Oklahoma Quail Habitat Guide the Role We Play in Conservation

Home , Blue quail, Quail, Scaled quail, Western Oklahoma

MAY/JUNE 2013 – ONLY $10 A YEAR

Oklahoma Quail Habitat Guide The Role We Play in Conservation

Is It Hopeless? Some people are wondering, “is the quail decline a hopeless battle we can’t win?” While we may never see the quail hunting that we had in the 1950s again, we do have hope that it can be good. And it’s our obligation to do everything we can to conserve this bird and the tradition of hunting that it inspires. JENA DONNELL

Oklahoma has long been home to some of the best bobwhite In other cases, habitat changes are more subtle. Some land- quail hunting and quail habitat in the nation. The distinct owners think to themselves, “My land has been in the family call of the bobwhite has become a symbol of the Oklahoma for 50 years, and it’s the same today as it was when we arrived.” countryside, and sportsmen and their dogs from Oklahoma as Changes to the landscape can be so subtle that landowners well as out-of-state have enjoyed countless days of exciting bird may not even realize it’s happening on their own property, and hunting in this great state. in those cases it may be the wildlife that is affected most. But the species is currently in a state of long-term decline While Oklahoma remains one of the strongest holdouts of across its range. Land use changes, such as the introduction of bobwhite quail populations and habitat, wildlife professionals non-native vegetation and increased alteration of native range- are proactively undertaking extensive efforts to understand land may all play a role in the decline, as well as other factors and address the downward trend in quail populations. haven’t helped quail. Quail thrive in large expanses of native, In the meantime, there is much that we do understand and that we warm-season grasses and scattered clumps of low-growing can do today to positively benefit quail, particularly on our state’s woody cover. Oklahoma used to be covered by this type of private lands. It starts with ensuring that each of us does our part. habitat. And while it still dominates certain areas, there’s less This guide is going to cover several topics designed to help of it. Habitat changes over time. landowners make a real difference for quail on their property. Sometimes this is plain to see, such as in many counties today When executed correctly, the practices described here can even that were once dominated by native grasses but that are now draw quail to a property that otherwise might not support them. marked by draws of oak timber with trees as wide as 10 inches in Thank you for your conservation efforts, and good hunting! diameter. In fact, with the exception of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma was historically a prairie state. Exclusion of fire along with other human activities have caused much of Oklahoma’s prairie and savannah habitats to be invaded by timber Richard Hatcher, growth, all at the expense of native prairie and the bobwhite quail. Director MAY/JUNE 2013 Conservation by phone at (405) 521-3855. If you believe you you believe you If 521-3855. (405) at phone by Conservation 7106) is published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Department Department Oklahoma the by bimonthly published is 7106) distribution not covered by subscription costs are borne borne are costs subscription by covered not distribution Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, Attention: Civil Civil Attention: Program, Restoration Fish Sport and Wildlife This program receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish Fish U.S. the from assistance Federal receives program This Rights Coordinator for Public Access, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Drive, Fairfax N. 4401 Access, Public for Coordinator Rights Wildlife of Department Oklahoma the contact please format, $18 for two years and $25 for three years. Single copies copies Single years. three for $25 and years two for $18 Nels Rodefeld Copyright ©2013 by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Wildlife of Department Oklahoma the by ©2013 Copyright permission is prohibited. Outdoor Oklahoma (ISSN 0030- (ISSN Oklahoma Outdoor prohibited. is permission OK, and additional mailing offices. Notification of address address of Notification offices. mailing additional and OK, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of of II Title and 1973, of Act Rehabilitation the of 504 Section Scott Parry, Jeff Pennington, Doug Schoeling, Weston Weston Schoeling, Doug Pennington, Jeff Parry, Scott of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, City, Oklahoma P.O. 53465, Box Conservation, Wildlife of Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 1975, of Act Discrimination Age the 1972, of Amendments accommodation or informational material in an alternative Holmes (Outdoor Oklahoma Associate Editor), Andrea Andrea Editor), Associate Oklahoma (Outdoor Holmes Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), Title IX of the Education Education the of IX Title amended), (as 1964 of Act Rights the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, disability, origin, national religion, color, race, of basis the the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To request an an To request 1990. of Act Disabilities with Americans the address changes to Outdoor Oklahoma, P.O. Box 53465, P.O. 53465, Box Oklahoma, Outdoor to changes address and Wildlife Service, and thus prohibits discrimination on on discrimination prohibits thus and Service, Wildlife and Subscriptions to Outdoor Oklahoma are $10 per year, year, per $10 are Oklahoma Outdoor to Subscriptions have been discriminated against in any program, activity, activity, program, any in against discriminated been have or service, please contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Service, Wildlife and Fish U.S. contact: please service, or by the sportsmen of Oklahoma through their hunting hunting their through Oklahoma of sportsmen the by Conservation. Reproduction in whole or in part without without part in or whole in Reproduction Conservation. ZIP codes, with six weeks notice. POSTMASTER: Send Send POSTMASTER: notice. weeks six with codes, ZIP S Jena Donnell OK 73152. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, City, Oklahoma at paid postage Periodicals 73152. OK change must include both old and new addresses and and addresses new and old both include must change Crews, Dwayne Elmore, Alva Gregory, Allan Janus, Janus, Allan Gregory, Alva Elmore, Dwayne Crews, age, and sex (gender), pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Civil the of VII Title to pursuant (gender), sex and age, are $3 ($4 if mailed). Any costs of production and and production of costs Any mailed). if ($4 $3 are Robert Fleenor Robert Nels Rodefeld (Outdoor Oklahoma Editor), Micah Micah Editor), Oklahoma (Outdoor Rodefeld Nels Melinda Sturgess-Streich Melinda ub Wade Free W M. David Riggs David M. sc Published by the Oklahoma Department ildlife Barry Bolton Alan Peoples John D. Groendyke D. John ription E-mail: [email protected] John Zelbst John Harland Stonecipher

Art direction by Stroud Design, Inc. Design, Stroud by direction Art Printed on recycled, recyclable paper. O W [email protected] klahoma Administration and Finance Administration Michael Bergin Michael , Chief, Information & Education Division &Education Information , Chief, Richard Hatcher Bruce Mabrey Oklahoma City, OK 73152. OK City, Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Arlington, Virginia 22203. Virginia Arlington, C , Quail Habitat Biologist and Co-editor and Biologist Habitat , Quail of Wildlife Conservation Mike Bloodworth S wildlifedepartment.com Ed Abel Ed ildlife C Mary Fallin Mary , Assistant Director of Operations of Director , Assistant ontributing Storer, Eddie Wilson tate Dan, Altus Robbins S , Chief, Law Enforcement Division Enforcement Law , Chief, on and fishing fees. ervi , Chief, Fisheries Division Fisheries , Chief, , Meers - Vice Chairman -Vice , Meers s , Sand Springs -Chairman Springs , Sand , Chief, Division Wildlife W

of ervation , Oklahoma City C

D eb c O on

epartment e s , Governor s , Enid -Secretary , Enid klahoma , Okmulgee ite s : 1-800-777-0019 , Assistant Director of of Director , Assistant , Co-editor ervation , Director , Centrahoma S , Hugo C taff ommi

of ss

ion ODWC Invests in Research in ODWC Invests 8 Chapter Change the Monitoring 7 Chapter Managing for Quail 6 Chapter Tools Management Habitat Quail 5 Chapter Landscape AChanging Oklahoma: 4 Chapter Ecology Quail Bobwhite 3 Chapter We Role PlayThe Conservation in 1 Chapter A Tradition Hunting Quail of 2 Chapter Managing Timberlands for Quail It was here when I bought the farm — it’s native, right? native, —it’s farm the Ibought when here was It Changes in Quail Habitat May be Going Unnoticed The Tool: Brush Management The Tool: Prescribed Fire Conservation in Action: Management from Examples Oklahoma’s WMAs Fall Covey Sheet Data Count GrasslandsManaging for Quail The Tool: Prescribed Grazing Our Culture — A Changing Landscape Weather on Impacts the Bobwhite Northern Blues – Oklahoma’s Quail Species “Other” The Pros and Feeding Cons of Supplemental on Pen-Reared Birds Spotlight Managing Agricultural Fields for Quail inConservation from WMAs Action: Oklahoma Examples Contents ......

. . .

......

. . . .

Cover photo by Gary Kramer Gary by photo Cover

. .

. . . .

......

. .

. . . . .

. . .

. . . .

. .

. . .

. .

. . .

. .

. . .

. .

......

44 48 36 26 . . 10 18 34 42 37 38 28 30 39 36 20 24 47 14 19 6 2 9 8 7 1

STEVE WEBBER Chapter 1

The Role We Play RUSSELL GRAVES 1 in Conservation A Look at How Each of Us Can Help Conserve Quail By Michael Bergin

Partnering for Quail Conservation Conservation success stories revolve around partnerships. While individual partners each have a role, combining resources and sharing the workload allows for more tasks to be accomplished and ultimately more conservation to be applied on the ground. As we continue to manage for quail in Oklahoma, it is important we maintain existing partnerships and continue to build others. As you read through this guide, consider your role in habitat management and how you can help achieve the overall goal of quail conservation.

2 1 THE ROLE WE PLAY IN CONSERVATION Landowners Conservation Service and others are con- calling one of the numbers on the back Oklahoma is comprised of about 97 per- stantly putting forth efforts in the way of cover of this guide. There are also a num- cent privately owned land, meaning that research, land acquisition, on-the-ground ber of non-government agencies like Quail landowners are an important — no, crucial habitat work on public land and assistance Forever, The Nature Conservancy, the — key to helping ensure that quail habitat to landowners. To many wildlife biologists, National Wild Turkey Federation and oth- remains available to these iconic birds. Not quail management is both scientific and ers who play important partnership rules only will landowners be a key to bobwhite deeply personal, since many of these indi- in conservation. quail recovery, they are also a key to help- viduals are passionate hunters and wild- ing the species thrive once again. With so life enthusiasts who are eager to see the Sportsmen much land under private ownership, it’s up iconic bobwhite quail thrive in its native The other major key to the conservation to landowners to partner with the Oklaho- habitat. Along with private lands programs of quail is the sportsmen that hunt them. ma Department of Wildlife Conservation and routine management efforts on public You’ll learn more about them in the next and sportsmen to provide habitat for wild- lands, the Wildlife Department partici- section, but the take home message is that life, and they do a good job of it. However, pates in extensive research efforts aimed it takes commitment from multiple par- with land use changes taking place every at learning how to best conserve bobwhite ties to make conservation happen. Wild- day, small-tract landowners face challenges quail. You can learn about a few of these life Department officials are optimistic in the quest to provide habitat on a small efforts later in this guide. that we can make a difference for quail scale that still makes a big impact. But there Oftentimes there are state and federal in Oklahoma. Quail populations have a is a way. incentive programs offered through agen- better chance of rebounding when private One thing we know for sure is that quail cies like these that are designed to assist landowners, sportsmen and the Wildlife are dependent on weather and habitat. landowners with conservation on their Department partner together for the ben- And while landowners cannot control the land. You can learn more about these by efit of wildlife. weather, they can make great strides in restoring and enhancing the wildlife habitat on their property. In doing so, they can FREE WADE put in place at least one of the puzzle pieces critical for quail to thrive. Additionally, the impact of what an Oklahoma landowner does for wildlife on his property can spread well beyond his fence line. When an area provides a good arrangement and diversity of nutritious food, shelter and nesting cover, quail have a better chance of foraging and nesting successfully. And when more than one landowner in an area catch on and begin striving to provide better wildlife habitat, their success is multiplied. Not only so, but they set an example that others can follow. Another thing we know for sure is that, without landowner participation, wildlife conservation — and quail management in particular — just can’t happen.

State and Federal Agencies While private land ownership is “ground zero” as far as on-the-ground habitat efforts that benefit quail, landowners aren’t alone in their responsibility. State and federal agencies such as the Oklahoma Depart- ment of Wildlife Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resource

MAY/JUNE 2013 3 Location: When woody cover is randomly scattered across native range, wildlife can use the entire habitat, not just the edges Good Plant Bad Plant of pastures and fields. The Good: Sand Plum Size: Preferred loafing coverts or motts are at least 30 feet in diameter. This provides a covey of quail or a bedded deer opti- Before the luxury of air conditioning, most everyone knew the mum protection. importance of shade trees. They provided a place to take a break, Proximity: Loafing coverts should be relatively close to each eat lunch, or take the occasional afternoon nap. Even though we other. As quail forage, they prefer to stay within “flushing dis- now escape to air conditioned vehicles or houses, wildlife still tance” (approximately 100 feet) of cover. depend on shade to survive the brutal summer heat. Even though sand plum has adapted to fire, motts can be top- Because of its growth pattern, sand plum (Prunus angusti- killed by especially hot fires. If loafing cover is limited, consider folia) is one of the many species of native cover that provides disking around small sand plum motts before conducting a pre- wildlife an oasis during the summer. Some studies have shown scribed burn. The disked areas will not only serve as a temporary that woody cover, including sand plum thickets or “motts,” can firebreak by reducing the fuel load, but also encourage forbs the be at least five degrees cooler than temperatures in direct sun. following spring. Increasing the amount of forbs near woody Temperatures can be further reduced by selecting areas of deeper cover allows game birds to reduce the amount of time foraging shade. This means wildlife can avoid lethal temperatures simply away from protective cover. by moving to woody cover. Researchers have found bobwhites While woody cover may be limited on some properties, it avoid operative temperatures of over 102°F. Operative tempera- may be too dense on others. Maintaining the right combination tures take into account the influence of solar radiation and wind. of low-growing woody cover, nesting cover and brood rearing Sand plum motts can provide cover for small mammals and big cover is key. game such as deer while also serving as ideal loafing coverts for Just as an old shade tree provides us a cool spot to take a break upland birds like quail. Because these motts are typically open and avoid the summer sun, sand plum motts offer the same to at ground level, loafing birds are able to rest and digest food a variety of wildlife species. As the thermometer continues to while being protected from aerial predators. It also affords them rise this summer, remember that wildlife not only rely on woody a safe place to “dust” (coating feathers with dust is a common cover for predator avoidance, but also to escape the heat. method for birds to cool down and protect themselves from bit- ing insects). Motts are most beneficial when the canopy closure

is 60 to 80 percent. JENA DONNELL Though typically associated with the more sandy soils of western Oklahoma, sand plum can be found statewide, with the exception of Cimarron County in the panhandle. Sand plum is a low-growing shrub, and is readily recognized by the growth habit alone. The reddish-brown twigs have a shiny appearance, and are equipped with sturdy thorns. Leaves are glossy green, oblong, ser- rated, and grow on alternate sides of the stems. One of the earliest species to bloom, this shrub produces white flowers in late March and April. The yellow-red fruits ripen in late June and July. When managing sand plum or other woody cover for wildlife, remember three key aspects: JENA DONNELL

The sand plum is an iconic symbol of Oklahoma plant life, often recognized for its small fruit that grows along country roadside fences and pastures in the summer. Sand plum and other native shrubs and trees can be purchased from the Oklahoma Forestry Service website at forestry.ok.gov.

Sand plum thickets like the one on the left serve as protective cover for wildlife from both predators and weather.

