Quail hunting tradition moves forward

Interest in upland game bird hunting has dipped in recent decades as quail numbers have dropped due to habitat loss, harsh weather during nesting seasons, and other environmental factors. Yet, MDC is halfway through a 10-year effort to discover and demonstrate habitat management practices that, in tandem with agriculture, can help quail numbers statewide. Pheasants, found in the state’s northern counties, can also benefit. MDC’s habitat assistance for private landowners and grassland management on conservation areas has proven to boost both gamebird and songbird numbers. The resulting quail population resurgence in some areas is rekindling interest among hunters. MDC places a special emphasis on quail habitat management at 21 conservation areas statewide. For a list of those areas, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z5q.