re: Saw a Covey of Bobwhite Quail Yesterday

we have (had) a camp on matagorda peninsula in central Texas gulf coast that is lousy with quail. You can ride around in the summer and jump them by the dozens. Very few predators (mostly hawks and the occasional bobcat) and no pressure. But come September like clockwork they disappear

still have the lot but that last storm took the camp

quote:

---

what is that guy's name? I want to listen. Thanks.

---

Rob Kendall

There are still a number of small private farms along the Sipsey and Luxapallila near where I live. Other than equipment changing, lots of these areas are not very different now than they were 60-80 years ago habitat wise. Commercial farming has not taken it all over because the ag fields just aren’t big enough in the river and creek bottoms. Still lots of creek and fence rows. But the number of quail is nowhere near the same. If you talk to people in south Georgia at these quail plantations, a lot of them seem to believe it is increased predation, especially avian predators - hawks, owls, eagles and even crows.

quote:

---

Other than equipment changing, lots of these areas are not very different now than they were 60-80 years ago habitat wise.

---

Same in the part of central Louisiana where I grew up. Fields are not very different at all from the way they were 50 years ago when I was hunting and trapping those areas. Most of them are still farmed by the same families.

Used to commonly hear quail calling in the mornings. Haven’t heard one in 40 years now.…

quote:

---

Wish they could make a comeback.

---

What caused their numbers to plummet? Coyotes?

quote:

---

What caused their numbers to plummet?

---

I was told forestry, when they cut most of the natural trees down and planted pines all over Louisiana, also this caused fire ants to spread due to the soil.

Same reason Turkeys can't thrive in North Louisiana I guess.


This could be a bunch of nonsense but it seems legit.

I had one that was calling like crazy at my land in north MS 2 years ago. I can't tell you how excited I was to hear that. Was the 1st I'd heard in years.

Posted a video of it calling. Turn your volume up (f that will work).

From everything that I've read, there are several factors as to why they are as populous as they once were.

Back in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, people would burn their land a lot more that what people do now. Burning is making a comeback but still not what it used to be.

Predators are much more prevalent today. Between hawks, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, fire ants, etc. It's hard for a quail to successfully raise a brood.

Then there are land practices that hurt as well, meaning fence rows used to grow up that gave them cover. You don't see that like you use to.




Looks like the imbed won't play sound but if you open the video in another window it will give you the option (bottom right of the video) to listen.

nice first post, and welcome

Saw some in that area in 70s and 80s

We burned under 300 acres of somewhat mature pine 2 years ago and now I flush large coveys of quail any time I’m out on the property. Almost hit a pair in the driveway this week. The formula isn’t complicated it’s just tough for everyone to financially justify.