The 2025 Victorian Stubble Quail season kicked off over the weekend under harsh, dry conditions—but at least the weather brought a little relief. Saturday offered a sunny autumn day, while Sunday brought cooler, windier conditions that helped make time in the field more pleasant, if not more productive.

Reports flowed in from across the state, with many hunters racking up more kilometres in search of birds than time spent actively hunting. In many regions, locating quail proved a serious challenge, with only isolated pockets of birds reported. For those lucky enough to find a few, staying alert was key—not only for flighty quail but also for snakes, which seem especially active this season. Multiple accounts described snakes emerging from deep cracks in the dry earth, a hazard for hunters and their four-legged companions.

Mixed Bag, Mature Birds
Regarding bird harvest, most quail taken appeared to be mature adults, with only a small number of first-year birds making their way to the table. This aligns with expectations given recent weather conditions and habitat factors.

Caption: German Wirehaired Pointer with a bonus European Hare 

Adapting to Non-Toxic Shot
This season also marked the introduction of the non-toxic shot requirement for quail hunting. While there was initial concern about the availability and cost of suitable ammunition, feedback from the field has been largely positive. Most hunters were able to source non-toxic loads at prices not significantly higher than traditional lead, and reports of wounding or lost birds have been minimal.

As always, it will take some trial and error for hunters to fine-tune their ideal load and choke combination. However, early signs point to a smooth transition, with many already adapting confidently to the new requirements.

For those using classic English shotguns, the challenge has been a little greater—but there’s been a noticeable uptick in interest around Bismuth options. Some have even dusted off old reloading recipes, with conversations buzzing around where to source Bismuth 9 shot.

Caption: Two German Wirehaired Pointers 

Share Your Hunting Stories
We’re now looking forward to seeing your stories from the field—your hunting experiences, your dogs in action, and most importantly, the beautiful wild food that’s the reward for so many hours of effort, preparation, and passion.

Please send us your favourite field photos, dog shots, and recipes featuring wild quail. We’d love to feature them in upcoming newsletters, on social media, and across our community channels.

Let’s celebrate the culture, challenge, and reward of responsible, ethical hunting—together #proudtobelong