Forecast: Bobwhite numbers in Ohio remain quite low, though pockets of quail persist in southern counties where habitat conditions remain suitable for the species. Ohio’s whistle count indexes have shown alarming population declines since the early 1990s, according to wildlife biologist Mark Wiley with the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife, with population levels at or near historic lows during the last five years. “Long-term declines such as these are driven principally by reduced habitat availability,” Wiley said.
“Wildlife area managers in the heart of Ohio’s quail range tell me this was a wet summer with some localized flooding,” Wiley said. “Neither of those conditions are ideal for nesting quail, but the mild winter last year should have been of great benefit.”
With a few exceptions, Ohio quail hunters have to work hard for birds. In recent years, the average Ohio quail hunter pursued quail for 3 to 5 days and harvested a single bird. Wiley expects similar results during the 2016 season.
The 16 counties in southwest Ohio are open to quail hunting. In an effort to turn the habitat tide, work and population monitoring continues on public and private land within the Fallsville Quail Heritage Area in Highland County, a National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative focus area.
Season Dates: November 4 through November 27, 2016 (in specific counties – see regulations link below)
Daily Bag Limit: 4
Possession Limit: N/A
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