4 1 THE ROLE WE PLAY IN CONSERVATION MAY/JUNE 2013 Range Research Station. Because many of these cultivars can can cultivars these of many Because Station. Research Range Plains Southern atthe Oklahoma, Woodward, in tested or developed —were Spar WW and Ironmaster, WW Bluestem, —Plains these of Three Plains. Great the in tested been have 750 nearly World Old of bluestem; cultivars several are there grasses, introduced many with As Europe. southern and Asia, 1920’s the Africa, in from Plains Great the to introduced first were World Old bluestems bluestem, little or big able World Old bluestems. including grasses, forage introduced with replaced been have range native friendly” “quail this of acres of thousands rates, stocking livestock for higher ademand and practices agricultural in shift the With landscape. the throughout forage they as movement quail adult and chick for both allow clumps grass native between ground cover. Bare escape and for loafing brush low-growing for and (weeds) food forbs of amixture with cover nesting providing bunchgrasses native includes habitat quail of description classic The nahs. savan open to prairie brushy native —from communities plant of avariety in flourished and to adapted have Quail diversity. and structure — is cover nesting quail —especially habitat quail Jena Donnell and Gregory Alva By World Bad: Bluestem Old The Good Plant Bad Plant More closely related to silver bluestem than the more desir more the than bluestem silver to related closely More to key the Ecology” Quail “Bobwhite in later discussed As - - saving the native rangeland for winter grazing. grazing. for winter rangeland native the saving season, growing the during grass introduced the utilizing to given be should Consideration preparation. for seedbed crop acover planting include options Other year. following the needed be may spraying Spot later. weeks eight needed be will application Asecond June. of part first the during applied Arsenal) or (glysophate herbicide a non-selective with treated then and spring early or winter late in mowed or forbs. and grasses native to replanted and herbicide with treated be field stem World Old blue the recommend biologists wildlife, benefit To options. best limited found have they Unfortunately, fields. World Old bluestem existing improve to ways find to tried have researchers and biologists many plantings, decreased. significantly is habit quail of value the diversity, Without diversity. vegetative little very provide that stands solid thick, in planted were fields other and acres CRP many Unfortunately, World Old to bluestems. planted been has ties coun Oklahoma western some in land CRP of percent 50 over then, 1986. in Since began program bill farm the (CRP) when Program Reserve Conservation the in grass cover popular a World Old bluestem made also qualities These pastures. Oklahoma in seeded regularly been have forages “exotic” other and World Old bluestems level, tolerance awide have and establish to easy are and forage, livestock quality provide The Old World bluestem field should be burned, grazed, grazed, burned, be should field World Old bluestem The World Old of bluestem nature extensive the of Because 5 - - DWAYNE ELMORE Chapter 2 RUSSELL GRAVES

A Tradition of 2 Quail Hunting By Michael Bergin

6 2 A TRADITION OF QUAIL HUNTING To an Oklahoma quail hunter, every moment spent in the field with family, friends and dogs is a moment well spent. Blues – Oklahoma’s “Other” Quail Species Brandon Cary of Yukon knows this all too well. A father of two, Cary hopes JENA DONNELL to instill an interest in conservation and hunting in his young boys. His own interest in hunting comes from his family roots. Having grown up in Hollis, Okla- homa, hunting quail was part of his way of life, passed down to him by his own late father. “Quail hunting for me can be summed up in one word — ‘relationship,’” Cary said. “My Dad and I rarely missed an opening day. He’d wake me up early, and we’d start the day with breakfast together at the Hollis Inn. After breakfast we’d By Jena Donnell spend the rest of the morning follow- Bobwhite quail are the most common and popular quail species in Oklahoma. ing a pair of good bird dogs around the Even so, there’s another special quail that sportsmen can hunt in our state — that old home place. I can’t remember many is, if they are willing to travel to extreme northwest Oklahoma. Often considered instances where my Dad didn’t get his a desert quail, the scaled quail, or “blue quail,” has similar habitat needs as the limit, but for me it was always about the bobwhite but prefers more arid, short-grass rangelands. time we got to spend together. It’s a tradi- Though many birds are named for their call or song, all the common names for tion that I’m hoping to pass down to my this species are based on feather color or characteristics. Regardless of the name, own boys.” sportsmen wanting to add this species to their list should be prepared for a long While Cary misses the times he spent chase. Unlike bobwhites, scaled quail are known for their tendency to run when with his father the most, he does hope to disturbed instead of flushing. see quail thrive in the habitats they have Like bobwhites, scaled quail are ground nesting birds. Because “blues” are left today. found in more arid shortgrass prairies where nesting material may be limited, Memories of dogs on point, coffee from nests are typically made in shallow depressions lined with grass and leaves. Birds a thermos, snowy winter days, big open frequently use shrubs, cactus, and other woody cover for additional protection. country, coveralls, over-and-unders, Reproduction is tightly tied to weather, and scaled quail are less likely to have game vests, hearty lunches, Grandpa, multiple clutches than bobwhites. Dad and Mom are conjured up in the Scaled quail begin forming coveys in late summer and fall, sometimes as early minds of hunters when they look back as August. Covey size is variable, with an average of 19 to 38 birds. Coveys of over upon years of great quail hunting. And 150 birds have been reported in sand sagebrush grasslands. while all of these things are central to the Though rare, hybridization between scaled quail and bobwhites may occur making of a great memory in the field, where the two species ranges overlap. Characteristics of both species are most none of them are as symbolic of the great obvious in male hybrids. These hybrid males tend to have a white throat patch but sport of quail hunting as the iconic bob- lack a distinct black border. Instead, a patch of hazel-colored feathers is present white quail itself. below the lower mandible. Breast and belly feathers are similar to scaled quail, Unfortunately, data tells us that the while side and flank feathers are representative of bobwhites. These hybrids are popularity of quail hunting is declining, often referred to as “blobs.” as evidenced by the number of Oklahoma quail hunters — declining from 110,000 they may not have a chance to develop an Conservation receives no general state tax in 1980 to less than 30,000 hunters today. appreciation for habitat and conservation appropriations and is supported primar- This is not because quail hunting isn’t of the species. ily by sportsmen through their purchase fun anymore. It’s a more complex issue So preserving the tradition of quail of hunting and fishing licenses. Through than that. Many youngsters are not even conservation through hunting is more their purchase of hunting licenses as well getting the chance to be exposed to hunt- important now than ever. as the purchase of certain hunting equip- ing, and so they may never be enticed by Put simply, hunting is conservation. ment, funds have continued to flow into the joys of pursuing quail. As a result, The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife (continued on page 9)

MAY/JUNE 2013 7 RUSSELL GRAVES Spotlight on Pen-Reared Birds By Doug Schoeling

Many quail enthusiasts — landowners and sportsmen alike may have genetic consequences to wild quail. — are attempting to increase the quail population on their • Behavior: Without parents to imprint on young, pen-raised properties by releasing pen-reared birds. While these birds quail may not realize they are quail. are commonly used to train young or inexperienced bird dogs, interest in this practice has significantly increased as wild To address some of the pen-reared issues, some landowners quail populations continue to decline statewide. Unfortunate- release birds from a “surrogator.” In this type of release, young ly, releasing pen-reared birds has been proven to have a mini- chicks are placed in a special container with food, water, and a mal and short-term impact on the overall quail population. heater. Because these surrogator-raised birds have little to no human imprinting, it is believed these birds will act more like wild birds. A Few Downsides to Pen-Reared Birds Researchers with Oklahoma State University recently looked • Birds are not acclimated to life outside the pen: When pen- at the effectiveness of this release system on a ranch in western reared birds are released into the wild, they no longer have Kansas. Chicks were raised to five weeks of age in the surrogator access to the food, water and shelter once provided in the pen. and then released. A small number of the survivors were fitted with This can lead to a very low survival rate after release. a radio transmitter to determine survival. Though an average of • Increased predation: Because released birds are not acclimated 78 percent of the chicks survived to five weeks of age in the sur- to life outside the pen, they may not have the innate fear of rogator, 65 percent of the birds were dead within three weeks of predators, or may not have as effective escape maneuvers. release. For the complete study, log on to http://139.78.48.197/utils/ • Disease: Pen-reared birds are usually kept in confined areas getfile/collection/theses/id/4041/filename/4042.pdf. which may lead to a number of different diseases. Because With today’s low wild quail populations, many landowners many of these diseases are primarily associated with confine- and sportsmen may feel like releasing pen-reared birds is the only ment, wild quail populations may never have been exposed to option. However, biologists caution this practice may be effective them. Releasing “carrier” pen-reared birds could increase the for bird dog training or allow for “put and take” hunting, but will chance of the disease spreading into the wild population and not improve the wild quail population.

8 2 A TRADITION OF QUAIL HUNTING wildlife conservation in Oklahoma as part of the Wildlife Restoration Program. Hunt- The Pros and Cons of Supplemental Feeding ing equipment carries a federal tax that is By Doug Schoeling collected from the manufacturer, and the Quail enthusiasts across the state are looking for options. Those most concerned U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service then dis- with bird health and body condition may be considering supplemental feeding; tributes such taxes to state wildlife agencies hoping to improve survival, increase body size, or simply to attract birds to their like the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife hunting area. Other sportsmen may be deterred by the high cost, the potential for Conservation. The funds must be used by concentrating predators or feeding non-target animals (especially small mammals the states for wildlife conservation efforts. like raccoons). Another fear is that concentrating birds around artificial food The program functions as a “user pay, user sources could spread disease. benefit” program in that the number of Regardless of the pros or cons, biologists caution that a supplemental feeding hunting licenses issued in Oklahoma annu- program is only effective when native food is the limiting resource. Many times, lack ally helps determine the final amount of the of suitable woody cover or nesting cover limits the quail population more than food program’s funding. Because of the Wildlife availability. Even so, food could be limited in quantity or quality, or high concen- Restoration Program, Oklahoma’s funds trations of quality feed could be inaccessible to quail because of distribution or today represent millions of additional con- other obstacles. Before you begin an expensive supplemental feeding program with servation dollars invested in our state by no guarantees of a population response, first consider your native food source. Are licensed hunters. there an adequate number of plants that attract insects in the spring and summer Because of efforts to enhance and and provide seed in the fall? Is there a way to connect areas with high concentra- restore habitat, quail benefit, as do so tions of weeds? If food is the limiting resource on your property, three of the basic many other species in Oklahoma ranging quail management tools — prescribed fire, prescribed grazing, and strip disking from big game like deer and pronghorn to — are oftentimes more beneficial than implementation of a feeding program. wild turkeys, rabbits and others. Sports- men’s dollars have gone a long way in Does supplemental feeding really benefit the quail population? making that happen through research Increased interest in supplemental feeding programs has led to several scien- projects, habitat restoration, law enforce- tific studies examining the year-long value to birds. One Texas study looked at ment, education and long-term coopera- the effects of supplemental feeding on body condition and overall benefits to the tive relationships between the Wildlife population. They found that feeding did increase over winter survival, but only Department, landowners and sportsmen. in areas of deep sand. Feeding on study sites with sandy loam or clay soils had In short, one of the best ways to sup- no added benefit to the population. These results indicate that deep sand soil port wildlife conservation, and therefore types do not produce as many native forbs as sandy loam or clay soils. At the quail conservation, is to purchase a hunt- time of the study, supplemental feeding costs were estimated at $5.70 - $6.58 per ing license and go hunting. Additionally, bird. Because hunting leases in deep sand areas were only $4 per acre, researchers hunters can introduce others to the out- concluded it would be more cost effective to lease additional land than to add doors by taking them hunting. Becom- supplemental feed. For supplemental feeding to be effective, there would need to ing a volunteer instructor for the Wildlife be an increase in the spring quail population. Unfortunately, other research stud- Department’s hunter education program ies haven’t been able to show this improvement. For the complete study, log on makes a big difference through educating to http://texnat-tamu-edu.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2010/09/page15.pdf. the next generation of hunters in local When the same researchers looked at the impact of supplemental feeding on communities. Or get involved in local reproductive success, they found no improvement on any sites because quail — chapters of effective conservation groups especially nesting hens — are primarily feeding on high protein insects instead such as Quail Forever. Projects and fund- of seeds. Additionally, many agricultural seeds used in feeding programs such as raisers held by conservation organizations milo may not meet the minimum nutritional requirements for quail. are effective ways to raise money for con- As quail numbers continue to decline, sportsmen are looking for a solution. servation projects. Unfortunately, adding a supplemental feeding program may not help the quail The tradition of quail hunting is syn- population as much as many quail enthusiasts would like. Even so, during severe onymous with the preservation of habitat. winter weather events, snow and ice can limit food availability for short periods Not only so, but the intrinsic riches gained of times. During these types of weather events, supplemental feeding can be used from the quail hunting experience range to increase food availability. Because food is seldom the limiting factor for the from simply seeing beautiful countryside population and the spring diet for quail is insect based, biologists recommend and knowing you are a part of conservation other habitat management practices that will not only improve the forb element, to forming deep and lasting memories and but also the nesting cover and bare ground habitat components. relationships with family and friends.

MAY/JUNE 2013 9 Chapter 3

Physical Description Bobwhite quail are a study in cam- ouflage. Reddish brown and tan above, Bobwhite Quail this softball-sized bird easily hides in a variety of habitats. Though quail are easily concealed by their neutral color- Ecology ation, individual feathers have surpris- 3 ingly intricate patterns. Breast and flank feathers are perhaps the most striking;

KELLY ADAMS KELLY white with dark, narrow v-shaped bars. Males have a white chin and throat, with a black eye stripe. Females have tan facial markings. Chicks are covered in buff-colored natal down when hatched. Juvenile feathers first become visible at two weeks of age and down is completely replaced by the time birds are four weeks old. By 15 weeks of age, the molt is complete, and all birds have adult plumage.

Aging Quail The most accurate way to age quail is to examine the coloration and molt pat- Primary Feather Replacement Sequence tern of the wing feathers. The first step “Growing” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 is to fully extend the wing. The longest Feather wing feathers are at the bottom, and the Quail Age Not Replaced 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 outermost feathers are called the primary (in weeks) this Year feathers. Primaries are numbered one to Typical Adult Wing with Molt Completed Typical Juvenile Wing with Molt in Progress

The tips of outermost primaries Primaries 9 and 10 the same shade as 1 through The tips of outermost primaries 9 and 10 of 9 and 10 of adult are more 8. (Primaries 9 and 10 on juvenile with juveniles are more pointed on ends than rounded on ends than juvenile completed molt are very slightly faded when adult primaries 9 and 10. primaries 9 and 10. compared to primaries 1 through 8)

An adult with a 9 10 On juvenile with an 10 completed molt, 8 incomplete molt, 9 P7 is a growing feather. This bird ends of primary 7 ends of primary 8 feathers make a feathers make a is about 10 weeks old. uniformly 6 broken profile due rounded profile. to regrowing 5 primaries. 5 6 7 Greater primary 8 9 8 9 coverts 1 through 4 7 4 7 that have been Primaries Great primary Primaries 7 6 coverts not 6 replaced are buff 1 through 10 3 1 through 10 3 5 tipped on ends tipped or edged 5 with buff. Coverts 4 like juvenile and 2 4 2 subadult coverts. 8 and 9 usually 3 3 not tipped or 1 1 AXIAL AXIAL edged. Adult coverts are a slaty gray color Greater primary their entire coverts of adults length. are not tipped buff a slaty gray color throughout their Secondaries Secondaries entire length.

Reverse examination with under-wing coverts open to Reverse examination with under-wing coverts open to expose base expose base of primaries will show all primaries fully of primaries will show a regrowing primary, indicated by a soft regrown, scales not present on lower shaft of primaries at bluish-colored shaft at the point of attachment to the wing, and/or point of attachment and all lower shafts are hard. a loose scale on the shaft at the base or point of attachment.

10 3 BOBWHITE QUAIL ECOLOGY 10, with the 10th primary on the outer in grass litter to a complex, dome-covered surviving young, and one to several cocks edge. Primary feathers are partially cov- bowl with one or multiple entrances. Nest or pairs that failed to produce broods. ered by the much shorter covert feathers. building can take five to 10 days. After Bobwhites lost from one covey may join Buff colored tips on the coverts separate the nest is completed, females lay one egg another so that birds of several different juveniles from adults. Juveniles will keep a day (sometimes skipping a day) until the ages may be found together. buffy tips for one year. clutch is complete. The number of eggs To estimate the age of juvenile birds, laid varies throughout the breeding sea- Winter simply examine the primary feathers for son, with an average of 12 to 14 eggs in At the end of the fall shuffle, newly the “growing” or replacement feather. mid-season. Incubation begins only after formed coveys prepare for winter. Move- Because these feathers are grown and the clutch is complete, allowing chicks to ments are minimized and covey sizes replaced in a certain time sequence, the hatch within hours of each other. Both tend to remain fairly stable. Coveys often age of the bird can be determined to the males and females incubate clutches, with coalesce as winter progresses; while covey nearest week. a majority of nests being attended by size may remain the same, the number of females. Even so, females will sometimes coveys on a given area tends to decrease. Life of a Quail lay a clutch of eggs, leave the male to care The diet shifts dramatically in the For most of the year, quail are social for it, and go find another mate. Incuba- winter from seasonally abundant insects animals, forming small groups or “cov- tion averages 23 days. All told, the nest- to fallen forb seeds. Many studies have eys” of 12 to 15 birds. These birds spend ing process requires 44 to 53 days. After tried to rank the preference of “bobwhite most of the day together, foraging in the hatching, chicks are led away from the nest friendly” plants, but this task has proved early morning and late afternoon and when down feathers dry and begin forag- difficult. Bobwhites consume the seeds loafing in low-growing brush the rest of ing alongside the adult. and plant parts of over 1,000 plants. the day. While coveys are tight-knit asso- During spring and summer, quail diets ciations, the membership often changes consist of insects and other high protein Surviving the Year throughout the year. items. Hens require extra protein for egg- Bobwhites face many challenges during laying, and chicks rely on insects for the the course of the year, and only a small Spring/Summer first six weeks of life. After six weeks, the number survive. Spring floods, late season In early spring, coveys scatter and males diet partially shifts to seeds and berries. freezes or exceptional droughts impact begin whistling “bob-white” to establish Nesting continues throughout the sum- nesting success. Additionally, freezing mating territories and to attract mates. mer, with the majority of the hatch com- temperatures, heavy snows and ice storms Both males and females begin nest build- pleted by mid-July. take their toll on the winter populations. ing in early spring. Nests are built on the When these weather events are combined ground and vary from a simple depression Autumn with natural predation and unfavorable Nesting season winds down in autumn. habitat changes, chances of survival are JANUARY F Even so, if initial nests are destroyed low. The average life span of a bird is eight ER EB B RU EM A by predators or weather events, to 11 months, and a mere 20 to 30 percent C INTER R E W Y D hens may attempt second of the population survives to the next year.

