The brush country of South Texas is home to an incredible variety of native reptiles that thrive in the region’s thornscrub, mesquite flats, and sandy soils. In La Salle County, the landscape surrounding TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana provides habitat for many of these species, from the iconic Texas Horned Lizard to powerful predators like the Texas Indigo Snake. While many visitors come to the ranch for trophy whitetail hunting, the diversity of South Texas wildlife found here tells a broader story about the ecology and natural heritage of the South Texas Plains.

Wildlife at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana extends far beyond the well-known game animals of South Texas. Visitors often come to this exclusive hunting ranch in La Salle County for trophy whitetail hunting, javelina, and native game birds, but the surrounding landscape supports an even broader range of South Texas wildlife.

From insects and rodents to birds and reptiles, every species plays a role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. These smaller and often overlooked animals contribute to the biodiversity that supports thriving wildlife populations across the South Texas Plains. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, that diversity is part of what makes time on the land so memorable. Whether guests come for hunting, nature observation, or private retreats, the ranch offers an up-close look at the wild character of this region.

Here are five fascinating reptiles that can often be found around in La Salle County, Texas.

At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, post season deer surveys and scouting are not simply a formality after the last rifle is put away. Across South Texas, and especially here in La Salle County, the weeks following hunting season are one of the most valuable windows for understanding whitetail herd health, structure, and future trophy potential. This science driven approach is a foundational part of how we sustain elite South Texas trophy deer hunting at The Ranch at Camp Ka Hui Ana.

Scouting and population surveys are widely used by biologists, land managers, and experienced hunters to evaluate white-tailed deer herd condition. But why should a ranch owner, hunter, or wildlife steward care about what deer look like after the season closes? The simple answer is that post season surveys provide insight into the next hunting season. The deeper answer lies in how this information shapes long-term management decisions and trophy whitetail hunting success.

When it comes to trophy whitetail hunting in South Texas, few campfire stories are as common—or as thrilling—as rattling up a big buck deep in the brush. Sometimes it’s the one that slipped away. Other times, it’s the buck of a lifetime. Either way, these stories tend to feature the same kind of deer: heavy-antlered, thick-necked, muy grande South Texas bruisers.

At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, an exclusive South Texas hunting ranch located in La Salle County, those stories aren’t folklore. They’re the result of understanding whitetail behavior, precise timing, and applying proven techniques rooted in the natural rhythm of the rut.

Life at TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana keeps us close to the rhythms of South Texas wildlife. Some days it’s whitetails easing through the brush; other days it’s a raptor doing what raptors do. Either way, we see real stories of grit and survival play out right here on our senderos—reminders of why we care for the land, manage habitat, and welcome guests to experience an exclusive hunting ranch that’s still wild at heart.

Bird hunters know South Texas for its legendary dove populations, but few realize it’s the only region in the United States where all three native game dove species—mourning, white-winged, and the elusive white-tipped dove—can be hunted. At TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana, located in the thick brush of La Salle County, we’re proud to be at the northern edge of the white-tipped dove’s native range, offering hunters a rare chance to complete the Texas Dove Slam on our exclusive South Texas hunting ranch.

Misconceptions vs. Reality

Javelinas—also known as collared peccaries or “skunk pigs”—are one of the most overlooked big game animals in North America. Especially in South Texas, they’re often misunderstood and mistakenly compared to destructive feral hogs. But in reality, javelinas are native species with ecological value, rich hunting tradition, and trophy-worthy status.

Around a campfire at any exclusive hunting ranch, javelinas might be the butt of jokes—about fleas, smell, or meat toughness. But much of that reputation is undeserved. The confusion often comes from their resemblance to feral hogs, an invasive species notorious for damaging ecosystems and crops. In contrast, javelinas are native to the Americas and play a beneficial role in South Texas wildlife, feeding primarily on prickly pear cactus and other native flora.

From TheRanch at Camp Ka Hui ‘Ana Series:  Learning More about Texas Wildlife

If you’ve ever driven along a quiet country road in southern Texas during late spring or early summer and spotted a small tortoise slowly making its way through the brush, chances are you’ve met the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). This little wanderer is the only native tortoise in the state—and the smallest of all four North American tortoise species. Growing to just about 8.5 inches long, these amazing creatures are currently listed as a threatened species due to illegal collection, vehicle encounters, and disease.³ ⁴

Creatures of Habit (and Heat)

Texas tortoises are early birds and night owls—well, almost. They’re most active during the mornings and evenings of spring and summer, typically resting during the hottest parts of the day.¹ Unlike their cousins in other parts of the country, they don’t dig deep burrows. Instead, they create shallow resting spots, called “pallets,” under cacti or shrubs. It’s more of a cozy nest than a tunnel.

Their activity levels also get a boost after short bursts of rain, likely because they’re eager to hydrate in a dry environment. While most of their water comes from the plants they eat, dehydration is still a risk—especially if they’re stressed. In fact, when scared or handled by humans, a Texas tortoise may empty its bladder, which can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s best to admire these tortoises from a distance unless you’re helping one safely cross the road.³

The familiar whistle of “bob-white” cutting through a South Texas morning is music to the ears of quail hunters. For generations, bobwhite quail have been one of the most sought-after game birds in the U.S., deeply woven into the hunting heritage of South Texas. The reason we still get to enjoy this tradition today? Conservation efforts driven by hunters, landowners, and wildlife managers working to restore habitat, improve survival rates, and boost quail numbers.

