Roger Wells, Quail Unlimited National Habitat Director, has compiled a report on 2008 fall quail hunting. I have included his write up on South Carolina and Georgia, however you can find the entire article at http://www.qu.org/content/news/press_room/article.cfm?id=704.

The Southeast U.S. is still recovering from the hot dry summer of 2007. The impact of hot and dry weather conditions had a devastating effect on southern quail populations. Hot, dry conditions adversely impact quail production along with food and cover for bobwhites.

The drought continued into 2008, with June one of the driest Junes on record. However, rainfall increased in July. If the rainfall continues, it may be enough to boost quail production and result in an increase in quail populations over last year.

In areas where habitat improvement was implemented, quail, songbirds and rabbit populations have increased. A number of agencies and organizations are actively engaged in habitat improvement and landowner assistance programs, including Quail Unlimited chapters and state and federal land management agencies. Numerous programs are now in place to assist landowners, including Farm Bill Conservation Programs and state agency programs. The result of these programs is a substantial increase in quail populations.

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