R M E or third nests. Though Even with a relatively short life span and B Covey A R M C nest initiation plum- survival rate, some years have a noticeable E H V Spring Break-up mets in drought, hens “boom” of quail numbers. Other years O N S take advantage of fall are obvious “busts.” Because of this cyclic

R rains; young chicks pattern, quail managers have long thought A

L R E

R have been seen as of quail as an annual crop, much like corn L Fall Shuf e

Pair-bonds I

L T

A late as November. or soybeans. While several factors can

G F

O Birds begin mov- impact quail populations each year, gen-

R ing in autumn, and erations of biologists have seen an obvious

E M

B Brooding & coveys begin reform- link between average rainfall patterns and A M

T Late Nesting ing. During this time, quail populations.

P Nesting

S birds mingle with differ- Though it feels like quail populations

U R

T J

M ent coveys and can move are in the trenches, it is important to U S

N U

E G

A several miles. These move- maintain quality habitat across the land-

J U Y

L ments are collectively known as scape. As weather patterns shift to more the “fall shuffle.” Early fall coveys often favorable conditions, quail populations This figure shows the annual cycle of social and reproductive behavior of the bobwhite quail. consist of one to three adult pairs, their should respond.

MAY/JUNE 2013 11 Habitat Needs Bobwhite quail have a multi-state distribution; ranging from the pine woodlands of STEVE WEBBER the southeast to the open rangeland of the Great Plains. Because of the vast landscape changes across the range of bobwhites, it is impossible to describe “optimum” quail habitat. What is considered quail habitat in Florida may not be classified as quail habitat in western Oklahoma. Instead, managers should focus on the specific habitat needs of bobwhites, and modify existing habitat (be it forest, cross timbers, or range) to better suit those needs.

Brood Rearing/Foraging Habitat Bobwhites are largely seed-eaters. Though they take advantage of seasonally abundant foods — green vegetation and insects in spring and summer — seeds comprise more than 60 percent of their diet throughout the year. Forbs like western ragweed, Texas croton, and beebalm are often praised by quail managers. But grass seeds like panicums and paspalums and legumes such as Illinois bundleflower and native peas are commonly found in quail crops. Regardless of the menu, quail need to be able to reach the food; everything a quail eats must either be directly on the Prime brood rearing habitat for quail such as this leads to birds using the area more. ground or within six inches of the ground. For the nutritional needs of quail to be met year round, it is best to have a wide variety of forbs and legumes available. These STEVE WEBBER plants also attract insects, which are especially important for laying hens and newly hatched chicks. Many forbs and other quail-friendly plants have a growth pattern that is advan- tageous to the birds. Plants with a single stem at ground level and a wide canopy at the top provide foraging quail with screening cover. When abundant, these branching overhead canopies can conceal quail from aerial predators like Cooper’s and Sharp- shinned Hawks. Foraging habitat doesn’t end at the right mixture and height of forbs or other insect attracting plants. Bare ground is an essential component in foraging habitat. Quail must be able to freely move through the habitat and visually find insects or dropped seeds. Unlike larger game birds, quail are weak

12 3 BOBWHITE QUAIL ECOLOGY scratchers, and won’t be able to easily access • Is the grass tall enough to conceal an nest predators. Conversely, excessive brush seeds that have fallen into deep ground litter. incubating bird? Make sure at least six management can increase predator detec- to eight inches of stubble height will be tion and restrict wildlife movements. Like Nesting Habitat available during the nesting season (April with vehicle care, maintenance of wildlife For many ground nesting birds, a clump 1 to Sept. 30). cover is typically the best and easiest route. of native grass is “home sweet nest.” Bob- Evaluate the woody cover available for whites are capable of nesting almost any- • Has the thatch layer become too thick? loafing bobwhites: where, but prefer grass clumps that matured Throw a softball and watch its landing. If the prior season. Bunchgrasses like little the ball rolls after landing, bare ground and • Consider the structure: Will the existing bluestem, big bluestem and Indiangrass are travel corridors are probably sufficient. If cover conceal a loafing covey of quail? For often used during the nesting season. Nests the ball “sticks” its landing, consider setting most wildlife species, low-growing cover is are made by scratching a small depression back succession by grazing, conducting a most beneficial; individual thickets should next to the base of these bunchgrasses and prescribed fire, or disking 15 to 30 foot strips be three to six feet in height and at least 30 then lining the newly fashioned bowl with in the densest habitat. feet in diameter. To avoid detection from vegetation. Though mature clumps at least aerial predators, thicket canopy should be one foot in diameter (about the size of a bas- Loafing/Escape Habitat 60 to 80 percent closed. ketball) are prime locations, birds will also In its simplest form, cover provides choose smaller clumps if they are protected protection from both predation and • Consider the placement: To allow quail to by woody shrubs. weather. Between the morning and after- use the entire habitat, cover should be scat- Another component of nesting habitat noon feeding sessions, quail retire to tered across the landscape, not confined to is bare ground. Newly hatched chicks must woody cover to digest food and avoid the edges. When managing for bobwhites, be able to travel from the nest to brood- unfavorable weather conditions. individual thickets or coverts should be with- ing areas. Some managers consider native Though cover requirements can vary, in flushing distance. Some biologists equate grasses too thick when an area has more bobwhite quail prefer low-growing woody flushing distance with an adult softball throw; than 1,200 basketball-sized clumps per thickets or loafing coverts. Sand plum thick- if a softball is thrown from any point of the acre. After this point, some sort of man- ets, shinnery motts or stands of sumac are property, will it land in woody cover? agement may be needed to make the habitat prime locations; the dense canopy affords more functional. protection from aerial predators while the Putting it All Together Before next year’s nesting season, evaluate open understory allows quail to rest and dust. Quail have three major needs — to build a the available nesting habitat: Like many other birds, quail take dust baths well concealed nest, to find adequate foods, to protect themselves from external parasites. and to escape predation. While these needs • Are there enough mature bunchgrasses? Management of wildlife cover requires represent equally important habitat compo- Many ground nesting birds select areas balance. With no management, low-growing nents, a property will only be able to support with 250 to 300 basketball-sized clumps of brush can slowly give way to a closed canopy a population of quail year round if all habi- mature bunchgrass per acre. forest, or dense thickets that may attract tat components are relatively close together. While quail might be able to build a nest in a thick stand of grass, they may have to move

JENA DONNELL their chicks to another property with abundant forbs and bare ground. Likewise, birds may be able to easily find fallen forb seeds in a recently deferred overgrazed pasture, but without adequate escape cover they may be subject to predation. As you assess your quail habitat, try to identify which habitat component — nesting cover, brood rearing habitat, bare ground or loafing cover — is missing. Then focus management efforts on the limiting factor. Remember, quail habitat doesn’t have to stop at your fence line. Talk with neighboring landowners about your quail management plans and join forces. A number of agencies provide on-site evalua- tions and technical advice free of charge.

MAY/JUNE 2013 13 Weather Impacts on the Northern Bobwhite By Dwayne Elmore

The southern Great Plains, including Oklahoma, is characterized by weather extremes . With summer temperatures exceeding 115°F and winter temperatures below -10 °F, temperatures range wildly . Precipitation likewise can be exceedingly heavy or light . These factors have strong direct and indirect influences on all wildlife populations, including bobwhite quail .

Temperatures can stress quail, At the other extreme, cold tempera- ulations in Oklahoma from year to reduce areas of the landscape they tures associated with extended periods year. Comparisons of long-term pre- use, and may cause nest abandon- of snow and ice can increase mortality cipitation trends and quail popula- ment. High temperature increases and lower breeding populations. Quail tions in portions of Oklahoma and evaporation and is therefore related to lacking protective cover and adequate Texas reveal a tight correlation. That plant production, which can influence seed-producing plants will be at a is, quail increase during wet periods habitat for nesting and brood rearing, higher risk from such events. and decline during dry periods as their particularly in areas dominated by Yet precipitation appears to be the breeding effort decreases. Rainfall herbaceous plants rather than shrubs. most powerful driver of quail pop- greatly influences plant production,

PRECIPITATION APPEARS TO BE THE MOST POWERFUL DRIVER OF QUAIL POPULATIONS IN OKLAHOMA FROM YEAR TO YEAR

14 3 BOBWHITE QUAIL ECOLOGY which in turn impacts quail. Further, ing very hot periods of the summer, that landowners often have is wheth- as rainfall and temperature are often much of a landscape becomes too hot er or not to provide surface water. related, dry summers are usually hot for quail to occupy. Areas of shrub While quail require water to survive, summers. At high temperatures, quail cover can be several degrees cooler, they receive sufficient amounts from must make decisions on whether to and telemetry data reveals that quail foods they consume and water pro- continue to incubate nests, or escape move to these areas during the heat duced during digestion of these foods. to cooler areas of the landscape to of the day. Thus, not only does shrub Research has shown no relationship survive. However, wet years following cover provide protection from preda- between quail numbers and available dry years are often characterized by tion, but it also mediates temperature surface water. high amounts of annual forbs (related for quail. Additionally, larger areas of The most important thing that a to the bare ground required for ger- habitat (or usable space) will provide landowner can do to mitigate weather mination of these forbs), which are for larger populations of quail, assum- effects is to maintain large areas of hab- important plants for quail. ing other factors are equal. Maintain- itat for bobwhite. Landowners should As we have no control over the ing large blocks of habitat can prevent also plan for weather extremes and weather, it seems futile to manage for local population loss during weather not expect “average” weather con- droughts, floods, freezes, and heat extremes and promote faster recov- ditions in a region characterized by waves. However, certain practices ery once conditions improve. Another high variability in annual weather. may lessen the impacts of extreme management strategy is to lower the Finally, it should be noted that most weather and assist quail populations stocking rate of cattle during droughts. climate models predict Oklahoma in recovering. First, concentrate on If too much grass forage is removed weather will become more variable in providing ample habitat: try to make by livestock, you will reduce cover the future; thus the boom and bust of every square foot of a quail area usable for quail, particularly in areas with quail populations may only become each and every day of the year. Dur- limited shrub cover. Another concern more pronounced. JENA DONNELL

Researchers are using the above device to record operative temperatures across quail habitat. Research similar to this has shown lemon sumac and other shrubs found in mixed shrub communities provide thermal refuge. RUSSELL GRAVES

MAY/JUNE 2013 15 16 in late March, and shinnery flowers in April and May. and April in flowers shinnery and March, late in swell to “cap.” or begin a husk Buds with covered is acorn, or fruit, the of half shrub, the on still When margin. the on tions - indenta or lobes shallow have that leaves deciduous and bark gray rough by its shrubs western other from distinguished be It can form. growth short-statured by its identified commonly most is Shinnery “oak”). meaning word chene, French siana Loui the from derived actually is “shin” shrub, this describes aptly name the (though high “shin” or tall, feet two to one only is shrub this form, “motts”. purist In thickets hybrid call and is the result of hybridization with post oak ( oak post with hybridization of result the is shinnery tall uncharacteristically believe Biologists height. in feet four exceeds rarely and group oak white the of member for food. searching while travel can they space of amount the increases and food, digesting and resting while predators for ground watch to them allows predators, overhead from birds protects arrangement This other. each to proximity close in are “coverts” or thickets individual and open, relatively is layer surface the tall, feet four to three is canopy dense the when beneficial most is cover woody quail, bobwhite including species, game For many predators. aerial from escape to nery shin use birds game and motts in bed often — cover. Deer development. for egg intake protein increase hens when season breeding the during important especially are insects These litter. leaf the in hidden insects the on forage species bird these of Many communities. shinnery Oklahoma’s in recorded been have birds of 142 species over and shinnery in found commonly are snakes of species six at least and rodents of species buds.) Eleven the in percent 20 15 to averages protein (Crude acorns. and catkins, buds, dant abun seasonally forage quail bobwhite and prairie-chickens, lesser deer, cover. White-tailed and food both providing plant, grubbing. root and plowing to vulnerable especially plant this —making surface the below feet three to two —just ground the to parallel runs system root remarkable the of bulk The underground. is mass plants’ individual an of percent 90 to up fact, In surface. the above shoots of hundreds sends that system root and stem ground under immense an with species, aclonal is Shinnery ground. oak ( oak shinnery than impressive more appear may east the of oaks towering the surface, the On species. wildlife Oklahoma’s of for some plus areal is state the of part western the in presence its you realize until about, home write to nothing is tree oak Athree-foot mind. to come may swings tire and houses, tree Oak Good: Shinnery The Good Plant Shinnery oak — the shortest of Oklahoma’s oaks — is a — is oaks Oklahoma’s of shortest —the oak Shinnery component habitat wildlife acritical provides also Shinnery wildlife important an shinnery makes habit low-growing The When you think of oak trees, images of massive branches, branches, massive of images trees, oak of you think When Quercus harvardii ), but a different story lies just below the the below just lies story ), adifferent but Bad Plant Quercus stellata Quercus ), ), - - - - plant for all seasons. seasons. for all plant a wildlife is shinnery weather, and predators from protection —and fall the in acorns and spring in catkins and — buds foods abundant seasonally With forage. nutritious with shrub low-growing the to attracted certainly are they but rence, opportunities. foraging reducing potentially and challenging more avoidance predator —making permanent and expensive more much are control of means chemical and mechanical effective, Though species. non-game and game for both met are requirements habitat ensures method This densities. and heights shrub of variety for a allows units burn four to three in rangeland Dividing burn. the after season growing the in resprout oak stimulate can fire Even so, forbs. and grasses of response apositive to leading canopy, oak in decrease two-year to aone- in result can afire conditions, proper Under height. shinnery reducing including Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area. lands, public afew on managed it is lands, private on found is shinnery most Though Oklahoma. western of soils looser the to restricted been always has shinnery sand, deep requires shrub this Because purposes. grazing and for row cropping ing clear brush chemical and mechanical to due 10 percent than more dropped has number that years, the Through Oklahoma. Wildlife populations may not be limited by shinnery occur by shinnery limited be not may populations Wildlife for tool management common most the is fire Prescribed in acres 750,000 over covered once shrub beneficial This 3BOBWHITE QUAIL ECOLOGY - - DR. RANDY ROSIERE STEVE WEBBER MAY/JUNE 2013 COURTESY OF THE SAMUEL ROBERTS NOBLE FOUNDATION, ARDMORE, OKLAHOMA By Jeff Pennington Jeff By Bad: lespedeza Sericea The Good Plant Bad Plant rangelands and bobwhites. bobwhites. and rangelands for Oklahoma adisaster been certainly has sericea but intensions, of best the with here brought It was habitats. wildlife affect negatively can species plant introduced control. full gain to years future for several necessary be will treatments Spot fall. the in herbicide Cimarron or spring, the in herbicide (Remedy) triclopyr apply Then possible. as seeds many as germinate to burn spring early or winter properties. these on back come to component brush for the years many takes It often sericea. for not the if sprayed been have not would and landowner, for the target a secondary is brush the time the of Most survive. to order in need quail that forbs and plants brushy essential the kills also This trol. con for its herbicide with property whole their spray will ers for bobwhites. habitat unsuitable is which by trees, dominated areas to convert will rangelands most fire, of absence the In habitat. quail and rangelands healthy maintain to tool best the of effectiveness the reduces This property. their on sericea have who by landowners usage fire prescribed limits burning from benefits sericea that fact The germination. facilitates which seeds, abundant the scarifies and ground bare creates Fire fire. of use the with spreads sericea First, state. the across habitat for quail killer. weed broadleaf of type inexpensive and common most the is which 4-D, 2, to It resistant is crops. hay unclean even and machinery wildlife, by livestock, spread are seeds Its seeds. small of amounts large produces and soils, acidic and poor in well sericea. for the competition the reduces which grasses native the sume con cattle The system. grazing arangeland in flourish to sericea allows This by cattle. unusable plant the makes which increase, levels tannin summer, By short. it is when control. for erosion projects construction federal and state in and programs Agriculture of Department US in used 1970s it was the 1950s through the In 1940s. the in beginning fields farm in extensively planted It was forage. livestock with soils for eroding poor, known states southern the of areas in forage provide to 1896. in intended It Asia was Sericea lespedeza may be our best example of how of example best our be may lespedeza Sericea alate do to is sericea of for control method best The landown sometimes that despised, so is sericea Second, plant abad such sericea make that factors two are There grows insects, to resistant is tolerant, drought is Sericea spring early in wildlife and cattle to palatable is Sericea lespedeza Sericea was brought to this country from eastern eastern from country this to brought was - - - 17 Chapter 4

