Brian Youtsey, GHS sophomore, says the Mo Quail Academy was one of the most intense learning experiences of his life.
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Brian Youtsey, GHS sophomore, says the Mo Quail Academy was one of the most intense learning experiences of his life. It was also one of the most enjoyable. Brian was one of 25 chosen out of 95 applicants to participate.
From June 11 to June 16 he answered wake-up calls at 6 a.m. daily and spent eight-to-ten-hour days in lectures, experiments and field trips. When he finished, he found himself something of an expert on the biology, behavior and management of the bobwhite quail.
The 2000 MO Quail Academy took place at Midway Farms 20 miles northwest of Columbia and at Central Methodist College in Fayette. The quail cadets learned about outdoor ethics, gun safety, photography, entomology, bird dogs, botany and leadership skills. The program is a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation, Quail Unlimited, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, and the University of Missouri Extension Service.
“We wanted to start a program that was targeted at Missouri youth to introduce them to wildlife and conservation, to promote hunter safety and ethics and maybe give the students an introduction to the professions associated with it,” said Jef Hodges, regional director for Quail Unlimited, Inc. “We just get great kids.”
Cadets apply for the academy in January. The program is open to high school students who will be sophomores and juniors the following school year and who have a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Each selected student must complete a state-approved hunter education course beforehand. The academy, including food and lodging, is free to participants.
Brian, 16, says he applied to the academy because he is very interested in pursuing a career in conservation. Conservation is Brian’s project in FFA. He has started a food plot and earned a proficiency award as well as a scholarship from Bethany Trust for his project.
After the academy, cadets carry the message of conservation and quail management back to their communities. Brian says he doesn’t know everything about quail, but the nice thing about the Academy is that he learned which people and agencies can answer all the questions and provide help with land management. He wants to help out people who want to improve their lands for quail.
Youtsey says he will be available to give programs to civic clubs and farm groups or to consult with individual landowners after July. Area residents can contact Brian at 660-339-7151.
For more information on future MO Quail Academes write to MO Quail Academy, Quail Unlimited, 382 NW Hwy 18, Clinton, MO 64735. Fax 660-885-7152.