MIAMI Interest in quail management has to start with the bottom line “show me the money.”
A Quail Appreciation Day on May 26, hosted by Texas Cooperative Extension in Roberts and Hemphill counties, will cover everything from economic benefits to the overall management of quail in the Panhandle.
“There is a growing interest in managing for quail in our region,” said Brandon Dukes, Extension agent in Roberts County. “We want producers to see the economic impact that can be gained by utilizing quail.”
Demand for hunting leases has increased and with proper range management for cattle, producers can naturally improve quail habitat and capitalize on the additional income, said Kyle Barnett, Extension agent in Hemphill County.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Mesa Vista Ranch near Miami. Take State Highway 70 north from Pampa about 30 miles to the Mesa Vista entry gate, located on the west side of the highway, and then follow the road to the barn.
Three continuing education units will be offered and there is no charge for the event. Those planning to attend should RSVP by May 16 to the Roberts County office, (806) 868-3191, or the Hemphill County office, (806) 323-9114, to help with lunch and transportation planning.
The program for the day includes Dr. Dale Rollins, professor and Extension wildlife specialist from San Angelo, talking about quail appreciation and economic development associated with quail.
Rollins also will discuss supplemental feeding, re-stocking, pen-reared quail and predators.
“Getting to Know Your Quail” will be presented by Ken Cearley, Extension wildlife specialist for the High Plains and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas, and Keith Boone, land manager of Mesa Vista Ranch, will outline quail research results at the Mesa Vista Ranch.
Following lunch, a tour of Mesa Vista will include three stops covering the following topics:
Stop 1: Texas Quail Index. Dukes and Barnett will talk about spring call counts, dummy nest transects and scent stations.
Stop 2: Feed, Water and Habitat. Rollins, Boone and Boone Pickens, landowner, will discuss shrubs for quail houses, supplying water to quail, and species visitations at quail feeders.
Stop 3: Axe, Plow, Cow, Fire. The Tools of Habitat Management. Cearley, Boone and John Hughes, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in Canadian, will talk about brush sculpting/transplanting, cows and quail, farm bill programs, and prescribed burning in quail habitat management.
The program will conclude by 4:15 p.m.
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