Oklahoma: A STEVE WEBBER 4 Changing Landscape By Allan Janus

The range-wide decline of bobwhite impact the regional vegetation, which in practices, the farming lifestyle rebounded. quail is obvious to many Oklahomans, turn impacts our quail populations. While the agricultural market drove the especially to those with a strong tradition of While these wet and dry cycles have types of crops planted, technology limited quail hunting. But Oklahoma’s quail popu- likely been ongoing for thousands of years, the extent of cropland across the state. In lation isn’t the only thing that has changed Oklahoma has experienced more recent general, landowners farmed smaller areas across our landscape; Oklahoma has a his- changes. In 1870, surveyors used the Pub- and rotated cropped fields so that indi- tory of change, so much so that change has lic Land Survey System to begin divid- vidual fields were rested or left “fallow.” become a constant. In addition to changing ing the Indian Territory into “townships” Though very different from the native quail numbers, we have seen great changes containing six square miles or “sections.” habitat of pre-homestead Oklahoma, this in climatic conditions, land management Later, during the Land Run these divisions combination provided quail with adequate goals, agriculture systems, and the rural were used to record the location of newly nesting and brood-rearing habitat in fallow lifestyle. Each of these changes has indirect claimed 160-acre homesteads or “quarter fields, and loafing and escape cover in the impacts on our wildlife populations. sections.” With the development of these brushy field edges. Residents of Oklahoma are quite famil- homesteads and nearby towns, Oklaho- While remnants of this lifestyle remain iar with the drastic changes of our state’s ma’s landscape was forever changed. in today’s agricultural systems, there have weather on a day to day basis. We also rec- Since the Land Run, Oklahoma has been impressive improvements in farm- ognize that long-term averages of annual seen extensive changes in agricultural sys- ing technology that allow for more pro- weather conditions represent our regional tems and land management strategies. As ductive fields and more efficient harvest. climate. Changes in Oklahoma’s climate are homesteaders were improving their claims Tractors and other farming equipment can especially noticeable in a recently produced in accordance to the Homestead Act, or now be armed with sensors that allow for chart of our annual precipitation for the “proving up,” they planted crops and fur- precise fertilizer application which could last 100 years (to view this graph and other ther divided the land into multiple fields. significantly reduce cost and increase climate data, log on to climate.ok.gov). With This lifestyle progressed until the formida- yields. More efficient equipment allows for the exception of the last 30 years, climatolo- ble Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. But as the land a larger percentage of the crop to be har- gists found strong five year tendencies of wet recovered from the extreme drought with vested, and time required to harvest crops and dry periods. These wet and dry cycles increased rainfall and soil conservation is significantly reduced. This allows for a

18 4 OKLAHOMA: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE larger number of acres to be harvested in a shorter amount of time when compared to harvest equipment of the past. Our Culture — A Changing Landscape Improvements have also been made in By Andrea Crews forage grasses and livestock production. 3.5 140 Forage varieties are often tested region- Estimated Number of Hunters Estimated Harvest ally to see which variety is most pro- 3.0 120 Estimated Hunters (in thousands) ductive, which is preferred by livestock, 2.5 100 and which produces the highest livestock gains. While these improvements have 2.0 80 benefited the farming and ranching 1.5 60 industries, these changes will not be as beneficial to bobwhite quail populations. 1.0 40

As agriculture systems have changed, Estimated Harvest (in millions) so too has land ownership and land use. 0.5 20 With changes in the economy and man- 0 0 agement objectives, land is constantly 2011 2010 1991 1997 1987 1992 1994 1988 1986 1989 1995 1993 1998 1999 1996 1990 2001 2007 2002 2004 2005 2003 2008 2009 2006 2000 bought and sold. Even when land passes Year through generations, it is often divided While Oklahoma’s landscape chang- explore nature. While the prior genera- between family members with different es all around us, it’s equally important tion learned to hunt by chasing rabbits, ambitions and plans. Surveys conducted to note the changes taking place in our today’s kids learn to hunt by shooting at by the National Agricultural Statistics own culture as well. We are a people on simulated games on a flat screen TV in Service show the impact of these dif- the go, and quite frankly, it is becoming the living room…or not at all. ferences on our farming and ranching more and more difficult for some indi- So as the physical landscape around lands. A 2012 report shows that Oklaho- viduals to escape the city environment us has an effect on quail populations, ma has 17,500 fewer farms than reported long enough to become captivated by our culture may increasingly influence in 1960. This represents a loss of 2.6 mil- the wonders of the outdoors. wildlife populations as well — either neg- lion acres previously dedicated to farm- Of course, those families in which the atively or positively depending on how ing and ranching. While the loss of these outdoor heritage is a strong tradition do earnestly we accept the challenge to be farming and ranching lands may not make for an exception. conservationists. As for today, participa- directly represent a loss of quality quail Sheltered in mid-America, Oklahoma’s tion in small game hunting is in decline habitat, the agricultural systems of the rural lifestyle is relatively protected from and has been over the last few decades. 1960’s were much more compatible with the winds of societal change blowing from The graph on this page reflects hunter quail than today’s systems. the east and west coasts. Ranching, farm- survey data collected by the Oklahoma As we consider declining bobwhite ing and a connection to the landscape are Department of Wildlife Conservation, populations, it is important to consider an integral part of what it means to be an and it shows that the number of quail the sheer number of factors that impact Oklahoman. Hunting and fishing are still harvested has been going down since quail and other wildlife populations. valued family traditions. 1986. The number of quail hunters has Changes in regional climate, land man- But a drive along I-35 or I-40 quickly been going down as well. In 1986, there agement goals, agricultural systems, reveals that our state isn’t immune to were approximately 111,000 hunters who and even our rural lifestyle could be urban sprawl. Stretches of unbroken harvested 2.7 million quail. By 2011, there indirectly impacting quail numbers. landscape become less common each was an estimated 17,341 quail hunters When individual factors are combined, year. The metropolitan population who harvested less than 110,000 birds. like drought with introduction of sod increases with each Census while small While it is understandable that fewer forming grasses and increased clean town main streets struggle. Those coast- hunters are pursuing quail during times farming techniques, quail and other al winds of change are blowing even here, when quail are less abundant, it’s also wildlife populations have a hard time bringing slow and gradual change. crucial that hunters recognize their recovering. Though we can’t change the Urbanization is typically accompanied important role in conservation through weather, or what happens on the other by a weakened connection to the land. their purchase of hunting licenses as side of the fence, we can adjust our man- Children are growing up with electronic well as through passing on to the next agement practices to ensure all habitat playmates and organized sports rather generation their tradition of conserva- components are available to quail or than the chance to run free outdoors and tion through hunting. other wildlife species of interest.

MAY/JUNE 2013 19 STEVE WEBBER It was here when I bought the farm — it’s native, right?

When biologists talk about grow quickly, and some take time to estab- even more challenging for quail. Both of native grasses, they are lish. Some grow low to the ground, and oth- these practices reduce diversity — a key referring to grasses ers reach impressive heights of six feet or term for quail management. Fertilization historically present on a site . more. Each species or variety has advan- often allows one introduced grass to out- tages and disadvantages; while many intro- compete other plants, and herbicide use How did the non-native plants duced grasses are undoubtedly suited as removes the major food component for get here? livestock forage, they may not provide qual- quail — forb seeds. Non-native plants arrived here in sev- ity wildlife habitat. As an example, bermudagrass is the tried- eral ways. But why? and-true introduced forage in eastern Okla- When settling the “New World,” many The major wildlife-related problem with homa. With fertilization, it grows quickly, immigrants relied on the “Old World” plants introduced grasses is structure. Though can tolerate periods of drought, and handles and crops from their homelands; crops they quail can nest in a wide variety of places, heavy grazing pressure without long-term were familiar with and knew how to grow. successful nests must be sheltered from consequences. From a cattleman’s stand- In more recent years — especially with the predators and unfavorable weather events. point, bermuda offers several opportunities. changes in production agriculture and the Oftentimes grazed fields of introduced From a wildlife standpoint — especially a demand for higher stocking rates — forage grasses offer little nesting structure. A sec- ground nesting bird’s point of view — ber- grasses like bermudagrass and tall fescue ond problem with introduced grasses is that mudagrass creates numerous challenges. have been “introduced.” While these grasses they are typically planted to provide the In mature stands, bermudagrass forms may be “landowner approved,” they cause maximum amount of forage for livestock. a thick carpet of grass. In these situations, many challenges for wildlife that have relied While livestock producers associate more travel by foot is taxing enough for an adult on and adapted through time to the avail- pounds of forage production with more bobwhite, but to newly hatched chicks, ability of native bunchgrasses, forbs, and pounds of livestock gain, quail biologists moving through a sea of bermudagrass is low-growing shrubs. associate thick stands of grass with restrict- a hopeless endeavor. Just as travel is virtu- ed foraging and movement. Management ally impossible, so are foraging efforts. Even The Problem with Many of these grass stands generates another when bermudagrass fields are left unsprayed Introduced Grasses problem for quail and other ground nest- and the quail’s staple diet of forbs, legumes, All grasses aren’t “created equal.” Some ing birds — fertilization and application of and insects can be found, the fallen seeds are tolerate drought better than others. Some herbicides make introduced grass stands inaccessible to the birds. Just imagine trying

20 4 OKLAHOMA: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE to find and retrieve a dropped BB pellet in following year. Those same reasons may costly fertilizers and herbicides. In short, the middle of a bermudagrass pasture with make it necessary to pull cattle off earlier management practices and goals vary for a pair of tweezers. than planned in droughty years. To sus- introduced and native pastures. While On top of travel and foraging challenges, tain production, native range managers managing for native grasses certainly quail also have to deal with overhead preda- need to closely monitor forage removal requires a different approach, it is the best tors. When in native range, bobwhites avoid and plan grazing activities at least a year option when considering both livestock detection by staying underneath the canopy in advance. For managers with bermu- and wildlife. of taller grasses and forbs. If threatened, dagrass pastures, maximum production In the next section, we’ll look a little more birds can escape to nearby brush. Now, often requires multiple applications of closely at some of these challenges. consider the options in a field of bermudagrass. Even if birds were able to avoid detection by getting underneath the sod-forming JENA DONNELL bermudagrass, escape cover has often been reduced to the edge, and is rarely nearby. Managing for both livestock and wildlife takes compromise. While the positive forage characteristics of bermudagrass and other introduced forages may be acceptable for livestock operations, meeting wildlife objectives on the same property requires an alternate, “native” approach. This alternative native plan isn’t without challenges. When managing native range, producers are encour- aged to “take half and leave half” of the current year’s growth, ensuring enough In this introduced pasture, grass is grazed uniformly, forbs are limited and low-growing brush has forage and nesting cover are available the been eliminated.

ground. Unfortunately, this endophyte produces alkaloids that Good Plant Bad Plant can cause “fescue foot” in grazing cattle and may cause reproductive problems in other livestock. This endophyte is also suspected The Bad: Tall Fescue to reduce reproduction in bobwhite quail and small mammals. To increase the amount of forage available to livestock, many Because tall fescue has been extensively planted throughout producers often over-seed an introduced pasture with a com- much of the bobwhites range, biologists have been studying the plementary introduced grass species. This combination often impacts of this introduced forage on quail populations and have includes a warm season grass and a cool season grass so that tried to find the best habitat management strategies. livestock have continuous access to more palatable, actively Though studies have shown that fescue can provide suitable growing forage. A common pasture mixture in the eastern third nesting structure, chicks are often stranded in the dense thatch. of the state is bermudagrass and tall fescue. Travel is even more difficult for birds nesting in bermudagrass Tall fescue was first introduced from Europe and North Africa fields overseeded with tall fescue. When these two sod-forming in the late 1800’s. Major planting efforts began in the 1940s grasses are combined, the litter layer is virtually impassable to for pasture improvement and erosion control. By 1960, fescue quail, and foraging opportunities are significantly decreased. was well accepted in the Ozark region, and its popularity as a Bobwhite managers have found conversion of tall fescue fields livestock forage has continued to increase. Since 1980, fescue to native warm season grass stands is the best habitat improve- has been commonly planted in Conservation Reserve Program ment option. Researchers have found the best conversion method (CRP) fields, especially in the central and southeastern regions involves creating a uniform grass height of four to six inches tall of the United States. and then applying glyphosate (Roundup®) and seeding of native Fescue grows in dense clumps, and is readily recognized by warm season grasses. Spot spraying residual tall fescue with a the coarse dark green foliage. Some cultivars, including Ken- post-emergence herbicide during the initial growing season may tucky 31, harbor a fungal endophyte that allows tall fescue to be necessary for a complete conversion. Some other options are outcompete native grasses for nutrients. Because of this, fescue burning, plowing, and seeding to agricultural crop before reseed- aggressively dominates fields, reducing plant diversity and bare ing with native vegetation.

MAY/JUNE 2013 21 individual stems year-round and by several other factors. The Good Plant Bad Plant following is a description of each. The Good: Bluestems Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) One of the tallest of Oklahoma’s tall grasses, big bluestem often All Photos Courtesy of The Samuel Roberts reaches heights of six feet or more! When mature, this plant is Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma often recognized by the “turkey foot” seed head formed by three Wildlife managers are always talking about the importance of “racemes,” or flowering parts. If plants are immature or have been helping native wildlife to thrive. But for that to happen, it’s cru- grazed, big bluestem can be distinguished by flat leaves with small cial that certain native plant life thrives as well — and at the right hairs on the upper surface of the leaf. This plant can provide both times of the year. For ground nesting birds like quail, that means nesting and screening cover for wildlife, and is preferred cattle for- adequate nesting cover must be available in the spring, ideally age. Big bluestem flowers between August and November. from native grasses that grow in bunches. Certain species of bluestem that grow in Oklahoma fit this bill, but the landowner Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) hoping to benefit wildlife needs to be able to accurately identify Much shorter than big bluestem, little bluestem only grows two them in order to successfully manage for them. to four feet tall. Though it typically has a single inflorescence or For starters, there are six species of bluestem found in Oklaho- seed head, it can have paired or grouped seed heads. By mid- ma, but only three of them are considered “important” wildlife summer, plants begin to mature and can be identified by their plants — big bluestem, little bluestem and broomsedge bluestem. reddish tint. Often promoted as the principal grass used for bob- All of them are warm season grasses, actively growing during white quail nesting cover, actively growing little bluestem also the warmer months when temperatures range between 85 and provides good forage for cattle. Little bluestem flowers between 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They are dormant during fall and win- August and November. ter. Individual clumps or “bunches” are formed by new shoots growing from underground stems, or “rhizomes.” While many Broomsedge Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) bluestems can be identified by the blue-green appearance of new Broomsedge bluestem grows two to four foot tall, and is a growth, they can also be distinguished by the flattened bases of robust plant that typically stands upright throughout the winter.

Big bluestem can reach six feet tall, sometimes taller. Big bluestem close-up. Notice flat leaves with small “hairs.”