But how do we actually know if quail populations are thriving, declining, or holding steady? While we rarely have an exact count, we can estimate populations by looking at the number of coveys (groups of quail), the individuals within those coveys, and their age and sex ratios. There are several ways to gauge quail numbers, and while some are more precise than others, each method provides valuable insight for managing your land and sustaining healthy populations.

Let’s walk through a few ways ranchers and wildlife managers can monitor their quail populations. Instead of diving deep into the technical details of each method, we’ll cover the basics and how they help guide management decisions. For a more indepth look at these techniques, plenty of great resources are available.¹²³

Listening for Quail: Call-Count Surveys

One of the easiest and most widely used methods to estimate quail populations is call-count surveys. These surveys help track population trends over time by listening for the distinctive calls quail make during different seasons.

Spring Whistle Counts

During the breeding season (March–July, with a peak in May and June), male bobwhites whistle to attract mates. In a whistle count survey, a single observer counts the number of different males calling—not the number of whistles—at each survey point.²³

Here’s how it works:

• Surveys are done early in the morning, starting
  about 30 minutes before sunrise and ending two
  hours after.
• Observers listen for three to five minutes at
  multiple designated listening stations.
• Since a bobwhite’s call can be heard from 400–600
  yards away, each listening station covers about 125
  acres.

Whistle counts don’t provide a total population estimate, but they do help track population trends from year to year. They also give an idea of how many unmated males are present, although this isn’t fully confirmed.²

Fall Covey Calls

In the fall, quail gather into coveys, and just before sunrise, they call out to regroup after roosting. Covey-call surveys work similarly to whistle counts:

• Observers listen at designated stations (ideally the
  same ones used in spring).
• Counts are conducted at least three times between
  October and March.²
• Listening begins about 45 minutes before sunrise
  and lasts 20 minutes.

Each survey covers roughly 500 acres, so for larger properties, multiple observers may be needed.²³ This method provides a solid estimate of the number of coveys in an area, and when combined with other techniques, helps give a clearer picture of overall quail numbers.

Counting Quail Directly

If you want a more precise count, direct survey methods can help estimate the number of individual quail or coveys on your property. These methods range from simple on-the-ground observations to high-tech aerial surveys.

Walking or Driving Transects

One of the most practical ways to count quail is by walking or driving designated routes and recording the number of quail that flush.²³

• Four one-mile transects per square mile (640
  acres) are recommended.
• Surveys should be done three to five times during
  the first three hours of daylight in fall and winter.³
• Observers record the number of individuals and
  coveys flushed along the route.

Some landowners use helicopters or airplanes to conduct these surveys from low altitudes (75–150 feet).² While this method can cover large areas quickly, it’s costly and often done alongside deer or antelope surveys.

Drive Counts & Complete Counts

For a more structured approach, drive counts involve a group of people systematically covering an area to count quail.

• Five to ten people walk in a line, spaced 30–60 feet
  apart, often with dogs to help locate birds.²³
• Birds are counted as they flush, with observers
  minimizing double-counting by focusing on birds
  flushing to their designated side.

Complete counts attempt to survey an entire area, while drive counts estimate populations based on a sample (typically 15–25% of the land).³ Even with these methods, quail counts often underestimate true population sizes by 10–50%.³

Drones: A New Frontier in Quail Counting

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are becoming a game-changer for wildlife surveys. Researchers have successfully used drones equipped with thermal cameras to detect and count coveys,¹ and sometimes even individual quail when vegetation allows. Drones also offer the advantage of monitoring habitat quality and recording video for future reference. However, they’re best used in combination with other counting methods to estimate the number of quail per covey.

Harvest Data: Learning from the Hunt

Harvest counts offer a unique blend of direct and indirect population monitoring. While this method only accounts for birds removed from the population, it provides valuable insights into population structure.

By examining harvested birds, managers can determine:

• Sex ratios (male vs. female)
• Age structure (juvenile vs. adult)

On its own, harvest data doesn’t give a full picture of quail numbers, but it can supplement other surveys and help track trends over time.

Why Multiple Methods Matter

No single survey technique gives the full story. Some methods provide an estimate of total population size, while others track trends over time. By combining multiple techniques—like call-count surveys, direct counts, and harvest data—you’ll get a more accurate and well-rounded picture of your quail population. And with better data, you can make more informed management decisions to ensure future generations can enjoy the thrill of hearing that iconic “bob-white” whistle across the Texas landscape.

Bibliography

1. Lappin O, Elmore JA, Jones LR, Schultz EA, Iglay RB, McConnell MD. 2024. Using drones equipped with thermal cameras to locate and count quail individuals and coveys: A case study using Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus in Mississippi, USA. Ecological Solutions and Evidence 5:e12306.
2. Rollins D, Brooks J, Wilkins N, Ransom D Jr. 2005. Counting Quail. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University System.
3. Wilkins N. 1998. Techniques for Estimating Quail Population Trends. Preserving Texas’ Quail Heritage, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M University System, pp. 67–73.