Quail?

[littlecanoe]

For the last few years I have been listening for quail calling when out and about each week.  This year it seems that I am rearing more calls in new areas.  Anyone else noticing this?  Are we starting to see a resurgence in the quail population?

[FourBee]

It certainly appears that way around here.   Probably because so many rural small farm operations have been abandoned, and the natural habitat is not being molested.  For the 1st time in years I had 2 large coveys on my ranch last year.  I think it was due to the fact I let many acres lay dormant with desirable forage and lots of insects, and plenty of cover.

[FourBee]

I don't know where my previous post went, but here goes again.
I certainly think that the quail population is slowly coming back in this area.   Mainly because more small rural farm operations have ceased, and the natural habitat is not being disturbed as much these days.  Granted many people are buying these old farm places, but they're not utilizing them for a living.  Only occasional hay mowing, and then only areas in which the new type machinery can operate.  I noticed on my ranch where I've allowed the land to lay dormant, that there are coveys now that hadn't been in years.

[littlecanoe]

I know of 2 covey where we live.  I was bush hogging a path around a grown up field 2 wks ago and flushed a covey of about 6 adults and maybe 15 young.  2 days later I flushed the young ones coming up our driveway.  I do see the habitat expanding also. 

Just noted your in OK.  Let's hope that this is a trend across the country.  With less open feelings toward people hunting on private property this may help fuel the comeback.

[keith44]

I bought one of those small farms (12 acre mini farm) and hope to set aside 5 acres for rabbit and quail habitat.  When the grasses and dusting areas are ready I plan to re-introduce a covey.  I miss hearing the calls, and the thundering flush that used to get my blood pumping so many years ago.

[FourBee]

One thing I've learned, is you don't want to molest there habitat, cause they'll sure leave.

[powderman]

Used to be quite a few quail here but not anymore. We had several really bad winters years ago and what that didn't kill the feral cats, coyotes, and foxes did. I kill every feral cat I see, the coyotes have killed most of the fox. Haven't seen or heard a quail this year, only saw 1 last year. Up til that 1st bad winter I had 2 nice coveys, one had over 40+ birds in it. POWDERMAN.