Quailman

[richmanbarbeque]

We need to talk.
A few months ago a friend was hunting tylers plot and a BB jumped a covey of quail. He knows quail so I didn't completely write it off. I just come down the ridge top on the 4wheeler and jumped them. Have to admit I about teared up with excitement. I guess I need to learn more about quail habitat. Can you help me? Thanks :)

I'll be hunting till Tuesday if you don't hear from me. Only have cell service on the ridge tops.

 

[Football Hunter]

your lucky,never seen or heard one on my place

 

[Radar]

They like that thick stuff , Rich . :)

 

[Quailman]

Richard, glad to hear about the quail on your property! Honestly, after seeing your place, it really doesn't surprise me in the least. For about the first 6-8 years after a property has been cut for timber, it can create habitat that is favorable for quail. After that time, it tends to fall off fairly rapidly if not maintained.

Quail primarily need 3 main habitat types to survive on a daily and seasonal basis: nesting, brood-rearing, and security cover. Nesting cover could be native grass areas, brood cover is an area that has recently been disturbed (disking, burning, etc.) and security cover would be areas of thick woody cover, such as sumac or plum thickets, blackberry patches, etc. All of these habitat types need to be connected as well so that quail can move freely from one habitat type to the next.

Call me sometime and we can discuss at length. I've also got some literature and websites that you can use as well for additional information.

Just remember, deer mgmt. is fairly easy and takes little effort to see positive results. For quail management, you have to put forth some effort and really understand the basics of what they need at all times. But, the rewards are well worth effort! ;)

 

[primos32]

I left some strips not bushhogged this year and have seen a cubby of quail. Exciting to say the least

 

[Radar]

Richard, glad to hear about the quail on your property! Honestly, after seeing your place, it really doesn't surprise me in the least. For about the first 6-8 years after a property has been cut for timber, it can create habitat that is favorable for quail. After that time, it tends to fall off fairly rapidly if not maintained.

Quail primarily need 3 main habitat types to survive on a daily and seasonal basis: nesting, brood-rearing, and security cover. Nesting cover could be native grass areas, brood cover is an area that has recently been disturbed (disking, burning, etc.) and security cover would be areas of thick woody cover, such as sumac or plum thickets, blackberry patches, etc. All of these habitat types need to be connected as well so that quail can move freely from one habitat type to the next.

Call me sometime and we can discuss at length. I've also got some literature and websites that you can use as well for additional information.

Just remember, deer mgmt. is fairly easy and takes little effort to see positive results. For quail management, you have to put forth some effort and really understand the basics of what they need at all times. But, the rewards are well worth effort! ;)

Do coyote and bobcat numbers have a major impact on quail survival in good habitat such as what Richard has on his property ?

 

[Quailman]

Do coyote and bobcat numbers have a major impact on quail survival in good habitat such as what Richard has on his property ?

Radar, coyotes and bobcats really have very little effect on quail numbers for the most part. The biggest impact (from a predation standpoint) come from nest predators (raccoons, skunks, possums) as well as avian predators (primarily coopers hawks). However, with large expanses of good habitat, predation can be reduced significantly. On Richard's property, quail would be fairly well protected, but the key to future success will be maintaining and improving existing habitat conditions.

The most critical time of the year for quail is the late winter. Both food and cover is extremely limited, and quail can be very vulnerable to predation if forced to travel in search of their daily requirements.

 

[BowGuy84]

I have 2 coveys on my property right now. I need to do some serious work on keeping them there. Mine is growing up quick. It was cut about 6 years ago. I really like seeing them. Have seen them twice from stand and jumped them about 5 other times.