch. So I pack layers, mainly a performance hoodie, thermals and a water-resistant shell.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ROVER

Sufficient hydration and some basic gear will ensure your dog’s comfort and top performance, both bound to impact the success of your hunt. So, consider the following must-have essentials, and watch your pooch for signs of distress: heavy panting, wobbling or refusing to range. Of all the potential dangers a dog faces afield, overheating is the most common and frequently the most significant, as well.

Water System

In addition to whatever water you’ll keep in the truck, always carry a water bottle specifically for your four-legged companion. The one I bring features a special cap that doubles as a small bowl. As backup, I keep a full 5-gallon jug in my vehicle.

Some vests include hydration bladders, but I prefer a large, hard water bottle, as Sage puts down some volume.

Doggie Boots

If you’re hunting rough terrain, dog boots aren’t optional. Cactus, burrs and sharp rocks will tear their pads in seconds. I opt for basic rubber-bottom boots from Bass Pro Shops ($36.98). They’re nothing fancy, but you burn through dog boots when you hunt three or four days at a time, so I prioritize affordability. Fit is another major concern, since loose boots can fly off mid-hunt or rub a paw raw. When in doubt, throw a little tape over the top strap.

GPS Training Collar

To track Sage’s movements, set waypoints and log where birds flush, I rely on a Garmin Alpha dog collar ($299.99 to $349.99, plus compatible Garmin handheld GPS). The remote tone helps with silent corrections if she ranges too far or creeps on a point. Garmin’s Sport PRO training collar bundle ($249.99) offers a simpler setup and is more affordable. Dogtra’s Pathfinder2 system ($429.99) with GPS that syncs to your smartphone is another good alternative.

FIRST AID

I keep two first-aid kits in my truck, one for me and one for Sage. In hers, I pack EMT gel for cuts, styptic powder for nail bleeds, Benadryl tablets for allergic reactions, tweezers, saline and vet wrap. If you hunt rattler country, a snakebite kit or suction pump is smart insurance. But before the season, train your dog to avoid snakes, and see your veterinarian about a rattle snake vaccine.

IN THE TRUCK

Since my vehicle becomes my home base when I’m quail hunting, I load a YETI LoadOut Box with my shotgun shells, dog collars, chargers, bells, knives, Ziploc bags and med kits. I also bring a Tundra 65 cooler to keep ice and chill bagged birds for the duration of the trip. For Sage, I keep a kennel and a dog bed so she’ll ride in comfort to and from the hunt.

ESSENTIALS FOR EVENTUALITIES

Some WMA roads are worse than ranch tracks, so carry a full-size spare tire, a recovery strap, a shovel and a tire plug kit. And don’t underestimate the weather. A cold front in January can bring sleet overnight. I stash extra dry clothes, a propane heater and a wool blanket or an emergency bivy bag, just in case.

---

• This article was featured in the October 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

---