What keeps me coming back?

[quail hound]

Maybe Daugherty Hill wild life area in Yuba county? Give me a bit I'll try to think some more.

[quail hound]

Try finding the pdf called guide to hunting quail in california on the dfg web site. It has quite a few spots listed not far from you. Hunting a new area is always a crap shoot so don't get discouraged, remember its to get the dog running. Also almost all water ways in California are blm or reclamation land, if it doesn't have a locked gate you are good. Knock on some ranchers doors, I know your not in the most hunter friendly area but some rural farmers/ ranchers might be refreshed by a polite hunter with a dog asking for permission.