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Bootheel Bobwhites Rank Among Top In Nation For Quail Conservation Efforts

Missouri Department of Conservation

A local chapter of conservation organization, Quail Forever has ranked among the top ten chapters nationwide in providing quail nesting cover.

The Bootheel Bobwhites, who work to reverse the decline of the species in Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, and Stoddard counties, impacted 390 acres in 2018, ranking them 5th in the category out of 700 chapters in the U.S. Other categories reported considered acres of land restored and education programs offered by chapters.

Local habitat chair, Tim Kavan says they’ve been recognized in the category for the past several years. Their success can be attributed to the high number of pivot corners -- the non-irrigated parts of a square field -- in their coverage area.

“We have a good setup for the bobwhite quail. Being in ‘ag’ country, that does provide one benefit. They all thrive here,” says Kavan. “And, the seed and grass mix we plant is structured for the nesting of the bobwhite quail.”

Although many factors can affect the quality of life of a quail, nesting cover plays a large part. Kavan says even the types of grass planted in quail conservation areas determine how sheltered they are from predators and harsh Missouri weather.

Since their start nearly 10 years ago, Kavan says the Bootheel Bobwhites have come a long way. Out of 13 Quail Forever biologists in the state, one has been assigned to serve Scott and Stoddard counties. Originating in Dexter, the Bobwhites have evolved to a strong core of members in Benton, and some members even split off to form a separate chapter in northern Arkansas. Quail Forever as a whole has also seen success in the region, with a new chapter now developing in Poplar Bluff.

“This area, which had nothing, now has three chapters within a 100-mile-radius,” says Kavan. “With all that branching out, hopefully it’ll draw enough interest where a new chapter can be generated within a 40 to 50-mile radius from the Benton area.”

And, the Bobwhites have recently undergone several changes, allowing utilization of earnings from fundraising events and efforts of members to hire conservation contractors. These contractors work with landowners who have placed a portion of their land into the conservation reserve program to create and restore quail habitat.

“They save money by ordering seed all at once, and they have specialized equipment to get the seed in the ground,” says Kavan. “They do it all while farmers are preparing land for the crop growing season, so it’s a win-win situation.”

As for new conservation programs developed within the last two decades, Kavan says they’ve resulted in a ‘good rise’ in quail numbers, but the project is neverending.

“It’s a national effort that we’re being a small part of here in southeast Missouri,” says Kavan.

The Bobwhites continue to pursue the Quail Forever mission of using over 90% of chapter dollars to create or enhance quail habitats by focusing on the education and recruitment of members, contractors, landowners, and small-game hunters.