Across the country, the mild winter of 2011-12 gave many states’ quail populations a needed reprieve from the cold, wet winters of recent years. Leading into summer, productive nesting conditions in early spring across the country gave quail managers hope of a significantly increased year of quail production. But as temperatures increased, rains decreased, and much of the country became locked in drought throughout the summer.
While most quail managers agree that quail can handle a pound of heat for an ounce of cold, wet weather, the effects of the drought of 2012 are yet to be determined for quail populations nationwide. If hens were able to get their clutches on the ground early enough in the spring, as some reports note, the more mature chicks may have been able to get a wing up on the heat and make it through to hunting season.
As if these 6-ounce birds didn’t have enough stacked against them, this season quail hunters will note a rapidly changing landscape in many states as habitat is continually converted to row crops at an astounding rate. With commodity prices at or near all-time highs, federal crop insurance coverage buffering the risk of planting marginal lands, continued fire suppression management in the southeast range and grasslands formerly enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and previously unbroken native prairies being plowed up at an astounding rate, it should give quail hunters pause, and more reason than ever to get involved in the work of upland conservation.
Many CRP lands and even some public lands were opened to emergency haying and grazing to help agricultural producers through the drought of 2012. Thus, hunters are urged to check ahead due to the effects of this dry season and land use changes.
The above said, it is important to note that quail are resourceful and will make use of what they can, so there are coveys to still be had. In addition, if readers note the numbers of states included in this report, they will find that there is still huntable populations across multiple species of quail in over half the continental United States, giving impetus for hunters to seek out one of North America's original upland gamebirds for yet another season.
Remember to always consult official state hunting regulations for rules and season dates, and please carry Quail Forever's code with you into the field this fall:
As a member of Quail Forever, I believe in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment. I promise to leave the outdoors a little better than I found it. I will hunt safely and treat hunting on public and private land as a privilege. I will always ask permission before hunting private land. I will obey all game laws and insist my companions do as well.
Click on the State Link for a detailed forecast.
-
2012 Alabama Forecast
Alabama - Fairly Positive Outlook for ‘Bama Bobs
-
2012 Arkansas Forecast
Arkansas - Hunt Hard to Find Bobs
-
2012 California Forecast
California – Weather Proves Beneficial
-
2012 Colorado Forecast
Colorado – Poor to Very Good on the Range
-
2012 Florida Forecast
Florida – Mild Winter and Good Nesting Season Leads to Increase
-
2012 Georgia Forecast
Georgia – Habitat Helps Bobs
-
2012 Illinois Forecast
Illinois – Sixth Driest Summer Leads to Varied Reports
-
2012 Iowa Quail Hunting Forecast
Iowa – Much Needed Break in Winter Leads to 63% Increase
-
2012 Kentucky Forecast
Kentucky - Western KY, Typically Best, Impacted by Drought
-
2012 Kansas Forecast
Kansas – Central & North Central Look Best
-
2012 Louisana Forecast
Louisiana – Favorable Production for Bayou Bobs
-
2012 Mississippi Forecast
Mississippi - Highest Call Counts in Five Years
-
2012 Missouri Forecast
Missouri – Drier Spring Helps Nesting Conditions
-
2012 Nebraska Forecast
Nebraska – Mixed Outlook due to Drought
-
2012 Nevada Forecast
Nevada – Good Carryover, Average Year Expected
-
2012 New Mexico Forecast
New Mexico – Hunters Should be Cautiously Optimistic
-
2012 North Carolina Forecast
North Carolina – Loss of Habitat Continuing its Effect on Birds
-
2012 Ohio Forecast
Ohio – Drought Continues Hard Times for Buckeye Bobs
-
2012 Oklahoma Forecast
Oklahoma – Mature Quail Enter Fall Hunting Season
-
2012 Oregon Forecast
Oregon – California Quail Good, Mountain Quail Fair
-
2012 South Carolina Forecast
South Carolina – Weather Showing Positive Trend
-
2012 Texas Forecast
Texas – Hit or Miss for Texas Quail Hunters
-
2012 Utah Forecast
Utah – Hot, Dry Summer Dampens Mild Winter Gains
-
2012 Virginia Forecast
Virginia – Hunting Best in Areas East of I-95
Click on a county in the map to bring up detailed maps of WIAs