| Window | Dates | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Window 1 | 14 NOV 2026 – 31 JAN 2027 | 79d |
| Window 2 | 14 NOV 2026 – 03 JAN 2027 | 51d |
As publishedNov 14, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 (Zone 1); Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 (Zones 2 & 3)
Combined regulatory listing with northern bobwhite and Gambel's quail (identical season/bag applies to all three). HIP registration required.
Scaled quail in Colorado is confined to the arid shortgrass-prairie and canyon country of the far southeastern plains. CPW's 2025-26 Eastern Plains Pheasant and Quail Forecast places the species specifically in Baca and Prowers counties, forecasting populations “similar or somewhat better than 2024” with reports described as “highly variable but slowly improving.” Independent hunting-press sourcing draws the broader boundary as everywhere east of I-25 and south of US 50 — a wider area than the two counties CPW's forecast singles out for its 2025-26 numbers, but consistent with the species' general range description as an arid-grassland/canyon specialist at the state's dry southeastern edge.
CPW's own Eastern Plains Pheasant and Quail Forecast is expected in early November. Quail Forever's 2026 forecast puts scaled quail at "fair to poor this year, with good numbers of birds in scattered pockets," and CPW's own small game manager says the population has struggled to gain upward momentum for about eight years. The main reason is the monsoon: scaled quail depend on summer rain, and Colorado hasn't had good monsoons for the last few years. Winter was "virtually nonexistent" over most of the eastern plains, which likely helped adult survival, but spring breeding conditions were poor. One possible late boost: 0.75 to 2.5 inches of rain fell across most of the range in late July, which could support a last-chance nesting attempt. The Sharpe Fire burned a large block of quail habitat on the Comanche National Grassland near Campo, so route around the burn scar if you're planning a Comanche trip. Plan on covering ground for scattered pockets. Work cholla, sand sage rangeland, and any overhead structure, including abandoned cars, trailers, and seed drills, and watch for runners. Walk-In Access properties, mostly ungrazed, are likely to carry some of the best remaining cover.
Weak monsoons and a poor spring breeding season, per CPW's own small game manager, extending an eight-year stall in the population.
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