An Experience of a
Lifetime
West Texas Quail Outfitters
ABOUT US
This is not your ordinary hunt
We are the ONLY outfitter dedicated to quail hunting in far West Texas. Upland game-birds have always been our passion, and if you're interested in chasing quail in far West Texas, we'd love to spend some time hunting with you.
We believe that hunting can contribute substantially to the conservation and preservation of our quail. Ethical and responsible hunting parties are followed at all times. We conduct quail surveys each year on the quail leases we have. Optimally, we aim to not harvest more than 20% of the quail on each property. We do not harvest any birds from coveys with fewer than 10 birds. By so doing, we are able to maintain healthy populations of quail, and ensure each covey receives very little pressure throughout the season.
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We like to think of upland bird hunting as 'the gentleman's game'. We see quail hunting as the preserve of the double gun, a place for side-by-sides and over-and-unders to call home, a place to stroll behind hunting dogs while conversing with good friends. There is nothing better than enjoying a great day of hunting and relaxing at sunset with a glass of whiskey and a fine cigar.
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Due to their running nature, combined with the rough mountainous terrain in which they live, scaled quail are undoubtedly one of the toughest upland birds to hunt. Here are a few things to consider, and some reasons you should hunt with us:
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We specialize in catering to the adventure hunter - the hunter who enjoys long walks after 100% wild quail in some of the most breathtaking scenery on offer.
These birds run, the terrain is rugged, and covering distances of 8-12 miles by foot each day is the norm. However, those dedicated to the hunt can be expected to be rewarded with great birds, stories, and memories to last a lifetime.
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This is not a preserve hunt. All your birds will be earned, but they will be appreciated and valued because you had to work for them.
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We currently have roughly 350,000 acres of private property to provide you with an amazing hunting experience.
MEET OUR GUIDES
From Africa to West Texas
My name is Ryan O'Shaughnessy, I was born and raised in Southern Africa where my family has been in the safari business for over 30 years. I moved to the US after completing my Masters degree in Animal Plant and Environmental Science at The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. I followed my wife, Kara, to the USA in 2009 to pursue my Ph.D in Waterfowl Ecology. After 7 years in academics as a Associate Professor and Assistant Provost of Research at Sul Ross State University, I decided to focus on my passion of upland hunting. We started WTQO in 2015 and have loved every minute since.
Having hunted a variety of birds in both Africa and the USA, I believe the scaled quail to be one of the most challenging and fun upland birds to hunt. My love for pointing dogs blends beautifully with the opportunity to meet people and share my excitement with them while guiding.
This is not a job for me, this is a lifestyle... and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Ph.D
Founder, CEO, & Guide
Alpine Born & Raised
My name is Joshua Cross, and I am blessed to call Alpine my hometown. I grew up on a ranch in this area and have spent most of my adult life guiding big game hunts on this beautiful landscape, but thanks to WTQO I have fallen in love with hunting quail over pointing dogs. I work for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, where I am a wildlife technician. It is a great privilege to work with an organization that holds high the same values I do: approach hunting with a conservative management mindset, and strive to preserve and respect the wild quail populations. The pursuit of scaled quail has opened my eyes to the tremendous value in spending a day strolling behind well trained dogs, and enjoying the company of the class of hunters that quail hunting attracts. I have worked with WTQO since 2017, and I can’t imagine working with a better organization, or experiencing a more pleasurable hunt. Hunting scaled quail in this rugged terrain can be a humbling experience, and has helped me realize that every harvested bird is hard-earned gift.
Josh Cross
Lead Guide
Avid Bow Hunter & Outdoorsman
My name is Cody McEntire, and like Josh, I am blessed to call Alpine my hometown. I grew up working cattle ranches in this area and have spent over 15 years guiding big game (Elk, desert bighorn, mule deer, bear, pronghorn, lion & aoudad) hunts in Texas and New Mexico. When I am not guiding for WQTO, I manage over 23,000 acres of wildlife for the state of Texas as a Wildlife Biologist. I've worked cattle ranches, endangered ungulate conservatories, trained ranch horses, and a lot of things in between. I have worked with WTQO since 2021, and I have fallen in love with hunting quail. To me the bond between hunter and dog is what makes quail hunting special. There are few better sights in the world than watching big running pointer covering the beautiful West Texas landscape.
Cody McEntire
Guide