22 4 OKLAHOMA: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE Often confused with little bluestem, mature broomsedge can be crabgrass. Even so, spring disking on sandy soils in western distinguished by the straw colored appearance and the split seed Oklahoma can promote sunflowers and croton. head that is partly enclosed in a reduced leaf. (The inflorescence Regardless of your bunchgrass management technique, of little bluestem is not enclosed). Broomsedge bluestem can make sure that all habitat components (nesting cover, brood provide nesting and screening cover for wildlife, but has limited rearing habitat, and woody cover) are within close proximity value as cattle forage. This bluestem flowers between September to each other. If your plans include fire or grazing, consider and November and is more common in eastern Oklahoma. a rotational system. Dividing the property into thirds, and rotating which unit is burned or grazed is the best way to Managing Beneficial Bluestems ensure enough cover is available for game birds. Management of native grasses for wildlife requires a deli- cate balance. While tools like prescribed fire and grazing The Aging Process can be extremely beneficial, they can also create unnecessary Native warm season grass plantings have predictable challenges. For example, a well-planned prescribed fire can growth patterns. Once the stand is planted, establish- stimulate native grass growth, remove debris, and increase forb ment is followed by early successional habitat — an abundance. On the other hand, burning during nesting season even mixture of forbs, grasses and bare ground. If left can remove essential nesting cover, and even destroy nests. undisturbed, this habitat type gradually gives way to Liabilities associated with prescribed fire often tempt land- a more mature plant community; bunchgrasses fill out owners to manage native grasses with a mower instead of a drip and the amount of forbs tend to decrease. While mature torch. While mowing may seem like a less risky management bunchgrasses are a preferred component of nesting habi- tool, consider this difference: a prescribed fire will reduce the tat, stands unmanaged for three or more years typically litter layer, while mowing increases the amount of thatch on have an accumulation of dead grasses or thatch and little the surface. In terms of habitat management, lightly disking bare ground. Because a buildup of thatch can limit move- random strips is a better alternative than mowing. Vegetation ment and foraging opportunities, many wildlife species response to disking depends on timing and location; disking in — especially ground nesting birds — prefer the open fall and winter encourages beneficial forbs while spring disking mixture of early successional habitat. can stimulate less desirable vegetation like johnsongrass, and

Little bluestem provides great cover for wildlife and ground-nesting birds. Broomsedge bluestem grows two to four feet in height. The split seed Though it typically has a single inflorescence or seed head, it can have head of broomsedge bluestem. paired or grouped seed heads, as shown.

MAY/JUNE 2013 23 on the ground or will quail be able to move and movement is restricted. Addition- Changes in Quail and feed easily? Some common practices ally, introduced grasses often outcompete that could degrade quail habitat without native forbs, an important food source. landowners noticing are described in this Because of the aggressive nature of many Habitat May be section. Before implementing these prac- forage grasses, they can be difficult and tices on your property, consider how they expensive to remove. Before converting Going Unnoticed will change the habitat from a quail’s view. your native stand to introduced forages, By Doug Schoeling consider the long-term effects on the quail Without realizing it, landowners across Beneficial Grasses vs . population — limited nesting cover, lim- the state are influencing quail populations Detrimental Grasses ited travel corridors, and limited food. with seemingly subtle habitat changes. One misconception is that quail habitat From a landowner’s perspective, these is just grass. As has already been touched A Few Good Weeds modifications may not be considered on in this guide, grass needs to have the Quail rely on a variety of forbs, or harmful. From a quail’s outlook, they may right growth pattern, structure, and com- “weeds” for food. These forbs produce make nesting or predator avoidance an position to be the most beneficial to quail. large amounts of nutritious seeds in the even bigger challenge. When native bunchgrasses are converted fall and attract a variety of insects in the When managing for quail it is essential to to non-native, sod-forming grasses, nest- spring. When herbicides are used, the look at habitat from a quail’s perspective, or ing and screening cover is reduced forb composition and density is sig- a “quail’s-eye view.” Before making major and foraging nificantly reduced. Without this — or seemingly minor — changes, consider important winter its effect on the local quail population. food source, Will the proposed practice improve quail will loafing cover or reduce it to the edge of the field? Will the practice sig n i f ic a nt ly increase the thatch layer

24 4 OKLAHOMA: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE need to move to other areas that provide to landowners, they food. Once again, quail that are forced may spell disaster to travel through poor habitat to get to a for quail habitat. STEVE WEBBER new food source may be more susceptible Though it may to predation. be tempting to Similarly, landowners may be reducing jump on the tractor the spring and summer quail diet by apply- and brush hog the ing pesticides to help control insects that pasture, mowing eat crops or plants. If pesticides drift to the can remove three edge of the field, or into adjoining habitat, important quail the habitat may become unsuitable as the habitat components protein-rich insect diet is removed. — cover, food, and Application of herbicides and pesticides bare ground. When are often needed to protect crop fields, native grasses are but can also impact the quail population. mowed to a uni- Before spraying, consider where quail form height, they may be too short, or predation. Forbs are sprayed or mown forage, and limit whole-field spraying. unsuccessfully hide quail nests. Screening at a critical time in the quail’s life cycle. Instead, try to spot-spray when possible. or overhead cover is removed when tall Thatch build up in unmanaged habitat forbs that could conceal foraging quail makes travel for chicks intolerable. Protec- Habitat is Rough Around chicks are cut down. Low-growing brush tive brushy cover is pushed to the edge of the Edges is removed, limiting escape and loafing the field, and escape from aerial predators Landowners take pride in having a well- cover. If cut before seed set, forbs no lon- may be impossible. Though these changes maintained property. To many, this means ger provide important winter food. Mow- may seem subtle at the time, they have removing fallen limbs from open wood- ing also increases the thatch layer, making drastic impacts on quail. lands or savannahs and keeping grass a daily foraging and movement impossible. Before you give in to the urge to “clean uniform height across the property. “Over- up” the property, take a minute to look at grown” areas are quickly identified and Walk a Mile in Their Shoes the fallen branches or thick briars from a mowed or brush-hogged at the first oppor- In many ways, degradation of quail quail’s perspective. Will removing these tunity. Unsightly briars and thickets are habitat is a “Death by a Thousand Cuts.” eye-sores benefit the quail population? Or removed from fence rows to simplify fence Native grasses are converted to unwel- make daily life more difficult? repair. Though these “improvements” coming forages. Nesting habitat may be may make the property more appealing overgrazed, leaving nests vulnerable to

BEFORE YOU GIVE IN TO THE URGE TO “CLEAN UP” THE PROPERTY, TAKE A MINUTE TO LOOK AT THE FALLEN BRANCHES OR THICK BRIARS FROM A QUAIL’S PERSPECTIVE. WILL REMOVING THESE EYE-SORES BENEFIT THE QUAIL POPULATION? RUSSELL GRAVES RUSSELL

MAY/JUNE 2013 25 Chapter 5 Chapter

26 possible. be —wouldn’t tion vegeta by dominant —described habitat diverse Oklahoma’s soil, and climate in variations considerable the Without sity? diver this drives really US. what But the in states diverse most the of one as 1943.in recognized is Today, Oklahoma state the across regions 15 ecological fied identi Fletcher Jack and Duck Lester Variation Regional at Look A Closer region. their within tools honored time- these from benefit most the get to how learn to had have managers Oklahoma many Even so, match. the and plow, axe, the cow, the —the equipment of pieces mary pri four marketed Management Wildlife of Father day. well-known Leopold’s The Aldo in as today same the much remain tools these developed, been have niques tech new While toolbox. their in tools specific work with to go managers quail JEREMIAH ZURENDA 5 Historic Oklahoma wildlife biologists biologists wildlife Oklahoma Historic bobwhite mechanics, auto like Much Management ToolsManagement Habitat Quail - - - - - the Ouachita Mountains of southeast southeast of Mountains Ouachita the in seen be can pattern This slopes. ing fac northern than radiation solar more receive slopes facing southern sphere, hemi northern the In communities. season. growing average alonger to attributed be also can southeast the in production plant Increased region. this in higher much typically is production plant growth) for plant essential is (which moisture soil increased to leads precipitation increased this Because southwest. arid semi- the in than greater significantly is rainfall annual average southeast, ical humid-subtrop Oklahoma’s in example, For for vegetation. scale aregional on factor environmental important most the climate consider botanists some fact, In lengths. season growing and patterns rainfall by temperatures, influenced Climate Slope also plays a role in vegetative vegetative in arole plays also Slope is vegetation regional Undoubtedly, - - - more hardwoods. hardwoods. more have to tend slopes northern cooler wetter, the while stands dominated pine more produces slopes southern of climate drier warmer, The Oklahoma. • • Extremes: Rainfall Annual • • Average Annual Rainfall: • • • Length: Season Average Growing Survey cal Climatologi Oklahoma From the Oklahoma of Climate The

Station in Cimarron County in 1956. in County Cimarron in Station 1957. in County Tower LeFlore in 6.53 inches recorded at the Regnier Regnier atthe recorded 6.53 inches Kiamichi atthe recorded 84.47 inches southeast. the in ~56 inches panhandle. western far in ~17 inches southeast. the in 225-230 days panhandle. eastern the 195 in days panhandle. 175 western the in days 5QUAIL HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOOLS - MAY/JUNE 2013 rigorous and intense treatments. treatments. intense and rigorous more requires management quail lations, popu healthy support can areas timbered these While habitats. forested more to ing shift constantly are grasslands brushy the tighter, become soils and increases rainfall annual As mode. maintenance enter can management quail situations, these In ground. bare adequate and shrubs low-growing forbs, bunchgrasses, native of a variety support can Oklahoma ern west of soils sandy the moisture, adequate With needs. habitat structure-based cific spe have still —they prairies shortgrass to savannahs pine —from types habitat of for quail. available is structure habitat right the ensure to techniques agement man our alter can we but texture, or type soil the or rainfall seasonal or annual over power We little have change. can we what on focus instead and change can’t we what Strategies Management Habitat Quail Adapting types. soil these in maintain to difficult more typically is ground Bare vegetation. woody more support and capacity holding water agreater have southeast the in soils loamy tighter the Conversely, soils. looser these in maintain to easier —is movement bobwhite to —essential ground Bare grasses. and forbs more support and capacities holding water lower have Oklahoma western of soils sandy coarse The vegetation. of tures struc and types different support soils of groups different factors, these of Because above. growing are communities vegetative which in arole play all matter organic of amount the with along classification, and depth, formation, Soil page. this on map the in shown as diversity, homa’s vegetative Soils Though quail are able to live in a variety a variety in live to able are quail Though recognize to need we managers, quail As Okla in force driving another are Soils ------agement plan timeline more closely to closely more timeline plan agement man their follow to need may east the in Managers drought. of case in cover nesting maintain to schedules grazing and burning in flexibility add to sure be region, arid amore in located If patterns. weather and location be should erations consid first the of two plan, management When developing your quail habitat habitat quail your developing When Soil Map of Oklahoma of Map Soil - - Quail” section. section. Quail” for “Managing out the check region, your in combined or used are practices To how these see activities. management year’s for up next gear and plan ment manage your you build help to section this in discussed are practices general) in (and wildlife quail common most the of Three regrowth. manage effectively 27 -

KELLY ADAMS STEVE WEBBER

The Tool: Prescribed Grazing By Weston Storer

Prescribed grazing is perhaps the most each year — which is directly affected by each year during the winter. Standing crop utilized management tool on both private climate and soils — stocking rates should information obtained from past years — and public landholdings. It is commonly be re-evaluated each year. the more the better — will aid in better used to improve or maintain the quan- Determining the amount of available decision making on stocking rates. tity and quality of forage for livestock. forage is the first step in setting stocking The next step for setting a stocking rate But prescribed grazing can also benefit rates. There are several methods produc- is to calculate the amount of livestock uti- several species of wildlife—including ers can use to obtain the amount of forage lization by estimating the amount of for- bobwhite quail. Grazing removes the old available on their property. Some produc- age left standing at the end of the growing growth (thatch) which creates more pal- ers use guesswork from previous years season (September through October). atable forage for livestock the following or previous grazing plans. Others obtain While the “take half, leave half” concept year and increases bare ground for forag- soil surveys from the NRCS Ecological is commonly accepted in range manage- ing birds. If this old growth isn’t removed, Site Description (ESD). Each ecological ment, it may be misleading. Fifty percent it can shade out or limit new vegetative site reflects the soil depth, topography, should indeed be utilized, but livestock growth during the growing year which in slope, plant production and species com- consumption should only represent about turn reduces overall livestock gains. position of an area. The easiest way to 25 percent of utilization. It should be Setting correct stocking rates is essen- calculate the available forage is by install- expected that the other 25 percent will be tial when developing a prescribed grazing ing 8’x8’ fenced grazing exclosures. These laid on, trampled, or consumed by other plan. Simply put “stocking rates balance exclosures allow the grass to grow without species such as insects or wildlife. the needs of the plants with the needs of grazing pressure. At the end of the season, Stocking rates will vary depending on the animals.” Because stocking rates are clip and weigh the vegetation within the the type of grazing system used. The best based on the amount of forage available exclosure. Exclosures should be moved grazing system for one property may not

28 5 QUAIL HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOOLS work for other properties in different vegetation types. Livestock type (cow/calf Table 1 . Ranking and comparison of grazing systems to pairs, stockers, etc.) and the time and benefit livestock and wildlife habitat duration of the grazing event (seasonal, Rank Grazing System Livestock Response ($) Quail Habitat Response year-round, etc.) affect stocking rates. 1 Patch Burn, Patch Graze Good Excellent Stocking rates can also vary depending Continuous Good Good on the type of livestock and its size. This fac- 2 tor is expressed by Animal Units (AU) per 4 Pasture, 3 Herd Good Good unit of land area. The most common animal High Intensity, Low Fair Poor unit is a 1,000 pound dry cow, and represents 3 Frequency 1 AU. The estimated dry forage require- Multi-Paddock Mob Fair Poor ment for this 1,000 pound cow (1 AU) is 26 pounds per day. Different livestock and their As an example, landowner “Bob White” has 1,000 acres of native tall grass prairie sizes have different animal unit equivalents and wants to know how many 1,000 pound dry cows he can graze on the property. (AUE). See Table 2 for the forage demands At the end of the growing season, he clipped and weighed the vegetation within his of each animal unit equivalent. grazing exclosures. He found the end of season standing crop was 6,360 pounds per With proper stocking rates, a landown- acre. Bob White wants to graze from May 1 to September 30 (150 days). er can see a positive livestock response From the information in table 2, we know that a 1,000 pound dry cow is considered 1 and benefit wildlife and their habitat. animal unit (AU). We also know that in order to “take half, leave half” only 25 percent Grazing is a useful tool that can be used of the available forage can be consumed by livestock. Using the following formula, we in a wildlife management plan to reduce find that Bob White can graze 407 cows on his 1,000 acre property for 150 days. old growth and increase new vegetation growth. For more information about pre- (Total Land Area) X (Average End of Season Standing Crop) X (Forage Utilization) scribed grazing, contact your local wild- (AU Forage Demand per AU per day) X (Animal Unit Equivalent) X (Number of Days Grazed) life biologist or NRCS office or read OSU (1,000 acres) X (6,360 pounds per acre) X (0.25 or 25%) 1,590,000 Fact Sheet NREM-2886 on Stocking Rate = = 407 cows Determination on Native Rangeland. (26 pounds per day) X (1 AU) X (150 days) 3,900

Table 2 . Animal weight, rounded animal unit equivalent (AUE) and estimated STEVE WEBBER daily forage of dry matter (DM) . Animal Class DM Demand AUE Type (pounds) (pounds per day) Goat Nanny 120 0.2 5.2 Billy 175 0.27 7.0 Cattle 300 0.4 10.4 Calf 600 0.7 18.2 800 0.8 20.8 1,000 1.0 26.0 Cow 1,200 1.1 28.6 1,500 1.3 33.8 Bull 2,000 1.7 44.2 2,500 2.0 52.0 1,000 1.0 26.0 Horse 1,200 1.1 28.6 1,500 1.3 33.8

