Some Good News (Finally) for Bobwhite Quail

by
posted on June 23, 2014
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (40)

It's been grim times for the bobwhite quail, as wild populations have fallen due to habitat loss and other reasons. However, through careful efforts and occasional luck from Mother Nature, they have stabilized and even resurged in certain southern and Midwest states. Oklahoma is key among them and—good news—state biologists say timely rains and mild spring weather may fuel the largest quail rebound in many years.

"We're seeing better conditions now than we've seen in the past two and a half years," said Scott Cox, upland game biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "There are a lot of birds being heard ... We're optimistic that we're looking at a good nesting season."

Rain and mild temperatures ensure good ground-cover plants for nesting quail--without them, hens may delay nesting altogether. During last year's drought, state biologists in northwestern Oklahoma hadn't found any hens nesting by mid-June. This year chicks were reported on the ground as early as mid-May. It's important for hens to start early, as this allows time for second and third nesting attempts in the event of nest depredation.

"We're about as good as it gets as far as nesting and forbs production in most parts of the state," Cox added. "We're definitely going to see more birds, if we don't have any catastrophes between July and October."

Just how many more birds? According to Cox, many ranchers are reporting better spring quail numbers than they've seen in a decade. Still, Oklahoma's quail have a long way to go. Cox estimates that the current quail population is 750,000 to 1 million birds. It hasn't been at peak numbers since the 1990's, when the state had 7 million quail.

Latest

Trijicon New MRO SD Lead
Trijicon New MRO SD Lead

First Look: Trijicon New MRO SD

The next generation of Trijicon’s Miniature Rifle Optic is optimized for use with a magnifier.

Revolver Build: Fink's Custom Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

This big bore revolver is tricked out for handgun hunting, defense against dangerous game and personal protection. 

First Look: JK Armament RPX .30Cal Suppressor

JK Armament is proud to announce its all-purpose .30-caliber suppressor, the JK 155 RPX .30CAL.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum

Curious about the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? Learn about the history and performance of this storied cartridge in Phil Massaro's latest Behind the Bullet.

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.