Give the gift of habitat this year

Winter is a tough time to be a bobwhite quail. Whether it’s snowstorms or predation, they face a lot of challenges in making it to the spring. Make your list and check it twice because these are the habitat features sure to be on every quail’s Christmas list.

Roosting Cover

Native warm season grasses, such as Big bluestem or Indian grass provide places where coveys can get out of the wind, stay warm and if necessary flush to avoid predators. Establishing these areas in field borders or other low production zones through programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can help create quail friendly spaces alongside agriculture. Not mowing fencelines and ditches, as well as ensuring they have useable grass species can maximize the amount of habitat quail have across the landscape. These native grasses are also a vital resource in the spring for nesting quail, especially if they are in close proximity to brood rearing habitat.

Native Forbes

Quail need food to make it through the winter and in the spring, they need good brood rearing habitat that is open enough for quail chicks to catch insects and escape predators. Pollinator habitat, such as plantings available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), can help establish valuable food sources like giant ragweed, partridge pea and other native plants that will give quail the fuel they need to weather harsh weather.

Woody Cover

Woody cover, like wild plum thickets, blowdowns or edge feathering, gives quail safe haven from avian and mammalian predators. This is another habitat feature that can do well in draws and other low yield agricultural areas. Landowners can work with a Quail Forever farm biologist or Precision Ag Specialist to identify places in their operation where it’s more profitable to put habitat on the ground than to put in crops. They can also assist in the process of applying for cost share programs to make these practices more affordable.

Every Bit Helps

For bobwhite quail to thrive, they need a patchwork of habitat features. If they have a winter food source close to escape and thermal cover, they are much more likely to survive through the colder months. Quail Forever’s conservation professionals can work alongside landowners to create management plans that get this diverse habitat on the ground.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a landowner or a quail hunting enthusiast, connecting with a local Quail Forever chapter is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about conservation. Volunteering for habitat work days, attending landowner workshops and donating to Quail Forever help us put more acres of habitat on the ground. This Christmas, give the gift of habitat!