Those Mountain Quail are in tough country. California must be doing something right with game management. I remember when they were darn nearly endangered continent wise. I found a bunch in Idaho, many years ago in a quest to shoot and experience all the '"quail" species. Interesting they were in gorges covered with what I think was Laurel bush?, Once flushed, they rooted in, in the slopes, you had to creep down the scrambled rock and an flush deliberately. Crops held pine nuts, green grass, some kind of a weed seed, and insects. I wish I had springers, the pointers wishing well from a bove or below where I was, were not much help for the unstable shot through the pines! I sure am glad you have them, and can hunt them! Doubt if there are a legion of participants, after the first exposure!
