Page 17 - 2019 JAN/FEB Outdoor Oklahoma

them. In addition, they wanted to study harvested bob-
whites to get information on age and diet. The informa-
tion would then be used to development management KIP PECK/COURTESY
strategies to promote quail populations on the area.
“We’ve got prime habitat where these clearcuts are 1
to 3 years old and still have plenty of grass and forage
for the birds, and plenty of cover. But want to go into
choked-out areas and clear it to see if that promotes
more quail.”
QF, whose tagline is “The Habitat Organization,”
jumped on board with the research and development
efforts. The organization began donating money that
has provided Three Rivers with a disk, brush-hog and
some burning equipment.
Using the donated equipment, Christian said, “we
started Quail Forever habitat projects where we go into
young plantations where brush is starving out good
seed. They get to come down and see project sites, and
try to get some birds to analyze.
“Mowing and disking is mainly what we do to extend the
life of a clearcut. We are starting to burn a little. But the
majority of work being done is for brood-rearing habitat.”
The overall goals are to create better habitat for bob-
whites and to promote quail hunting and public use of
the Three Rivers WMA.
DON P. BROWN/ODWC

Biologists Derek Wiley, Kyle Johnson and Dakota Christian examine the contents of a bobwhite’s crop.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 15

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