For Immediate Release

Quail Forever's 2007 Quail Hunting Forecast

Quail populations struggle due to habitat losses and lack of rain

- November 12 -

Overview: A drought across large portions of the southeast United States didn't help quail production this year. Factor those poor weather conditions with continued habitat losses and quail populations across the U.S. continue to loose ground. Consider: From 1980 to 2000, bobwhites declined range-wide by an average of nearly 70%, and much more in specific states; Last fall, the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – whose members manage wildlife in 16 states - suggested the bird could disappear from some areas of the South by 2010. The Northern bobwhite quail also topped this year’s National Audubon Society's List of Top 20 Common Birds in Decline. The National Audubon Society recently announced that the population of the northern bobwhite quail has declined by a staggering 82 percent during the past four decades. Quail numbers have fallen from an estimated 31 million in 1967 to just 5.5 million today. That’s a lot of bad news, but there is hope on the habitat front. In just over two years of existence, over 90 Quail Forever chapters have formed in 26 states. They are promoting the Conservation Reserve Program’s CP-33 Practice (Bobwhite Buffers) to provide transitional habitat along row crops for quail nesting and brood-rearing cover. Nationwide, over 161,000 CP-33 acres have been enrolled and quail populations on those acres are already showing signs of improvement. On a larger scale, QF is engaging policymakers in the needs of quail during the current 2007 Farm Bill debate. The Farm Bill’s conservation title influences land management decisions on over 50 million acres nationwide. The Farm Bill will be introduced in the U.S. Senate soon, meaning now is the time to contact your state's Senators and let them know you want a Farm Bill with a strong Conservation Title.

Alabama – Drought conditions from spring through summer has quail production looking poor in Alabama. Over the past five years, Alabama hunters have harvested between 200,000 and 300,000 bobwhites per season. But an unknown total of these are released birds, and the overall harvest remains one-tenth of what it was during the hey-days of the 1960s and 1970s. The three F's – fescue, forestation and farming (of the intensified variety) – are the main culprits vacuuming up quail habitat. However, there are positive signs, including a significant amount of longleaf pine and native grass restoration. Season Opener: November 15

Georgia – Severe drought was quite detrimental to the early nesting season, but some decent rainfalls in July increased optimism for late nesting success. Hunters in Georgia will likely be greeted with spotty success, ranging to good success in areas with quality habitat. The best opportunities for quail in Georgia are in the state's Upper Coastal Plain. Reggie Thackston, coordinator for the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Bobwhite Quail Initiative, also reported that controlled management areas with CP-33 have doubled quail occurrence, giving hope that the practice may be able to help boost populations statewide. Season Opener: November 17

Kansas – Last year's harvest was estimated at approximately 500,000 bobs, well below the 2005 harvest of 1 million birds. Unfortunately, the forecast for 2007 is again not that rosy. Hunting in the north central and south central regions should be decent, according to state biologist Randy Rodgers. But in the Flint Hills in southeast Kansas, too much rain at the wrong time appears to have put a damper on what is typically the "Jayhawk State's" quail stronghold. Up to 15" of rain during peak hatch was devastating, essentially halting production. Season Opener: November 10

Missouri – A long-lasting winter ice pack hurt foraging efforts, leading to winter mortality. This year's roadside survey showed a decrease of 15% and the brood survey a decrease of 31%. That said, it is unlikely Missouri hunters will equal last year, when over 30,000 hunters bagged 292,000 quail. However, Missouri ranks in the top three in CP-33 enrollment, and 17 Quail Forever chapters have formed in the state to lead quail habitat restoration efforts. And to provide more opportunities for hunters ages 6 through 15, the Conservation Commission has established youth-only quail and pheasant seasons. Both seasons take place Oct. 27-28. There seems to be no shortage of passion for turning the quail slide around in the "Show Me State." Season Opener: November 1

Oklahoma – By most accounts, last year was a terrible quail season in Oklahoma, with a harvest of 579,000 birds. Though this year won't be a bumper crop, signs are pointing to a better year than last. Flooding in the central part of the state may have affected nesting, but for the most part production appeared decent. Though found statewide, the western portion of the state is stronger than the east. Oklahoma has a Quail Habitat Restoration Initiative, and $4 million over the next five years will be pumped into six focal areas of the state as part of that initiative. Season Opener: November 10

Texas – Texas still has an appreciable quail population, producing more birds – even in a down year – than any other state. Last year was a down year, as Texas had one of its worst quail seasons in two decades, but above average rainfall, especially in the west portion of the state, is providing optimism that this will be a big bounce back year. Even so, experts say populations have dropped almost 5 percent annually since 1981, so addressing key habitat issues will go a long way to curbing that trend. Season Opener: October 27

To see the complete quail hunting forecast, click here.