I continue to hear many people in Daviess County voice their concerns about the decline in population of the Bobwhite Quail.
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by Jade Wright
I continue to hear many people in Daviess County voice their concerns about the decline in population of the Bobwhite Quail. Most follow up their observation of the quail decline with a valid question of what we, The Conservation Department, are doing about it. As with all species, we can have some impact on the population density by altering the season length, methods used to pursue the animal, and the daily limit you are allowed to take. However, with quail it is a little more complicated than that. Ninety-seven percent of Missouri’s land is privately owned. In other words 97% of Missouri’s quail are relying on you (private landowners) to provide them with adequate food, cover, and water to sustain them through harsh winters and long, dry summers.
The Conservation Department emphasizes education and cooperation of the public to address these issues. Cooperation with private landowners is the focus of MDC’s private lands division
and the education of youth through programs such as the Missouri Quail Academy.
The Missouri Quail Academy is an intensive five-day course that focuses on quail management, biology, and hunting. The program is larger than ever this year, with two events planned. One will take place at Flat Creek Ranch in Barry County about an hour from Springfield and Joplin June 9 through 14. The other will be at Malinmor, near Bowling Green, June 16 through 21.
The course combines education in quail biology, habitat management, and wildlife conservation with exercises in recreational shooting sports. In addition, cadets learn about outdoor ethics,
firearm safety, photography, entomology, bird dogs, botany, and leadership skills. The academy is a joint effort of the Missouri Department of Conservation and Quail Unlimited.
Quail cadets also learn what they can do to improve quail habitat in their communities. Part of their course work includes learning what food and cover plants quail need to thrive. They learn
leadership skills, including how to write news releases and give public talks. Each student is expected to give three programs in his or her community after completing the course.
The Missouri Quail Academy is open to current high school freshmen and sophomores who have grade point averages of 2.5 or above. Students also must successfully complete a hunter
education course before the start of the academy. The academy, including food and lodging, is free to participants.
For more information on the MO Quail Academies write to: Mo Quail Academy, Roxanne L. Hoover, 2500 S. Halliburton, Kirksville, MO 73501, [email protected], or Bob Schroeppel, 2630 N. Mayfair, Springfield MO 65803, [email protected].