Statewide Quail Symposium Returns!

Written by Shelby McCay, Student Technician, Natural Resources Institute

Ah-bob-WHITE!  Calling all quail enthusiasts – the Statewide Quail Symposium returns this summer! This biennial conference brings together Texas experts in the fields of quail conservation, management and research to weigh in on frequently asked questions and hotly debated topics. Presenters include state agency personnel, research scientists, landowners, and managers to share expertise and address issues threatening quail.

The conference will kick off with a field day hosted at the MT7 Ranch in Breckenridge, where attendees will get a firsthand look at quail habitat management strategies in action and learn various techniques for habitat evaluation. The following two days will be packed with seminars led by a variety of experts ranging from field biologists to land managers and agency personnel. Get updates on quail outreach and education efforts, learn about both sides of controversial issues in “point/counterpoint” sessions which encourage debate, and hear the latest news in quail research.

Topics covered include:

• Effects of invasive species on quail
• Best management practices for quail habitat
• Emerging research on parasites and disease
• Variables in the quail equation
• initiatives to recruit new quail hunters and NGO support
• Cows and quail
• The value of management on small acreages
• Coyotes as a predator of quail
• Translocation as a restoration technique
• Quail and rain
• Use of GPS transmitters in quail research
• Does management work?
• Quail census methods
• …and more!

This year’s symposium will be held August 14th-16^th, 2019 at the MCM Elegante in Abilene, TX. Tickets are available for purchase through the Texas Wildlife Association. Early Registration is $50 and will be $75 at the door. Student tickets are available for $20.  All proceeds will benefit the Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade.

Stay up to date with the symposium through the TAMU Quail Decline Initiative Facebook Page.