Bird Dogs, Cholla, and New Mexico Quail
Guide Tips from the Field
Hunting birds in New Mexico brings with it a unique set of rewards — and challenges. For Brian of Amaazen Outdoors, it’s the place where bird dogs can truly shine, but also where things like cholla cactus and quirky blue quail behavior demand extra know-how.
In this installment, we dive into what it’s like to guide and hunt in the diverse terrain of New Mexico, what makes it different from Wisconsin’s tight timber, and how experienced guides prepare both dogs and hunters for success.
🐾 The Prairie is a Playground — for the Right Dogs
“When I get to stretch my dogs out on the prairie, it’s a real treat… I actually get to watch them work.”
Unlike the dense forests of the Midwest, where visibility is limited and hunters often track dogs by sound, New Mexico’s open landscape gives both dogs and hunters space to breathe. Brian explains how this shift not only impacts hunting style but also gives his dogs the chance to run big and show off their instincts.
🌵 The Cholla Challenge: What Every Hunter Should Know
“Cholla is everywhere. You’ll see it more here than anywhere I’ve hunted.”
While New Mexico offers unmatched beauty, it also comes with unique terrain hazards — namely, the infamous cholla cactus. Brian breaks down how it affects dogs on the hunt:
Some dogs barrel through it like it’s nothing.
Others freeze up and wait for help.
One of Brian’s dogs even figured out how to pull the cactus spines out with her teeth (not recommended, but impressive).
Pro Tip: Brian always carries a comb in the field to quickly remove cactus spines. Some dogs also benefit from wearing boots for protection.
🐦 Understanding Blue Quail Behavior
“Blue quail seem to like cholla… especially at certain times of day.”
New Mexico’s blue quail, or scaled quail, often gather near cholla patches during parts of the day — which adds to the challenge. Knowing this behavior is key to adjusting your approach:
Time your hunts carefully.
Keep an eye on cover types.
Protect your dogs accordingly.
These aren’t lessons you find on Google — they come from hands-on experience, and it’s one of the reasons having a seasoned guide can make or break a hunt.
🗺️ A State of Endless Discovery
Brian has hunted in Montana, Arizona, and Kansas — but New Mexico stands out for its variety. With public lands, shifting landscapes, and changing conditions from north to south, the key to success is adaptability.
“You can find every kind of terrain here within hours — from desert basins to rugged mountain wilderness.”
🧠 Learning from the Land (and from Bob)
Beyond terrain and strategy, Brian is excited about his new collaboration with Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Co.:
“I’ve got a constant thirst for knowledge… and I have a ton to learn from Bob.”
This partnership isn’t just about running dogs — it’s about combining decades of experience, learning new tactics, and pushing their craft to new levels.
🔗 Up Next
In Part 3, Brian shares:
Why local knowledge is key to protecting wild bird populations
What every beginner hunter should know before their first trip
Why bird hunting is about more than just pulling the trigger