There’s reason for optimism in Georgia
Wildlife officials in Georgia expect things on the quail front to be about the same, or slightly better, than they were last year.
According to results of annual summer Breeding Bird Surveys, which index the number of whistling male bobwhite quail, intensively managed properties held about the same or slightly more whistling males than last year, according to Paul Grimes, state quail coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
He notes fall covey count surveys will provide more concrete information about the population heading into the fall hunting seasons, but as of now there is reason for optimism.
“Summer weather across most of Georgia’s higher density quail areas was favorable,” he says. “Rain was well distributed in terms of amounts and duration, leading to favorable cover conditions and insect production in higher quality habitat areas, thus lending to more favorable brood-rearing conditions on areas with suitable habitat conditions.”
“Brood survival has been trending toward as good or better than last year,” he adds. Georgia is still evaluating what if any effects Hurricane Irma had on quail.
In terms of good quail-hunting opportunities this fall, Grimes expects areas with intensive management geared toward quail to be best.
For quail season dates and other information related to the season in Georgia, see the
Georgia hunting regulations. Grimes also suggests hunters contact a Georgia Bobwhite Quail Initiative biologist for more details. They can be reached at (478) 994-7583.
GEORGIA WHERE-TO-GO
“Wildlife management areas such as Di-Lane Plantation WMA, Chickasawhatchee WMA, Silver Lake WMA and River Creek WMA will be among the top public quail-hunting areas this fall in Georgia,” Grimes says.
LINKS
Georgia Quail Page
Georgia Wildlife Management Areas