Stubble Quail

The GMA commissioned research into the effectiveness of electronic quail callers , in response to concerns from the hunting community that the use of quail callers was not consistent with the concept of ‘fair chase’.

The research found that their use concentrated Stubble Quail into a very localised area around the caller.

Given these results, if their use becomes widespread, this may run the risk of the species being overharvested.

The long-term use of these devices will be considered in more detail during the review of the Wildlife (Game) Interim Regulations 2023, which will take into account all the costs and benefits through a process of public consultation.

There are significant penalties for hunters who fail to comply with the law.

The maximum penalty for using an electronic quail caller during the 2024 Stubble Quail season is 25 penalty units (approximately $4,800) and offenders will be required to appear before the courts. If found guilty, offenders could receive a fine and lose their Game and/or Firearms licences.

The suspension of the use of quail callers only applies to the 2024 Stubble Quail season. The long-term future of their use will be considered in the review of the Wildlife (Game) Interim Regulations 2023, where the costs and benefits can be fully explored.

The review of the regulations involves a process of public consultation and hunters who have purchased these devices are encouraged to provide input into the consultation process.

The GMA will be patrolling both public lands and private properties across Victoria throughout the 2024 Stubble Quail season to ensure compliance with hunting laws.

Hunters and members of the public are urged to report illegal quail hunting to the GMA through the online form or by calling 136 186. If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of others, call 000.

Given how effective quail callers are, their use could pose the risk of overharvesting if it became widespread. Quail callers could contribute to less skilled hunters being more successful than they would without a quail caller, already skilled hunters may achieve a higher harvest and some hunters may be encouraged to exceed the current legal daily bag limit. Any of these outcomes could contribute to excessive harvesting.

As we have limited data on the Stubble Quail population in Victoria, any increase to harvest levels as a result of quail callers could lead to overharvesting.

Electronic callers have been banned in many parts of the world for hunting gamebirds due to the risk they pose to overharvesting, in addition to being inconsistent with ‘fair chase’ hunting.

Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis)

All native quail species are protected in Victoria and, with the exception of Stubble Quail may not be hunted.

Stubble Quail have a dark brown colouration with pale buff markings. The centre of each feather has a cream stripe, giving the feathers a streaked appearance. The adult Stubble Quail is 18 to 18.5cm in length, with the female slightly larger than the male.

Non-game quail

When hunting, you may encounter several other quail species that could be mistaken for the Stubble Quail.  Those most commonly encountered include: Brown Quail; King Quail; Painted Button Quail; and Little Button Quail.  These birds are protected all year and may not be hunted.

Distinguishing between Stubble Quail and non-game quail

It is important that hunters can readily distinguish between Stubble Quail and protected quail species while hunting.  You should pay particular attention to: the size and flight characteristics of the bird; the habitat that you are hunting in; and the social organisation of the birds. Below is a general description that can be used by hunters as a guide to recognising the differences between the Stubble Quail and non-game quail species.  Remember, if you are not sure, DON'T SHOOT.