Survey shows quail numbers up in northwest and southwest Oklahoma

One of the state's most popular game bird species, the bobwhite quail, appears to be in good shape going into this fall. Annual surveys conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation show a statewide increase of 17 percent over the previous 13-year average.

The increase can be attributed solely to the northwest and southwest regions, which reported increases over the average of 21 percent and 68 percent respectively. All other regions reported numbers lower than the 13-year average. The statewide 2003 index, however, increased nine percent over 2002.

"We’re hearing good reports from landowners and biologists from across the state, so I am pretty optimistic about the upcoming quail season," said Mike Sams, upland bird biologist for the Department. “The survey shows significant increases across the western half of the state. The quail numbers we are seeing in the western part of the state are a reflection of good weather and large-scale habitat.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation biologists have conducted the roadside surveys during both August and October for the past 14 years. The surveys, which consist of 20-mile routes, give biologists an estimate of quail abundance. Observers count the number of quail seen to provide an index of quail abundance and reproductive success. There are 83 routes with at least one route in every county except for Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.

Running Nov. 8 through Feb.15, quail season is much anticipated both by Oklahomans and non-residents. Oklahoma regularly ranks among the top three quail hunting states in terms of both quail populations and hunter success, and Oklahoma promises to be a major destination for bird hunters again this year.

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2003 Quail Season Outlook

 

By

Mike Sams, Upland Game Biologist

Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation

 

            This year’s quail season looks promising, especially in the western portion of the state.  This is the 14th year of roadside surveys and the statewide quail index is up 17% from the previous 13-year average (Table 1).  The increase is due solely to the Northwest and Southwest regions that reported increases over the average of 21% and 68%, respectively.  All other regions reported numbers lower than the 13-year average.

 

The 2003 statewide index increased 9% over the 2002 index.  Quail sightings in the northwestern, southwestern and south-central regions of Oklahoma exceeded 2002 numbers (Figure 1).   Conversely, the north-central, northeastern and southeastern regional indices were lower than the 2002 numbers.

 

Table 1.  Average quail seen/20 mile route during the August & October roadside surveys.

 

 

Region

Previous 13 yr. average

 

 

2002

 

 

2003

Statewide

7.1

7.6

8.3

 Northwest

10.3

7.5

12.5

 North-central

4.0

4.4

3.0

 Northeast

5.0

2.8

1.9

 Southwest

14.6

23.2

24.5

 South-central

3.1

2.2

2.8

 Southeast

6.8

7.7

6.0

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Despite some low survey results, reports from landowners and regional biologist suggest quail populations may be improved across the state this year. 

        Despite drought conditions throughout much of the nesting season, timely rains appear to have negated any effects on production.  Fifty-nine broods were observed during the August surveys, suggesting good early production.  While, some landowners and biologists have reported seeing young broods in late August and early September evidence of a substantial second hatch was negligible in the October Surveys.                                        

 

With the vast expanses of native habitat the northwestern and southwestern portions of the state continue to lead in quail numbers.  Population trends in central and eastern portions of the state seem to reflect the continued loss and fragmentation of quail habitat. 

 

Due to inherent biases associated with the roadside survey, results are not meant to be predictive.  However, the average number of quail seen during both surveys has been reasonably reliable in estimating quail harvest in Oklahoma.  Comparatively, the 2003 survey results are fairly consistent with the results of 2000 which was generally thought of as a good year for quail hunting.