QUAIL
2004 August Quail Roadside Survey Summary
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The bobwhite quail is the state’s most popular gamebird. It occurs throughout the state, thriving on the weed seeds and insects that rapidly invade areas of soil disturbance. Hunters participate in some great quail hunting in Oklahoma although fluctuations in weather conditions and habitat variables have led to sporadic population changes. During the time of small farming operations, when weeds were more prolific, fields were small with brush along the fence rows and draws, and stocking rates for cattle were lower, quail habitat and cover was almost ideal. These conditions can be replicated even today, making for better habitat and bolstering the number of birds in the state. The primary factor controlling bobwhite quail populations is habitat, a place where food, space and cover, for nesting and brood rearing, are in close proximity. Weather plays an important secondary role, but we can exercise little control over weather; so quail management is actually habitat management. If you don’t have good quail populations, one or more of the habitat factors are missing. Attempts to increase quail numbers through predator control, reducing bag limits or releasing pen-raised birds, have failed. Habitat is the key to population growth and decline. Adult body coloration is typically reddish brown and gray above, whitish below. Breast feathers have narrow, V-shaped barring. Tail feathers are slate-gray. Males have a white forehead, chin and throat, and a wide white line continuing back from the beak, just above and behind the eye; in the females these areas are a buff color. The adult is approximately eight inches long and usually weighs six to seven ounces. The birds are found in groups called coveys of 12-15 birds. Oklahoma enjoys the distinction of being one of the best quail hunting states in the nation. More than 60,000 hunters take to the field each fall in pursuit of this upland game bird. Most sportsmen and women use scenting dogs, usually pointers, setters or Brittany spaniels, to find the birds and freeze on point until the hunters flush the birds. |
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Oklahoma's Bobwhite Quail Studies For a hard copy of the Packsaddle
Bobwhite Chick Ecology Study Progress Report or the Packsaddle
Bobwhite Final 5-Year Mortality Study, write: Upland
Game Biologist, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation, PO Box 53465, OKC, OK 73105 SEASON DATES: Second Saturday in November through February
15. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide dates. Consult the current Oklahoma Hunting Guide (Regulations) for complete quail hunting details.
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