2010 Quail Hunting Forecast Overview: Quail numbers should be as good or better than last year for hunters heading to the nation's bobwhite quail bread basket of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Across the northern reaches of the bobwhite range, a harsh winter hurt bird numbers in many areas. As for the southeast, habitat improvements are helping in areas, but quail hunters are still left wanting and needing lots more of it. Finally, western quail hunters should find ample opportunities for fine wingshooting.

As far as habitat is concerned, the recently completed Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup will keep the program at or near 32 million acres nationwide, including vital bobwhite habitat in the Great Plains. And the federal "Open Fields" initiative is off the ground, which will help states launch or enhance public hunting access programs tied to wildlife habitat improvement. Your support of Quail Forever has been critical in the success of both programs.

Remember to always consult official state hunting regulations for rules and season dates, and please carry Quail Forever's code with you into the field this fall:

As a member of Quail Forever, I believe in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment. I promise to leave the outdoors a little better than I found it. I will hunt safely and treat hunting on public and private land as a privilege. I will always ask permission before hunting private land.