Quail Hunting Forecast  |  10/08/2018

Georgia Quail Hunting Forecast 2018


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Weather and Conditions

Many areas across Georgia experienced drought conditions in late spring," says Dallas Ingram, state quail biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. "But the summer weather was favorable, with many areas experiencing above average rainfall. The high moisture through the summer resulted in good to excellent cover for broods and insect production. Localized heavy rainfall events do not appear to have had an overall negative effect on broods."
 

Hatch and Broods

Breeding bird counts were conducted in the southwest and east-central portions of the state during late May and early June," Ingram reports. "Counts were steady or up from the previous year. Anecdotal reports from across the state indicate good to excellent hatches. Mid-to large-sized broods are being seen along with early coveys and many late hatches. Reports suggest a favorable forecast going into the fall."  
 

Habitat and  Programs

"The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Working Lands for Wildlife Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Habitat EQIP program continues to be an asset by providing cost-share to landowners for implementing management practices recommended by the biologists of Georgia’s Bobwhite Quail Initiative," says Ingram. "Georgia's BQI biologists continue to provide objective-driven technical assistance to private landowners looking to reach their goals in regards to wild quail management. In addition,  the Georgia Department of Natural Resources,Wildlife Resources Division continues to improve upland wildlife habitat on several of its Wildlife Management Areas.  These WMAs are continuing to see increases in their quail populations and are listed as focal areas under the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative."
 

Top Spots

"With the favorable weather conditions this summer," says Ingram, "all managed lands should provide good to excellent hunting opportunities this season."
 

Insider Tips


"The statewide quail season opens Nov. 17th and runs through Feb 28th. Most public lands are only open on select dates or require a quota permit.  For more information on individual WMAs, visit www.gohuntgeoriga.com."