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quail population thoughts
#6431485
08/30/16 06:16 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686
MoBettaHuntR
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686 |
We have started ranching on a new property that has or seems to have a substantial population. Bout mid July I would say we were hearing and/or seeing quail all over daily. After cutting about 100 acres of coastal on the property I noticed some deaths from above(hawk,owls,etc) Since then the fields are quiet, not a chirp. I have spotted some coveys and ones/twos but not nearly as many sightings overall. I don't think the population was hurt that bad by cuttings. Is what Im describing just a change from the active breeding season to not? Or just going quiet to avoid predation? Something normal this time of year? Or should I be concerned trying to manage to help population.
I am not new to quail but never knew that much about their breeding and frankly haven't been on a place with this many since I was a kid and don't remember seasonality. I probably won't hunt them on this property and don't want to get into a bunch of management expenses. However I am willing to protect/preserve what I have.
-Those who say money can't buy happiness never bought a dog.
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Re: quail population thoughts
[Re: MoBettaHuntR]
#6431718
08/30/16 08:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
Mundo
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474 |
I assume you have more than 100 acres. By cutting the coastal you may have cut through some nesting sites, and destroyed some roosting areas and cover for young birds. If you talk to the folks at Cesar Kleberg foundation in Kingsville, they may have some ideas about when to cut the hay. They may have some other ideas about habitat also---some are expensive, some not so.
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Re: quail population thoughts
[Re: MoBettaHuntR]
#6431726
08/30/16 08:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,284
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,284 |
Quail aren't as vocal this time of year as they are in spring and early summer. However you may have torn up some nests. Just a cost of doing business.
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Re: quail population thoughts
[Re: MoBettaHuntR]
#6431748
08/30/16 09:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill
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Re: quail population thoughts
[Re: MoBettaHuntR]
#6432722
08/31/16 01:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686
MoBettaHuntR
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686 |
Thanks for all the replies. Yes more than 100 acres thats just the coastal.
-Those who say money can't buy happiness never bought a dog.
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Re: quail population thoughts
[Re: fishfree]
#6432877
08/31/16 03:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 686
MoBettaHuntR
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Posts: 686 |
I have actually read the 1st article a couple of time lots of good info just wasn't sure if seasonal aspect lined up since its talking about Indiana.
-Those who say money can't buy happiness never bought a dog.
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