MAY/JUNE 2013 29 JEREMIAH ZURENDA The Tool: Prescribed Fire By Scott Parry

Fire in Oklahoma has historically been and impacts of these effects are depen- for bobwhites easier. This can increase a regular occurring event. The plant com- dent on several factors including the tim- the amount of areas that bobwhites can munities we have in the state are not “recov- ing or season; weather conditions such as use for feeding, raising broods and nest- erable” from fire but are in need of fairly temperature, wind and humidity; climat- ing over time. As time elapses, the new frequent fire to maintain their quality to ic conditions like drought or wet periods; vegetative growth becomes mature and many wildlife species and to persist into the timing since the last fire; fuel loads; and the cycle continues. With fire returning future. Without fire, we see plant commu- so on. With that said, there are some com- at regular intervals, the larger woody veg- nities change from having high diversity of mon effects that we can anticipate follow- etation will decrease in abundance. This plants, insects and abundant open ground ing a fire. Immediately following the fire, is when we start to see the formation of to a much lower diversity of these things the dead fine fuels will be burned along openings in wooded areas. More frequent and too much plant litter accumulating on with smaller woody material and leaf lit- and higher numbers of fires on a property what is best left as open ground. Addition- ter. Depending on the intensity of the will create more openings, control more ally, certain plants like eastern redcedar fire and the amount and types of fuels, brush and favor grasslands and shrub- have an advantage to establish without fire some brush and larger trees may also lands with a variety of plants that are interactions on the landscape, while other, be top-killed. This exposes the mineral typically favorable for bobwhites. “bobwhite-beneficial” plants, are disad- soil and allows for germination of herba- We have established that fire is an irre- vantaged. The need to introduce fire as a ceous and woody plant seeds that have placeable tool to manage bobwhites. How- regular functioning part of a land manage- been dormant. A good number of these ever, it is obvious that we are limited by ment program cannot be overlooked if we plants will be grasses and forbs that are property boundaries and certain structures are going to truly manage for bobwhites. very beneficial to bobwhites. The burn- that we don’t want fire to interact with, such There are numerous effects that fire ing of plant materials also increases open as homes, barns, fences, etc. So we need to has on any given place. The magnitude areas at ground level, making mobility turn our attention to how to accomplish a

30 5 QUAIL HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOOLS contained fire where we want it to occur and dures, preferred weather conditions and importantly allow for timely patrolling. Any minimize the chances of escapes in that area crew responsibilities. standing snags or brush piles located next to or how to write and implement a prescribed When creating a burn plan, it is recom- the firebreak should be pushed outside, or burn plan. mended a degree of flexibility be built into well within the burn unit to reduce the fuel preferred weather conditions. If weather load and to prevent “spot fires” (spot fires Prescribed Fire Basics conditions are too restrictive, acceptable are any fire located outside the burn unit). Burn bosses often say they learn some- burn opportunities may be missed. Waiting There are several types of firebreaks, and thing new with each prescribed burn. Vary- on the perfect day to burn may be futile. multiple types can be used in combination ing topography, weather, crew experience A good plan also includes a map of the to reduce the flame length and intensity and available equipment create unique burn unit, smoke management consider- next to the break. opportunities and challenges. To take ations and alternate ignition plans should • Bare Ground Lines — Typically created advantage of the opportunities and limit weather conditions vary from the forecast. by disking or dozing, bare ground lines the challenges, pre-planning is a must. are the preferred firebreak type. All veg- Firebreak Installation/Maintenance etation is removed from the firebreak, Pre-Planning Activities Perhaps the largest expense associated leaving only mineral soil. Prescribed Burn Plan with prescribed fire is the installation of • Natural Firebreaks — Natural breaks Prescribed burning is a complex man- firebreaks. Though sometimes costly, fire- like bluffs, rivers, or streams can be used agement practice that requires significant breaks are essential. Firebreaks not only as long as they are at least 10 times the forethought. The best way to ensure all reduce the fuel load along the edge of the height of flammable fuel to effectively factors have been considered is a prescribed burn unit, but can also allow water trucks stop the fire. If necessary, mow or disk burn plan. This plan should contain burn and other equipment access to the entire next to the natural break to further objectives, directions to the burn site, min- unit. Creating straight, navigable fireguards reduce the fuel load. imum equipment needs, ignition proce- are preferred to facilitate ignition and more • Vegetated Firebreaks — To limit erosion,

JEREMIAH ZURENDA Standard Burning Equipment Personal Protective Equipment Ignition/Suppression Equipment • 100 percent cotton clothing • Matches • Leather gloves • Fuel (2:1 Diesel:Unleaded Gasoline) • Boots • Drip Torch • Goggles • Water Sprayer • Drinking Water • Hand Held Radios

MAY/JUNE 2013 31 some managers prefer to plant firebreaks ditions, it is recommended that beginning to a cool season crop. Annual plants like burners use the above weather conditions rye grass or small grains are commonly to reduce the risk of spot fires or escapes. used. When burning with vegetated firebreaks, be sure the crop is actively grow- Burning Techniques ing, or that dead thatch has been removed. Two types of fire are commonly used during a prescribed burn — headfires Weather Considerations and backfires. Weather conditions play a large role in fire • A headfire is a fire that moves with the behavior — especially temperature, wind prevailing wind or upslope regardless speed, and relative humidity. These factors of wind direction. Because headfires can impact fuel ignition, fire intensity, and are the fastest moving and most intense direction of the fire. Even though all the pre- fires, they are also considered the high- planning requirements have been met and est risk. Headfires are often used to crews are ready, many burns are often called maintain or control woody brush and off the day of the burn because weather con- to remove debris. ditions do not meet the prescription. • A backfire is a fire that moves against or into the prevailing wind or downslope Recommended Weather Conditions for regardless of wind direction. Because Beginning Burners backfires are slower moving and typically burn at lower flame height, they are Temperature 33 – 85 °F easier to contain and control. Backfires For more information on prescribed burning in Wind Speed 5 – 15 miles per hour Oklahoma, check out the Prescribed Burning are most effective with heavy fuel loads. Handbook available from the Oklahoma Relative Humidity > 40 percent Backfires are associated with “patchy” Cooperative Extension Service and on the web at http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/ Though experienced burn bosses can take burns and are often used to maintain dsweb/Get/Document-6613/E-. advantage of a wide range of weather con- wildlife habitat. WILDLIFEDEPARTMENT.COM

32 5 QUAIL HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOOLS Prescribed Burn Associations in Oklahoma

Arbuckle Restoration Association

Big Pasture Prescribed Burning Association

Canadian Rivers Prescribed Burn Association

Cimarron Range Preservation Association

Creek County Prescribed Burn Association

Cross Timbers Prescribed Burn Association

Indian Territory Burn Association

North Central Range Improvement Association

Northern Pottawatomie County Prescribed Pontotoc Ridge Prescribed Burn Salt Creek Prescribed Burn Association Burn Association Association South Canadian Prescribed Burn Northwest Range Fire Management Roger Mills Prescribed Burn Association Association Association, Inc.

New Association to Help Simplify Prescribed Burning for Landowners A new association has been formed to provide landowners associations to receive reasonably priced liability insur- and state prescribed burn associations with an organization ance for conducting prescribed burns. Through the OPBA, that can assist them with liability insurance, finding funding the insurance will be available to burn association members for equipment and training and a voice for prescribed burning at an affordable rate. The insurance covers escaped fires, throughout the state. suppression costs, injury to people assisting with the burn The Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association (OPBA) and problems caused by smoke. A five-member board of was formed through a three-year Conoco-Phillips chal- directors has been formed to assist with the development lenge grant from the Playa Lakes Joint Venture through of this organization. Members include Alva Gregory, Okla- the High Plains Resource and Conservation District. homa Department of Wildlife Conservation; Darrel Domi- Ron Voth is the executive director of this first of its kind nick, Oklahoma Conservation Commission; Paul Clark, organization to assist landowners with all aspects of pre- Natural Resource Conservation Service; Karsen Davis, scribed burning. Roger Mills Prescribed Burn Association; and John Weir, Prescribed burning is a useful and important habitat man- NREM, Oklahoma State University. agement tool employed to remove accumulated litter, encour- There will be a minimal annual fee, and a charge for age new vegetative growth and to control excessive invasion each burn the landowner would like to have insured. of brush and woody cover. Native rangelands that are burned There will be some requirements for each burn, which periodically have a wider diversity of plants that are beneficial are currently being developed by the association and the to wildlife than unburned prairies. Wildlife such as quail ben- insurance company. efit from burns because they increase mobility by removing The Noble Foundation will provide essential support litter, attract greater density and diversity of insects used by in the form of resources and personnel to enable the quail chicks as food and increase the ability of birds to feed conduct of the OPBA operations and programs. For more on those insects. information, log on to the Oklahoma Prescribed Fire The primary goal of the OPBA is to become the umbrella Council website at www.oklahomaprescribedfirecoun- organization for landowners and local prescribed burn cil.okstate.edu.

MAY/JUNE 2013 33 JENA DONNELL

The Tool: Brush Management By Jeff Pennington

Growing up in Creek County in the mid- Since my return to the area in the early broken in to two distinct classifications — 1970s, it was common to go bird hunting 1990s, the march of the oaks eating up cedar and hardwood trees. and find good numbers of quail. Eventually native grasslands has continued. Combined I moved away from the area, and when I with the other factors, we now have a small Eastern Redcedar returned 15 years later, there was a notable fraction of the quail habitat in the area The presence of eastern redcedar is an difference. Deer and turkey, which had compared to when I was a kid. Today quail indicator that fire has been absent from been almost nonexistent when I left, were numbers are so low in the county that many the landscape. Eastern redcedars are best now abundant. Quail, on the other hand, local kids do not know what they look like. controlled with the use of prescribed fire. were still present, but in much lower num- —Jeff Pennington, central region wild- However, it takes a very intense fire to bers than when I lived in the area 15 years life supervisor control eastern redcedars over five feet prior. Many of the spots where we used to in height. Landowners that are just get- bird hunt were now grown up in post oak In the days before settlement, periodic ting started with the use of prescribed fire and blackjack forest. fires — most of which were set by Native are often unable to contain the type of Fifteen years seems like a short Americans — kept Oklahoma’s grasslands fire needed to control these large trees. In amount of time for a landscape to dras- open by top-killing woody vegetation. Areas many cases, mechanical treatment of the tically change, but it happens fast. Fire like my old home in Creek Co. would have eastern redcedar is necessary to restore suppression, large scale farming, con- had stands of oak, but they would have been quail habitat. version to pasture grasses, and urban kept short by the periodic fires. Brushy While you can cut them with chainsaws sprawl all take their toll on bobwhite native grasslands were the result — perfect and bulldoze them, in most instances, habitat. Since statehood, these changes habitat for quail. In the absence of fire, these clipping eastern redcedar is the most have caused quail habitat quantity to areas quickly convert to closed canopy for- effective method. Many contractors have take a nosedive. In many portions of the est and lose their value to bobwhites. hydraulic shears that are able to cut the state, like my old home in Creek Co., To restore the grassland habitat in these eastern redcedar off just above ground the lack of brush control has taken the timbered areas, intensive brush manage- level. Eastern redcedar will not resprout largest toll of them all. ment is needed. Brush management can be if they are cut below the lowest living

34 5 QUAIL HABITAT MANAGEMENT TOOLS limb. The advantage to clipping over doz- stump. This will effectively kill the tree Basal bark treatments ing is that it does very little disturbance and keep it from resprouting. Apply mix of ¼ triclopyr (Remedy) and to the ground. If the eastern redcedar The most common type of mechanical ¾ diesel to the entire bottom 12” of the encroachment is not too far advanced, treatment is performed with a bulldozer. tree; wet bark down to the point of satura- native grasslands can return in just a cou- It is important to note the blade should be tion, but not to the point of where the mix ple of years after clipping. Following up kept off the ground. It is effective, but very runs off. with periodic prescribed fire is essential expensive to treat large areas. In addition Advantages: Effective, selective, excel- in areas that have been clipped to prevent to instantaneous results on tree removal, lent control on medium sized trees with eastern redcedar reinfestation. The good disturbed sites will usually have a strong thin bark. news is that low intensity fires can effec- forb plant community with a high percent- Disadvantages: Labor intensive and tively control eastern redcedars that are age of bare ground, both important traits expensive on a per-acre basis. Diesel will less than four years old. for quail habitat. also eat up the seals in pump up sprayers, Southwest Oklahoma is home to anoth- so buy inexpensive sprayers and only use er juniper species, redberry juniper. Much Chemical them when you can spray a high amount like the more common eastern redcedar, Most traditional chemical applications in one day. this juniper can reach excessive densi- are done with a water mix through a spray- ties and can limit quality quail habitat. er. While this is easy to do in a crop field Triclopyr (Remedy) foliar application However, unlike the eastern redcedar, or on your lawn, it is almost impossible to Usually done in spring or early sum- this juniper does re-sprout if top-killed do with 20’ tall trees. mer before plants are drought stressed. and is not suppressed by prescribed fire. Aerial spraying is an option, and is usu- Advantages: A good method for “brush Mechanical treatment when followed by ally very effective, but it is nonselective and sculpting” areas that have a high percent- herbicide application of Tordon 22K is sometimes presents problems with drift. age of brush coverage. The remaining the best means of control for this species. living brush would be left in “clumps” More Chemical Options scattered throughout the property, not Hardwood Trees Tebuthiuron pellets (Spike) in one large block. Brush sculpting one or The first thing in hardwood tree man- Provides excellent control of oak spe- two years after prescribed fire places the agement for quail habitat is to know the cies and most other hardwood tree types; vegetation at a good level to get coverage species you are controlling. The “best” apply late winter to early spring. with the chemical solution. treatment type will be based on the woody Advantages: Easy to apply. Disadvantages: This method will only species present on your property. If you Disadvantages: Nonselective, any kill the portions of the plant sprayed, so are unsure of the type of woody vegeta- tree that absorbs chemical in its roots it is only effective on low growing young tion present, or the best treatment option will die. trees or brush species. on your property, consult the Wildlife Department or another conservation

agency for free technical assistance. JENA DONNELL Native grasslands with a large amount of hardwood trees can be treated with mechanical or chemical applications.

Mechanical Advantages to mechanical clearing are that you can be selective in the trees that you remove, and you have instant results. As with eastern redcedar, you can chainsaw or clip hardwood trees. It is very labor intensive and expensive, but provides good results on smaller acreages. As opposed to eastern redcedar, hardwood tree species that are cut or sheared should have their stumps “treated” as many will resprout. Within a few hours of cutting, apply a mix of 1/4 triclopyr (Remedy) herbicide to 3/4 diesel to the

MAY/JUNE 2013 35 Chapter 6 DARRIN HILL

Managing 6 for Quail As mentioned previously, quail management techniques vary by region . While Oklahoma is a very diverse state, we have broken this section into three regions — grasslands, timberlands and agricultural fields . JENA DONNELL

Managing Grasslands for Quail By Eddie Wilson

Oklahoma has three primary types of manipulation. All three tools can be used using only mechanical manipulation on prairie — tallgrass, mixed-grass and short- to manipulate native vegetation and create small acreages, whereas all three tools may grass. As expected, these names are derived habitat for quail. The most cost effective be needed to reach desired goals on large for the height of the dominant grass species. management tool per acre is grazing, fol- acreages. Managers need to remain flexible But, while the dominant species leads to lowed by prescribed burning, then mechani- so adjustments can be made as needed to the name, short grass species can be readily cal manipulation (which is also the most achieve desired goals. For example, drought found in tallgrass prairies and tall grass spe- expensive). Each tool can be used individu- conditions may prompt a burn ban and cies can be found in the shortgrass prairie. ally or in any combination. As has been exclude prescribed fire as an option during Grasslands also have a diverse forb compo- discussed throughout this publication, the any given year. nent. When low-growing brush is added to type of management tool used depends on There are almost as many ways to manip- this combination, quail habitat is formed. a number of variables, including the size of ulate plant communities as there are rea- In managing grasslands for bobwhite the property, the soil type, the current plant sons for the manipulation. The following quail, the top three tools are prescribed community and the annual weather condi- are some examples of mechanical manipu- grazing, prescribed fire, and mechanical tions. Management goals may be achieved lation used on western Oklahoma wildlife

