For some reason there are still hunters who insist wild turkeys are to blame for devastating quail populations. They assert the turkey eat quail eggs and chicks. Well the scientific community has weighed in and the reason quail populations are low is a lack of quality quail habitat. Quail thrive in early growth habitat. Early growth is recognizable by small shrubs, weeds and grasses. This habitat provides ground cover for quail to avoid predators while providing a food source. Wild turkeys, on the other hand are pure opportunists and can thrive and use all types of habitat including early woodlands to mature forests. Plus turkeys travel farther in one day than quail do in a year. As turkeys travel they have more opportunity to find food and shelter. What is missing from the 21st century landscape are the small farms that dotted the landscape in the early to mid-20th century. Quail populations thrived during this time. Check out your state game and fish department website. Many have quail habitat improvement programs for landowners. And if you are not a landowner convince your neighbor that the program will benefit him (or her) and their land and the quail. C’mon do it for the quail.
