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quail population thoughts

Posted By: MoBettaHuntR

quail population thoughts - 08/30/16 06:16 PM

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.
Posted By: Mundo

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/30/16 08:35 PM

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.
Posted By: scalebuster

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/30/16 08:39 PM

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.
Posted By: bill oxner

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/30/16 09:06 PM

Quail will relocate.
Posted By: MoBettaHuntR

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/31/16 01:44 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Yes more than 100 acres thats just the coastal.
Posted By: fishfree

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/31/16 02:33 PM

some good reading here about quail wildlife management practices Indiana DNR...QUAIL MANAGEMENT

same kind of info from OKLAHOMA Quail Management Guide- OK DNR
Posted By: MoBettaHuntR

Re: quail population thoughts - 08/31/16 03:19 PM

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.
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