Forecast: Bobwhite quail continue to decline in Wisconsin and their distribution remains isolated to three main counties including Portage, Sauk and Pierce.
“Given the long-term loss of appropriate habitat and recent severe winter conditions, quail have a narrow distribution and very low densities across their former range in Wisconsin,” said Krista McGinley, wildlife biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Few Wisconsin hunters currently focus on quail while in the field, but those interested in pursuing the species should focus their efforts on areas with significant grassland interspersed with dense winter cover.”
The winter of 2013-2014 was relatively severe statewide, with prolonged cold spells and above-average snowfall. The spring started off somewhat cool and wet, but brood-rearing conditions improved from early July onward.
Season Dates: October 18, 2014 (starting at noon) through December 10, 2014
Daily Bag Limit: 5
Possession Limit: 10
Field Notes: Continued losses of grasslands and changes in land use threaten the future of quail populations in Wisconsin. Help bobs in the state by forming Wisconsin’s first Quail Forever chapter.
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