36 6 MANAGING FOR QUAIL management areas and the results that have is left smooth and not turned over as it would maximum benefit to quail. There are a great been observed. be if disked. Using a pasture aerator leads number of informational resources available to a less severe soil disturbance and better to assist with quail management. Oklahoma Strip Disking grass survival while still creating enough State University offers a number of fact sheets Strip disking is the most commonly disturbance to increase forb production. to assist in quail management. Additionally, used mechanical manipulation practice on When using a pasture aerator to increase the Natural Resource Conservation Service WMAs. Strip disking is used to produce forb production, strips need to be worked and the Wildlife Department can assist and a weedy plant successional stage in native more frequently than when disking to main- provide on site visits to develop a specific grasslands. To achieve quail management tain desired soil disturbance. management plan for your property. For goals, strip disking can be done February Wildlife Department contacts, see the inside through March (very effective in late Feb- Strip Mowing back cover of this booklet. ruary and early March in northwest Okla- Strip mowing is another form of mechani- homa). The results will produce a variety cal manipulation used on WMAs to improve of native forbs (weeds), including crotons, quail habitat. Mowing strips will remove Conservation in western ragweed, bee plant and common dense vegetation and create travel lanes in sunflowers — all of which are important areas that were previously inaccessible to Action: Examples from food sources for bobwhite quail. Native quail. Mowing also encourages cattle to uti- forbs will produce seed during dry seasons lize an area, when used in conjunction with Oklahoma WMAs much better than domestic grains. When- prescribed grazing. Cattle will graze mowed ever possible, disked strips should be located strips more intensely, thus exposing bare Grazing on Cooper WMA in close proximately to woody cover, such as ground and increasing forb production. Grazing systems will produce a sand plum thickets. Strips should be disked On more productive grasslands associ- variety of results depending on the on a three-year rotation to maximize diver- ated with clay soils, mowing produces an type of system you choose. The first sity. Disking should not be done after spring undesirable thick litter layer. system you choose may not produce growth begins. the results you desire, as was the case Producing weeds not only provides a win- Eastern Redcedar Removal on the Cooper WMA. During the ter food source in the form of seeds, but a The removal of Eastern redcedar is an first grazing lease period, four of the summer food source as well. Weeds attract important part of quail management on seven Cooper leases were set up to be insects, and insects are a high protein food western WMAs. Quail will use eastern a simple rotation, while the other three source essential to adult and chick survival. redcedar trees for cover and an emergency leases were grazed continuously. Disking also can be used to increase the size food source, especially during heavy snow All of the leases were grazed during of sand plum thickets. Disking around the periods. However, due to the highly invasive the growing season — April through edge of the thicket will promote root sprouts, nature of cedars, they are not a desired plant mid September. In the four rotational which will increase the size and vigor of the species for quail habitat. Eastern redcedars leases, one pasture in each lease would thicket. Disking will remove rank vegeta- also provide an avenue for ground predators be rested from July 1 to June 30 the tion and open bare ground, which in turn to ambush quail and a perch for avian preda- following year. After several years it provides travel lanes for chicks. tors. The most cost effective way to remove was determined that using an annual cedars is prescribed fire. The mechanical rotation was not the best choice when Pasture Aeration removal of cedars is often required to estab- it comes to quail management. The A Lawson Pasture Aerator (also known lish a safe fireguard. Cedars are mechani- rested pastures produced large amounts as a “Roller Chopper”) is a piece of machin- cally removed with the use of skid steers, of cheat from April to June, annually. ery that has been used on northwestern tractors, and dozers on WMAs. Both Since the average first quail hatch on WMAs to reduce woody cover and increase hydraulic saws and clipper attachments for Cooper is during the second week in forb production. The pasture aerator was skid steers and tractors are used on small June, the cheat was too thick to allow purchased primarily as a tool to decrease to medium size cedars. Dozers (and dozers for good brood rearing habitat. Cattle sagebrush density. It is a very heavy piece used with a ball and chain) have been used gains also decreased using a switch-back of machinery and will reduce mature sage- to lay down large thick stands of cedar on rotation due to the fact that when the brush plants to ground level. A pasture two western WMAs. The trees were later cattle entered the rested pasture on July aerator is similar to an offset disk in con- burned. The mechanical removal of eastern 1, they had to eat through the dead cheat figuration. However, instead of disks, it has redcedar is expensive and slow. It is best used to access the perennial grasses. A non- two large steel drums lined with spiral rows as a supplement to prescribed fire. rotational grazing system from April to of six-inch square teeth. Since the teeth are Each site needs to be considered individu- September annually is now used to bet- all that penetrate the soil, the ground surface ally and managed accordingly to provide ter benefit quail and grazing lessees.

MAY/JUNE 2013 37 JENA DONNELL

Managing Timberlands for Quail By Dwayne Elmore

Oklahoma contains about 12 million acres of forest land. The southeastern corner of the state is characterized by a DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE mix of bottomland hardwood forests and upland loblolly pine forests. The forests in the remaining eastern third of the state contain mostly shortleaf pine and various hardwood species (dominated by oak and hickory). The central portion of the state contains the cross timbers forest, which is primarily post oak and blackjack oak. The cross timbers extends into western Oklahoma, where many riparian corridors also are present containing species such as cottonwood, sugarberry and elm. While Another example of timber stand improvement. In this oak forest stand in eastern Oklahoma, many landowners do not consider their a chainsaw was used to create a feathered edge where a forest stand met a native grass pasture. forest stands as potential bobwhite habi- In time, this edge will resprout in hardwood saplings which will provide a shrub layer around the perimeter of the pasture. Periodic fire can be used to maintain the shrub cover. tat, with proper management, forests can provide all necessary habitat components for bobwhite. In fact, bobwhite density can

be as high as one bird per acre in managed ELMORE DWAYNE forests. However, landowners must understand the basics of forest management in order to consistently produce high bobwhite densities in forest land.

A Few Basic Terms There are two basic management techniques needed to manage forests for bobwhite: forest regeneration and timber stand improvement. This is an example of a timber stand improvement project in a cross timbers forest. Herbicide has Forest Regeneration: The primary way been applied to approximately 1/3 of this post oak dominated forest to create forest gaps. The to regenerate a forest is following a com- increased sunlight has stimulated a variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and vines.

38 6 MANAGING FOR QUAIL mercial harvest. The stand may either be or selective cut, involves removing a por- and it is used to improve the quality naturally regenerated (from seed and root tion of the forest stand such that there will of an existing stand but is not a har- sprouts) or by planting. Furthermore, for- be two or more age classes of trees. This is vest. Furthermore, in forests that have est regeneration may be either even-aged or often used in hardwood stands and also in no timber market value (i.e. most of uneven aged. Even aged harvests consist of some pine stands such as shortleaf pine. the cross timbers forest), a landowner removing all trees from a stand and thus Both of these regeneration types can be would consider using TSI since com- the resultant regeneration will all be of the used for bobwhite management. mercial harvest is not a viable option. same age. The most common method of Timber Stand Improvement: Some- TSI can consist of practices such as pre- even aged harvest in Oklahoma is the clear times, a landowner wishes to manip- scribed fire, herbicide application, gir- cut. This is used extensively in loblolly pine ulate the composition of an existing dling (cutting through the cambium of stands. Clear cuts are also conducted in timber stand either to improve future a tree to kill it), or cutting select trees. hardwood stands when tree species that timber value or to meet other objectives Basal Area Calculation: There is one final require substantial sunlight to regenerate such as wildlife management. This is term that is useful for landowners to under- (e.g. oak) are desired. Uneven aged harvest, called timber stand improvement (TSI) stand in regards to forest management. Conservation in Action: Management Examples from Oklahoma’s WMAs The Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area located in southeastern Oklahoma is a well-known hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts . Sportsmen enjoy white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear hunting opportunities, and nature enthusiasts flock to the area for bird-watching excursions .

But in addition to the abundant rec- plants was recorded. Researchers also mea- species. Managers have found commer- reational opportunities, the WMA also sured the pine and hardwood diameters and cial thinning when followed by prescribed serves as a unique quail habitat manage- the forest density in each unit. burning on a two to three year interval is ment demonstration area. In 1982, 130 the best way to create and maintain the acres of the 19,247 acre WMA was desig- Before and After early successional openings preferred by nated as the Pushmataha Forest Habitat Prior to the study, the research area was bobwhite quail. The Pushmataha Wildlife Research Area to discover which manage- characterized as a closed canopy forest Management Area is currently applying ment practices increased the habitat qual- with a dense pine-hardwood midstory. The the results of the research on a landscape ity for popular game species. For the last 30 understory was covered with extensive leaf- level approach for historical ecosystem res- years, managers have experimented with litter. Biologists were able to notice vegeta- toration and increased biodiversity. various timber harvest and prescribed burn tion changes shortly after the treatments The “Fire, Wildlife, Timber and Cat- techniques to provide management options began. In burned units, the herbaceous tle Grazing Annual Field Tour” held at for area landowners. cover was three times that of untreated Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area areas after the first prescribed burn. In in early October is a great opportunity for Management Options thinned and burned units, the herbaceous landowners to see how various manage- After dividing the research area into 36 cover was 21 times that of untreated sites ment tools can be used to benefit wildlife demonstration units, biologists implement- after the first and subsequent burns. This in timbered habitats. Tours of the research ed 10 management treatments. These treat- dramatic improvement of herbaceous cover area are also available by appointment to ments included a mixture of pine harvest, represents increased nesting opportunities interested individuals or groups by contact- hardwood thinning and late-winter pre- for upland game birds. ing Jack Waymire, senior wildlife biologist scribed burns with annual to four year burn Variation in returning fire intervals also for the Wildlife Department, at (918) 569- intervals. In 1984, pines were commercially creates noticeable changes in vegetation. 4329, (580) 320-3177, or by email at push- thinned, and hardwoods were selectively Savannah restoration and maintenance [email protected]. treated with the herbicide 2, 4-D in prede- is integral to quail management in forested An in-depth look at the study and treat- termined units. Since then, biologists have landscapes. Biologists at the Pushmataha ment results can be found online at http:// completed scheduled burns and monitored WMA have experimented with various pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/ the response. Within each unit, the amount options and use a combination of thinning Get/Document-3249/Field%20Guide%20 of forbs and legumes, litter, grass and woody and fire regimes to manage for several game 2006.pdf.

MAY/JUNE 2013 39 Basal area is defined as the area occupied by the cross section of tree stems (trunks) at breast height. In other words, if you were to DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE measure the square feet of all the tree stems at four-and-a-half feet above the ground and add this up and divide by the number of acres in a stand, you would have the basal area of that stand. A professional forester can help you determine this value. However, with a little practice you can estimate it fairly accurately by your own observation.

Applying What We Know Now that we have discussed some basic You will not find bobwhite in this Eastern deciduous forest in eastern Oklahoma. During the forest management, we can apply it to bob- growing season, there is almost no sunlight able to reach the forest floor and thus there is little white quail management. The limiting fac- herbaceous cover. This site needs to be harvested or have timber stand improvement in order to tor in a forest stand for bobwhites is typically create habitat for bobwhite. sunlight. Sunlight is needed to stimulate understory plant growth. As bobwhites require a mixture of shrub, forb, and grass

DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE cover, some amount of sunlight must reach the forest floor to provide these habitat components. Thus, we need to ensure that the canopy (overhead cover) of the forest is fairly open. Creating an open canopy can be created either by conducting a harvest (for forest regeneration) or TSI. The decision on which of these to use and how to conduct them depends on the individual timber stand. For example, if the site has a commercially valuable timber stand, the landowner This loblolly pine stand has been periodically burned. However, the basal area of the pines is about should consider utilizing a harvest. Not only 100 and thus little sunlight is reaching the forest floor. While there is some shrub cover, little will this open up the canopy for bobwhites, herbaceous plant growth exists. This site would benefit with a timber thinning to between 30 and 60 basal area if bobwhites are the objective. but substantial revenue can be acquired. If the stand composition contains mostly undesirable woody species (from a timber value standpoint), then some timber stand

DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE improvement will be needed to change that composition and improve the timber value. TSI can be used in such a way to benefit bobwhite as well. Market value and desired tree species composition will typically dictate the type of regeneration method. If conducting a clear cut, expect the site to be usable by bobwhite for about seven to 10 years. To maintain this site for bobwhites, periodic timber stand improvement will be needed, or the forest canopy will close and limit sunlight and ground cover. If using an uneven- aged harvest, the basal area after harvest should be less than 60 to maximize bobwhite This shortleaf pine/post oak forest on Pushmataha WMA is burned every 3 years and is excellent production. Once the stand approaches 100, bobwhite habitat. The forest was initially commercially thinned to allow for adequate fuels to accumulate for prescribed fire. few bobwhites will be found in the stand.

40 6 MANAGING FOR QUAIL Regardless of whether the stand contains marketable timber or not, some type of TSI will be needed to maintain the site in DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE bobwhite habitat. The most common TSI practice for bobwhite is prescribed fire. Typically a fire interval of two to four years will be ideal for bobwhite in forested stands. However, this may not be ideal for timber production, as frequent fire can damage some species of trees (primarily hardwood species, but also some pines such as loblolly) and will limit regeneration of young trees. To compromise between timber value and bobwhite, a fire interval of about four years will generally work. Note: This would also be a good compromise if white-tailed deer were an objective. If bobwhites are the primary objective, or if no commercial timber market exists (such as in cross timbers This cross timbers stand on the Blue River WMA is well managed for bobwhite. It has been forests), a two- to three-year interval would thinned to a savannah (basal area less than 30) and is periodically burned to minimize litter and be desirable for bobwhites. In some cases, maximize forb production while maintaining patchy shrub cover. there is insufficient fine fuel to carry an adequate fire in a forest. In this case, herbicide, girdling, or cutting trees can be used DWAYNE ELMORE DWAYNE to allow sunlight to reach the forest floor. Again, a basal area of less than 60 is ideal. Fire can then be used to maintain the site indefinitely. For more information about prescribed fire, see the section dedicated to the topic in this guide. A final consideration is the management of commercial loblolly stands when bobwhites are also an objective. To maximize timber value, managed loblolly stands are normally clear cut and replanted rather than allowing natural regeneration to take place. These monotypic stands of loblolly often serve as bobwhite habitat for the first This stand of shortleaf pine on Pushmataha WMA has been thinned and burned. The site has few years after planting. However, they limited shrub cover, but otherwise is nearly ideal for bobwhite. Furthermore, high value wood quickly become dense and lack any herba- products can be produced from sites such as this. ceous cover, as these stands are managed will resprout following fire and will also promise made will depend on whether the for straight, well-pruned trees and require encourage forb production. In order to limit primary objective is bobwhites or timber. If a dense canopy. Also, hardwood specific damage to young loblolly, wait until after the landowner does not want to limit timber herbicides are often used to minimize com- at least the first thinning before burning so value by maintaining these more open pine petition with the planted pine. While this that the pines are tall enough to limit scorch stands, a possible scenario would be to have is good for timber production, dense pine to the canopy. It is recommended that land- multiple pine stands that are of different plantings and eliminating shrub cover in owners consult with a forester to limit tree ages, such that at any one time some of the the understory is not productive for bob- scorch, as loblolly pines are more sensitive stands are young and thus are providing whites. If bobwhites are an objective in lob- to fire damage than shortleaf pines. For habitat for bobwhite. lolly pine stands, consider using periodic bobwhites, maintain the mature pine stand With a little planning and knowledge, fire rather than herbicide to limit hardwood with a basal area of no more than 100 but forests in Oklahoma can be productive for competition in the understory. This will preferably less than 60. The amount of com- both bobwhites and timber production. maintain a shrub cover as most hardwoods

MAY/JUNE 2013 41 Managing Agricultural STEVE WEBBER Fields for Quail By Doug Schoeling

Oklahoma has nearly 35 million acres Brushy Fence Row or Field Border in farmland and is firmly seated in “America’s Breadbasket.” Winter wheat is the state’s principal crop, with over three million acres harvested in 2011. Much Fallow “Old” Soybeans Milo like the quail population, Oklahoma’s Field 20 Acres 20 Acres farming practices have changed. With 20 Acres an increasing population and decreasing farm numbers, producers have had to change their methods to maximize production to meet the demands of consum- Brushy Fence Row or Field Border ers. For example, with more efficient and larger equipment comes a need for larger tracts of farmland. While past farming Fallow “Old” Fallow “Old” techniques may have been more benefi- Sunflowers Field Field cial to bobwhite quail, habitat potential 20 Acres remains in modern agriculture. 20 Acres 20 Acres In the past, quail seemed to thrive with Oklahoma’s agricultural practices. The small field size along with the mixture of fallow land or “old field” and brushy Brushy Fence Row or Field Border

