Paul Hill searches for possible hiding spots for quail near the base of the Santa Rita Mountains east of Vail. Southern Arizona's three species of quail make it a destination for many out-of-state hunters.

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Skip McMichael rarely carries a gun when hunting anymore.

He leaves the shooting to his friend and hunting partner, Paul Hill, while he focuses on his prized hunting dogs, part of a breeding and training program that he has operated over the course of more than two decades.

It's also great exercise. He's ready to walk all day with his dogs, going after the three species of quail that Southern Arizona has to offer.

"If I had to run or something for exercise, I'd get too bored," he says.

Quail hunting is now open in Arizona for scaled quail as well as Gambel's quail, desert birds as Hill and McMichael call them due to the type of habitat that is ideal for them. Mearns' quail season opens on Nov. 23. All of the seasons run until Feb. 11.

Gambel's quail and scaled quail thrive in desert areas throughout the southern part of the state, comfortably at home among the teddy bear cholla cactus that can give both hunters and their dogs plenty of fits and sticks, even with the most care.

Mearns' quail occupy a more specific area that is located along the Mexican border, around Sonoita. The oak tree habitat of the Mearns' quail makes it easier on the dogs, but that's not the only reason that it is Hill's favorite bird to hunt.

"They hold tighter," he says.

Holding tight means that the birds will stay hidden in cover, hoping to stay hidden, or take off in the air only when hunters are nearly on top of them.

The desert birds like to run on the ground far in front of the approaching dogs and hunters, he says.

The difference can be between a frustrating ground pursuit and the excitement of an entire bush full of birds exploding into the air just feet in front of the hunters, and darting quickly out of sight between the thick oak trees and cover.

Besides, they are beautiful birds to look at, Hill says. He keeps Mearns' quail feathers tucked into the driver's-side sun shade in his truck and in the band around his hat.

"See that color," he says, pointing out the bright white and black spots. "They're just gorgeous; they're definitely a trophy bird."

And they are highly sought after, a key part of the opportunity to hunt three species of quail that draws hunters from all over the United States to Southern Arizona.