| Table of Contents Bobwhite Reproductive Strategies in Western Oklahoma Forecasting Quail Populations Using a Neural Network Quail Harvest Management: Scale and State Policy Bobwhite Quail Harvest Management: Ranch Perspective Conflicting Opinions on Harvest Management: Why Do They Exist? Efficiency of Bird Dogs in Locating Bobwhite Coveys Patterns in Bobwhite Mortality and Effects on Quail Population Ecology Ecology and Management of Blue Quail in Texas Vegetation Factors Preferred by Bobwhite Quail on Rangeland Temperature Regimes Preferred by Bobwhite Quail on Rangeland |
Proceedings of the Texas Quail Short Course IITexas A&M University-KingsvilleMarch 23, 1996ForewordOn a cool morning in April or May it is normal to hear the familiar whistle of a bobwhite perched on a tree limb or fence post. The bobwhite call sounds cheerful, but in actuality he is desperately looking for a mate. I am concerned that this serene call is rapidly becoming a lost sound on Texas rangelands. The bobwhite is a bird that has srict habitat requirements and if any of the necessary components are missing then the population will be deminished. Over the years we have learned the proper shelter, or cover, is one of the key components necessary to having healthy quail populations. For quail, too much brush is just as bad as too little brush. Too little grazing is just as bad as too much grazing. Landowners, land managers, and hunters must understand quail needs if they want to preserve the species in much of its range. quail enthusiasts must also learn to separate quality, science-based information on quail managment form here say and rhetoric. If someone gives you a recommendation for managing quail, always ask on what scientific basis are they giving the recommendation. Thousands of dollars are spent each year on habitat improvements that are of little or no value to quail. With the exception of white-tailed deer, we know more about the science of quail managment than perhaps any other wildlife species. The purpose of htis conference is to educate landowners, land managers, hunters, and quail enthusiastes about quail management using science-based information. It is our hope that you will learn enough through this conference to be able to go home and better manage your land or lease for bobwhites. - Will E. Cohen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Texas A&M University System, Corpus Christi, TX, (512) 265-9203 Acknowledgements The efforts of the planning committee composed of Ronnie Howard, Ross Irby, Randy Fugate, Fred Guthery, jack Trice, John Ford, Jerry Turntime, and Terry Blankenship are greatly appreciated. Thanks go to the sponsors (listed below) who provided monetary support and the cooperating groups who helped advertise the short course. Special thanks go to the South Texas Chapter of Quail Unlimited for sponsoring the printing of the short course proceddings and the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, for helping pay speaker travel costs. The promotional and educational efforts of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and its Country Agricultural and Natrual Resource Agents are very appreciated. Many thanks go to Texas A&M University-Kingsville for allowing us to use its facilities. The skills and efforts of Melinda Boettger, Stephanie Klock, and the other secretaries at the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, were essential in planning, promoting, and preparing for the short course. The organizers of this Short Course are thankful for the support and assistance of all concerned. Sponsored by:
Texas Agricultural Extension Service Cooperating groups:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Edited by:
Will E. Cohen, Ph.D |