42 6 MANAGING FOR QUAIL fence rows provided quail with the or bugging areas. These crops provide any chemical spray, as chemicals remove required habitat components. However, overhead cover from predators, bare important food resources. Because field agricultural practices have slowly changed ground for travel lanes and shade dur- borders can become thick and unusable with the arrival of more efficient farming ing the hot summer months. Because when left unmanaged, prescribed burn- equipment and increasingly larger fields. these crops are green in late spring and ing or flash grazing is often recommend- Though modern agricultural practices summer, they attract high numbers of ed on a rotational basis. Strip disking may no longer create the ideal conditions insects that are accessible to the quail can also be used in the border to promote for quail, producers do have options and and their broods. After summer crop native forbs, providing additional food opportunities for increasing quail habitat harvest, waste grains from these fields and travel lanes. on their property. can also provide winter food. When harvesting, consider leaving a few outer • Reconsider Haying and Mowing Tac- The Ideal Combination rows of crop standing to provide birds tics — Hay fields can provide nesting In agricultural landscapes, the ideal food during the winter. habitat for upland birds, especially if situation for quail is a mixture of small No-till winter wheat can also be ben- dominated by native grasses. Though (20 – 50 acres) fallow or “old” fields eficial to quail populations. Because haying removes cover and often increas- with native grass areas, crop fields, and green wheat will attract insects that es the amount of thatch on the ground, brushy fence rows. Each of these areas quail feed on, these fields can be used timing of hay harvest can be especially can provide habitat for upland game for food during the transition period important. If haying is in your agricul- birds. Fallow fields provide nesting and when birds are switching from seeds to ture production plan, it is best to wait feeding areas, and crop fields provide insects. Additionally, in areas of limited until after the prime quail nesting sea- food from waste grain. Summer crops nesting cover birds could potentially son — mid-August. It is also beneficial can also be used as bugging areas for use wheat stubble as nesting material. to leave strips at least 35 feet wide or broods. Brushy fence rows are used as wider un-hayed around the edge of the escape cover and as birds travel from • Consider Using Smaller Fields — field. These strips can provide cover for field to field. For quail and other upland Though quail can and will use an entire late nesting attempts and can provide game birds to get the most benefit, these property if habitat conditions are suit- food and cover throughout the winter. different patches should be in close prox- able, many people think of this bird To make hayed areas even more “quail imity to each other. as an edge species. This seems espe- friendly,” leave a brushy component to Though this patchy mixture of habi- cially true in agriculture systems. In the unmowed strips to provide escape tat types was common in the early to reality, birds have been pushed to the and loafing cover. mid 20th century, farming practices have “edge” where crop fields (food source) Mowing should also be reconsidered changed and this blend of crop, old field meet brushy fence rows (loafing/escape as it removes overhead cover, removes and brushy fence row is infrequent in cover) and fallow or “old” fields (nest- or reduces forb seed heads, and increas- today’s landscape. More farmers are cul- ing cover). As you plan this year’s crop es thatch in quail areas. If overhead tivating right up to the fences to increase production, consider planting smaller, cover is limited and travel is restricted, crop production. By doing this, they have irregularly shaped fields. These random predation can increase because escape removed the weedy areas that provide shapes will increase the amount of edge is more difficult. Additionally, mowing food and the brushy fence rows that pro- and quail habitat around the crop field. reduces low-growing shrubs, which is vide escape cover and travel lanes for an important quail habitat component. many species of birds. Though this ideal • Limit Pesticide and Herbicide Use — combination isn’t possible across much of Since quail feed on both insects and With the increased efficiency of modern the modern agricultural landscape, crop forb seeds, application of pesticides agriculture equipment and other changes producers interested in quail can consider and herbicides is not considered a quail in the farming discipline, returning to the the following practices to improve habitat friendly practice. Fields where pesti- quail friendly “small farm” landscape is and bird numbers on their properties. cides and herbicides are used minimally unlikely. Even so, agriculture producers are most beneficial to quail and other interested in quail habitat management How to Make Todays Agricultural upland game birds. can implement a few practices to make Fields More “Quail Friendly” their croplands more attractive to quail. • Plant Quail Friendly Crops — Quail • Install/Maintain Field Borders — Field To incorporate quail into the current populations are often attracted by the borders are strips of native grass, forbs, agriculture management plan, consider crops planted. Summer crops such as and low-growing shrubs at least 35 feet leaving adequate nesting and escape cover soybeans, grain sorghum (milo), and wide that surround crop or pasture lands. along the field edge, and limit herbicide or sunflowers can be used as brooding These borders should not be treated with pesticide use when possible.

MAY/JUNE 2013 43 Chapter 7 RUSSELL GRAVES

Monitoring 7 the Change Prior to the mid-November quail hunting season opener, sportsmen are busy with time-honored preparations . Pointers and setters get out for field conditioning, and newly accessed lands are scouted . One’s hunting season outlook is typically based on the number of birds seen during these scouting trips, but the number of coveys often remains unknown . To get a better idea of the quail population on your property or favorite hunting spot, consider adding covey counts to your preseason ritual .

44 7 MONITORING THE CHANGE Good Morning or “Koi-lee” once, since most calls are not audible on adjacent points, compare covey loca- Coveys call in early morning; most likely beyond 550 yards. Mark these listening tions and times to ensure each covey is to let neighboring coveys know where they stations on your property map so you sur- only counted once. will be located for the day. This “wake- vey the same area year after year. Step Three: Analyze your results. You up” call can be heard 30 minutes before Step Two: Arrive at your listening sta- can obtain a crude measure of quail density sunrise until dawn. The clear “koi-lee” tion 45 minutes before sunrise and listen by assuming the survey area for each point whistle is brief, averaging 30 seconds, and for each covey’s morning greeting until is equal to 196 acres, a 550 yard listening the daily greeting is given by a majority of sunrise. Mark the approximate location radius. If you were able to get an estimate the coveys within a few minutes. Calling of the covey on your map, along with the of covey size, multiply that number by the is seasonal; beginning in September and time of the call. Often, multiple birds will number of coveys heard for a total number continuing into November with a notice- call from the same covey while facing dif- of individual quail. If you were unable to able peak in mid-October. Clear mornings ferent directions. This can give the impres- get a reasonable estimate of birds per covey, with low winds are the best time to hear sion of multiple coveys, so be conservative calls. Passing cold fronts that bring high in the number of individual coveys you cloud cover, wind, and lower barometric record. Once the survey is complete, you COVEYS CALL IN EARLY pressure often lead to a decrease in calling. might attempt to walk up the coveys to verify multiple coveys, gauge distances MORNING; MOST LIKELY Counting Quail and obtain a count of individual birds. TO LET NEIGHBORING The survey is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Only one listening station per person can COVEYS KNOW WHERE Step One: Establish listening stations be surveyed per morning because the call- at least 1,100 yards from each other. This ing session is so short. If other hunters are THEY WILL BE LOCATED ensures coveys are not counted more than conducting surveys during the same time FOR THE DAY.

MAY/JUNE 2013 45 it is recommended that you use the number associated with good hunting while two to in August and October, biologists survey 11. For instance, if four coveys were heard, five birds per acre is considered fair. a predetermined 20 mile route that is rep- the density would be: 196 acres ÷ (4 coveys Conducting fall covey counts is a great resentative of the county. Observers count X 11 birds/covey) = 4.5 acres/bird. way to estimate the density of quail on the number of quail observed along the Calling behavior is not always consis- your property or favorite hunting spot. route to provide an index of quail abun- tent due to weather variations and the Although covey counts require early dance. Juvenile birds are classified into number of coveys present. To control morning trips to the field, the results are age groups so that reproductive success influence of weather, avoid surveying valuable and can help you decide your and timing can be analyzed and compared during times of high wind and/or cloud opening morning hunting location. Covey to other years. With the exception of the cover. Because calling is a social behav- counts can also be taken from the deer two most urban counties — Tulsa and ior, presence or absence of other coveys stand. As with all surveys, accuracy is Oklahoma — each county has at least could influence your survey. Coveys will improved with multiple points and at least one survey route. Seven larger counties, be more vocal if they hear a nearby covey, two observations per point. Repeating the including Beaver and Pittsburg counties, and are less likely to call when they do not survey annually should show population have two survey routes. hear other coveys. Because of these varia- trends on your property, and may even After the October roadside survey, the tions, relating density estimates to hunt- help focus your management activities. Upland Game Biologist analyzes the data ing success is difficult. Consider using the and the results are reported in the Quail categories defined in Fred Guthery’s Beef, Monitoring the State’s Season Outlook. Statewide quail popula- Brush and Bobwhites when interpreting Quail Population tion trends are determined in addition to covey call data: low (three or fewer coveys Instead of conducting thousands of six regions — northwest, north central, per point), average (five coveys per point), covey counts every year, the ODWC moni- northeast, southeast, south central, and or high (more than eight coveys per point). tors the states quail population with bian- southwest. The 2012 surveys marked the As a reference, one to two birds per acre is nual county roadside surveys. Every year 23rd year for the roadside survey. JENA DONNELL

Researchers with OSU are using another type of survey — “bird dog surveys.” Researchers use bird dogs to “point” out coveys, and they record the info on the covey ranging from the time of day it is observed to the number of birds in the covey.

46 7 MONITORING THE CHANGE Fall Covey Count Data Sheet This data sheet can be used to record the number and location of quail covey’s heard during the fall covey count. Counts should be conducted on clear, calm mornings. Arrive at the listening station 45 minutes before dawn and end the survey at official sunrise.

Observer Name:

Survey Date:

Start Time:

End Time: 500 yards 250 yards Station Number:

% Cloud Cover:

Temperature:

Wind Speed:

Adjusted Covey Estimate: Total # Coveys Heard Adjustment Factor* Fall Covey Index X =

*To adjust for social calling behavior, multiply the number of coveys heard by the following factors: Number of Coveys Heard Factor For Example: If you heard two coveys calling during the survey: 1 0.53 2 X 0.85 = 1.7 2 0.85 Your adjusted covey estimate would be 3 – 4 0.87 1.7 coveys for the 196 acre survey area. 5 or more 0.94

Additional Wildlife Management Resources The Noble Foundation (Technical The Nature Conservancy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service assistance, plant identification guides) nature.org agrilifeextension.tamu.edu noble.org National Wild Turkey Federation Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Natural Resource Conservation Service nwtf.org Institute ckwri.tamuk.edu (Technical and financial assistance, Quail Forever prescribed burn planning) quailforever.org K-State Research and Extension nrcs.usda.gov ksre.k-state.edu Tall Timbers Research Station The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife talltimbers.org Texas Tech University Conservation (Technical and financial ttu.edu assistance, upland updates) Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch wildlifedepartment.com quailresearch.org Farm Service Agency fsa.usda.gov Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (Technical assistance) bringbackbobwhites.org oces.okstate.edu

MAY/JUNE 2013 47 Chapter 8 DARRIN HILL

ODWC Invests 8 in Research By Allan Janus and Dwayne Elmore

Beginning in 2012, ODWC partnered WMAs. While these are common prac- are created under the combination of with Oklahoma State University to tices recommended for quail, specifically prescribed fire and grazing will be of conduct quail research in northwest- how quail respond to these management interest to land managers throughout ern Oklahoma. This research is being practices within these western Oklahoma the state. conducted on Packsaddle and Beaver shrublands is not entirely understood. Researchers have installed multiple WMAs, which both contain large areas Additionally, how weather affects quail weather stations at both WMAs which of native shrubland that provide habitat is a major focus of this research. Both of will allow precise data on precipita- for bobwhite quail. Packsaddle WMA is these objectives are primarily carried out tion and temperature to be collected dominated by shinnery oak shrublands by using radio transmitters attached to throughout the year. These stations are while Beaver WMA primarily consists of quail. Throughout the year, researchers being used to examine nesting timing, sand sagebrush shrublands. Both of these bait walk-in funnel traps to capture quail. success and abandonment in relation areas historically have supported abun- They then slip a radio transmitter that to local weather patterns. These data dant bobwhite populations. Addition- weighs approximately 7 grams over their in combination with extensive quail ally, scaled quail occur on Beaver WMA. head. The transmitter emits a signal on population estimates in both the spring However, similar to the remainder of the a specific frequency that the research- (breeding population) and fall (covey state, quail numbers at both WMAs are ers can monitor. If the quail does not numbers) will assist ODWC in better currently low due to drought conditions. move for several hours, the transmitter estimating bobwhite populations prior The current research has multiple broadcast pulse changes which signals to each hunting season. objectives that will be carried out over the to the researchers that the quail is likely One limitation of past research has next few years to better understand bob- dead. Quail are tracked several times been determining chick survival. Typi- white ecology and management. First, each week to determine survival, move- cally, researchers flush chicks from a the impacts of prescribed fire and graz- ment patterns, and habitat use. How radio-marked hen quail. However, many ing on quail are being evaluated at both quail use various patches of habitat that of these chicks do not flush and thus

48 8 ODWC INVESTS IN RESEARCH survival estimates of the chicks are inac- curate. To better understand chick survival, researchers will begin trapping a JENA DONNELL limited number of quail chicks to attach small radio transmitters to them in 2013. This will provide detailed information on individual chick survival relative to the vegetation community, management actions and weather events. While this research project is in the early phases, ODWC and OSU have already collected a tremendous amount of information about quail. Populations were initially low on both WMAs with less than 2 males detected per spring whistle counts in May-June. Despite this, a total of 536 quail have been fitted trump card for bobwhite populations, trapping teams and sample birds from with radio transmitters due to a tremen- providing habitat is essential to ensure 10 western Oklahoma WMA’s. During dous trapping effort. Typical with quail, that when weather does cooperate, bob- the two week trapping session, biolo- mortality has been high on adults with whites can adequately respond. This gists set and check the baited funnel common causes of mortality being avian research project is intended to provide traps twice daily, once in early morn- and mammalian predation. Quail are land managers with the best information ing and again in evening. Once a bird using a variety of different plant com- possible to predict bobwhite populations is captured, age and sex is determined, munities on the WMAs, but some trends each year while increasing quail produc- and the weight and condition of the bird of habitat use are becoming apparent. tion within the bounds afforded by local is recorded. Blood and other biological Within a few years, detailed habitat use weather conditions. samples are taken and birds are banded data will be available. During the sum- In addition to the extensive research to ensure all future samples are unique. mer of 2012 researchers found very low efforts at Packsaddle and Beaver River All samples are transported to a Cen- reproductive effort with only 47 nests WMA’s, the ODWC is also contribut- tral Receiving Lab in Lubbock, Texas detected. This is likely related to the ing to a Texas based research project. and then distributed to the respective extended drought in northwestern Okla- Operation Idiopathic Decline (OID) is a investigators. Each sample is given a six homa. Thus, it was not surprising that comprehensive multi-state effort investi- digit identifier so that the location of fall covey counts yielded low population gating the role of disease and parasites in the sample remains anonymous. Trap- densities on both WMAs. the decline of bobwhite quail. ping teams spend two days on each While we know that weather is the Seven research projects were funded WMA before moving on to the next as part of the Operation and research- trapping location. ers from multiple Texas universities are Biologists also set and check mosqui-

JENA DONNELL investigating the prevalence of vari- to, tick, and roach traps in an effort to ous pathogens including avian influ- identify the potential disease and patho- enza, quail pox, and quail bronchitis. gen vectors. Dry ice (which emits carbon Researchers are also looking at the dioxide) is used to attract both mos- occurrence of parasites like intesti- quitos and ticks. Roaches are collected nal coccidia and eyeworms. Biological in commercially available traps. Vector samples are provided by six OID quail trap success has been low due to the trapping teams stationed throughout extreme drought of 2011 and 2012. Once the rolling plains region. Teams are sent samples are distributed to the respective into the field in mid-August and again labs, researchers process the samples in early October. Three “Bobwhite” and screen for various pathogens, para- teams are stationed in Texas, and two sites, or contaminants. are located in Oklahoma. An additional To date, ODWC biologists have pro- team was formed in 2012 to capture and vided nearly 400 samples to the research sample scaled quail in west Texas. project. 2013 is the third and final year ODWC biologists lead the Oklahoma of the project.

MAY/JUNE 2013 49 A PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

For more information about managing your property for quail, contact one of the following:

Tell Judkins Josh Richardson ODWC Upland Game Biologist Private Lands Supervisor Wildlife Division 405-301-9945 405-637-7324 (405) 521-2739

Brett Cooper Northwest Region Private Lands Biologist 405-740-9830 Lauren Auld Southwest Region Private Lands Biologist 405-397-1599 Kyle Johnson North Central Region Private Lands Biologist 405-590-2584 Rosalee Walker Northeast Region Private Lands Biologist 918-607-1518 Leah Lowe Southeast Region Private Lands Biologist 405-206-7720