Quail
Hunting
The only native quail species you may legally hunt in South Australia is the stubble quail, but only during an open season.
The 2025 Quail Hunting Open Season in South Australia is closed.
The details for the season are
Start 26th April
Finish 27th July
Hunting times – sunrise and sunset
Bag Limits – 15
At all other times, stubble quail is a protected species. The eggs of quail may not be taken at any time, not even in an open season. The exact dates can be found on www.environment.sa.gov.au/hunting.
Hunting Quail
Quail hunting doesn’t require testing like duck hunting however a separate permit is required.
Quail hunting is almost exclusively done on private land as Stubble Quail live In the cut stubble of fields. They are usually hunted with a dog.
When hunting for quail on private land it is very important to gain written permission of the land owner and make sure to discuss with them if you can bring a dog onto the property.
Quail hunting can be extremely challenging at first while your still learning the best habitat to hunt them. Developing good relationships with landowners will help you to be notified when quail are around and the best places to hunt.
Quail Hunting Areas
In South Australia, quail hunting can be carried out on private or leasehold land. You must obtain the written permission of the landowner and must carry this permission with you at all times whilst hunting.
Stubble quail is the most common quail species in Australia and is found throughout South Australia in wetter years across a range of habitats. Stubble quail can be found in tall, dense ground vegetation, including in grasslands, leafy crops and cereal stubble. Stubble quail are exceptionally nomadic and may be present in their thousands one year and completely absent the next.
Check before you go
»» Have you got an Open Season Quail Hunting Permit for the current season?
Permits are only valid for one season.
»» Have you checked the current rules and restrictions this year?
Visit www.environment.sa.gov.au/hunting
»» Have you checked what time dawn and dusk will be? Remember that you
must not hunt at night.
Spot the Quail This Harvest — Help Build the Bigger Picture
Farmers are being asked to keep an eye out for Stubble Quail during harvest this season — and help researchers understand how these native birds are faring across our cropping regions. The Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA) are teaming up with the Conservation & Wildlife Research Trust (CWRT) to run the Stubble Quail Survey, a farmer-led project that collects simple data on quail flushed from crops during harvest. It is quick, practical, and gives valuable insight into how cropping and wildlife coexist in South Australia’s grainbelt.
Why It Matters
Better information = smarter management
Data helps show how cropping systems, stubble retention, and harvest timing affect quail and other stubble-dwelling wildlife.
Showcase good land stewardship
Many farmers already manage for biodiversity. Recording quail counts helps demonstrate this with science-backed data.
Support sustainable game management
The information helps ensure quail remain a sustainable native game species across the region.
How to Take Part
It’s simple and takes just a few minutes during harvest:
1. Watch for quail flushing from crops as you harvest.
2. Record the date, crop type, paddock size, and number of quail flushed.
3. Submit your tally online or by downloading a quick paper form.
Survey link: cwrt.org.au/quailsurvey & Survey Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QuailSurvey
What’s In It for You
See how your paddock compares with regional results.
Be recognised as a contributor to important wildlife research.
Gain insight into how your farming practices support native biodiversity.
Get Involved
Visit: cwrt.org.au/quailsurvey
Email: wildlife@ssaa.org.au
Call: Matthew Godson — 0448 887 079
A few quick notes during harvest can make a big difference for understanding — and sustaining — one of our most iconic native birds.
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Duck
Up to eight species of native duck may be hunted during an open season if prescribed. Duck hunting open seasons typically start in late summer and end in mid winter.
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Deer
Deer are classified as feral animals in South Australia and six species can be legally hunted. Deer can be hunted year round and there is no bag limit.
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Feral Animals
Hunting other feral animals, foxes, cats, pigeons, rabbits, and goats requires a basic hunting permit, and can be carried out on both private and public land.